Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks in Siege of Jericho

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The account of the Israelites' march in ranks during the siege of Jericho is a significant event in biblical history, illustrating both divine intervention and the importance of obedience to God's commands. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 6, and serves as a testament to the power of faith and the fulfillment of God's promises to the people of Israel.

Historical Context

The siege of Jericho occurred after the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Jericho was a fortified city, strategically important as the first major obstacle in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. The city's walls were formidable, and its defenses were well-prepared to withstand a traditional military assault.

Divine Strategy

God provided Joshua with a unique strategy for the conquest of Jericho, one that defied conventional military tactics. The instructions were clear and specific, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to God's plan. The Israelites were to march around the city once a day for six days, with the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant and seven priests blowing trumpets made of ram's horns. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, and upon a long blast from the trumpets, the people were to shout loudly.

Biblical Account

The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event in Joshua 6:3-5: "March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, each man straight ahead."

Execution of the Plan

The Israelites followed God's instructions precisely. The army marched in ranks, with the Ark of the Covenant at the center, symbolizing God's presence among them. The priests' continuous blowing of the trumpets served as a reminder of God's covenant and the impending fulfillment of His promise. The disciplined and orderly march demonstrated the Israelites' faith and trust in God's plan, despite the unconventional nature of the strategy.

Outcome

On the seventh day, after the Israelites completed the seventh circuit around Jericho and the priests sounded the long trumpet blast, the people shouted as commanded. Joshua 6:20 describes the miraculous result: "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it."

Significance

The fall of Jericho is a powerful example of God's sovereignty and the effectiveness of faith-driven obedience. The Israelites' march in ranks, in accordance with divine instruction, underscores the importance of unity and discipline in achieving God's purposes. This event also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in delivering His people and fulfilling His promises, as He had assured Joshua in Joshua 1:5 : "No man shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

The siege of Jericho remains a pivotal moment in biblical history, illustrating the triumph of faith and obedience over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

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Joshua 6:1
Now Jericho was straightly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.
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Library

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