Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks of Jericho

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The march of the Israelite armies around the city of Jericho is a significant event recorded in the Book of Joshua, illustrating both divine intervention and military obedience. This event marks a pivotal moment in the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land, showcasing the power of faith and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Biblical Account

The narrative of the march around Jericho is found in Joshua 6. After crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites, led by Joshua, faced the fortified city of Jericho. God provided Joshua with specific instructions for the conquest of the city, which involved a unique military strategy that emphasized faith and obedience over conventional warfare tactics.

According to the Berean Standard Bible, the Lord commanded Joshua: "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. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns" (Joshua 6:3-4). This unusual strategy required the Israelites to trust in God's plan, as it defied typical military logic.

The March

For six days, the Israelite army, accompanied by the Ark of the Covenant and seven priests blowing rams' horns, marched once around the city of Jericho. The presence of the Ark symbolized God's presence and guidance, reinforcing the spiritual nature of the battle. The soldiers maintained silence during these marches, as instructed by Joshua, who relayed God's command: "Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!" (Joshua 6:10).

On the seventh day, the Israelites rose early and marched around the city seven times. At the conclusion of the seventh circuit, the priests sounded the trumpets, and Joshua commanded the people to shout. The Bible records that "when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, they raised a great shout, and the wall collapsed. So each man charged straight ahead, and they captured the city" (Joshua 6:20).

Significance

The fall of Jericho is a testament to the power of faith and obedience to God's commands. The Israelites' victory was not achieved through conventional military might but through adherence to divine instruction. This event underscores the belief that God fights for His people and that success is assured when His commands are followed.

The march around Jericho also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and discipline within the ranks of God's people. The Israelites' collective obedience and trust in God's plan were crucial to their success. This unity is a model for believers, emphasizing the need for communal faith and action in the pursuit of God's promises.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the conquest of Jericho illustrates the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to deliver His people through miraculous means. It highlights the theme of divine judgment against the wicked, as Jericho was a city steeped in idolatry and immorality. The destruction of Jericho serves as a warning of the consequences of opposing God's will.

Furthermore, the event foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over the forces of evil. Just as the walls of Jericho fell before the Israelites, so too will all opposition crumble before the advancing kingdom of God. This narrative encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God's power to overcome any obstacle.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 2:1-24
And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Captain of the Lord's Host
... Lord of the universe and its ordered ranks is Jesus ... and at the head of all the armies
that are ... over the ruined rubbish Christ's soldiers will march and take ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the captain of the lords.htm

The Shout of Faith
... a few directions as to the order of their march, and blowing ... the Lord of hosts, the
God of the armies of Israel ... his way to take his place in the ranks with his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

The Census of Israel
... census, an important halting-place in the march of a ... their armies to fight giant
races, and armies versed in ... them, and there they stood in their ranks, full of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

Soldier Priests
... which echo these and interpret them: 'The armies which were in ... that dress no man
finds a place in the ranks. ... those whom He treads down in His march to victory ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

Patriotic Hymns.
... it is still sung) was "The President's March," by a ... frequently heard from every fife
in the New England ranks. ... the marching chorus of the Federal armies of the ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ix patriotic hymns.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... it merely means that Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... in
filling up the gaps which even victories made in their ranks; enervated by the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... It was owing to this, and also to the fact that the armies of all these ... travellers
mention a place called es-Sauar or es- Saur, eight hours' march from the ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of Moabites scattered over the plain of Jericho, and blocked ... the river Kishon."O
my soul, march on with ... head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm