The Fall of Jericho is one of the most dramatic and well-known miracles recorded in the Old Testament, showcasing the power and faithfulness of God in delivering the Israelites into the Promised Land. This event is detailed in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 6, and serves as a testament to the divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Context and Background

The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, had crossed the Jordan River and were poised to begin their conquest of Canaan, the land promised to them by God. Jericho, a fortified city with formidable walls, was the first major obstacle in their path. The city's strategic location and strong defenses made it a significant challenge for the Israelites.

Divine Instructions

God provided Joshua with specific instructions on how to conquer Jericho, which were unconventional by military standards. The Israelites were to march around the city once a day for six days, with the Ark of the Covenant leading the procession, accompanied by seven priests blowing trumpets made of ram's horns. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, and at the sound of a long trumpet blast, the people were to shout loudly.

The Miracle

The Israelites followed God's instructions precisely. On the seventh day, after circling the city seven times, the priests blew the trumpets, and Joshua commanded the people to shout. As recorded in Joshua 6:20 , "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."

This miraculous event was not the result of human strategy or strength but was a direct act of God, demonstrating His sovereignty and power. The walls of Jericho fell flat, allowing the Israelites to enter and conquer the city with ease.

Significance

The Fall of Jericho is significant for several reasons:

1. Faith and Obedience: The Israelites' victory was contingent upon their faith in God's promise and their obedience to His instructions. Hebrews 11:30 highlights this, stating, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days."

2. God's Sovereignty: The event underscores God's control over the natural world and His ability to intervene in human affairs to accomplish His purposes.

3. Fulfillment of Promise: The conquest of Jericho marked the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. Judgment and Mercy: While Jericho was destroyed as an act of divine judgment, the account also includes the mercy shown to Rahab and her family, who were spared because of her faith and assistance to the Israelite spies (Joshua 6:22-25).

The Fall of Jericho remains a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and the assurance that God is faithful to His promises.Joshua 6:20
So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
Nave's Topical Index

'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
... This catalogue breathes the same spirit as Paul's rapturous ... of almost painful
expectation would fall on the ... are wonderfully set forth by these two miracles. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the waters saw thee they.htm

The Gospel of Luke
... Those features of the Lord s miracles of healing are ... has been intimated, the two
stand or fall together. ... primitive Church has a place in every catalogue of the ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of luke.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that a ... that fell among thieves
(though that fall was occasioned ... why have we not a catalogue of some holy ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... not only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that ... that fell among thieves
(though that fall was occasioned ... Why have we not a catalogue of some holy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

[Endnotes]
... on his sick-bed, and "privily called" them to Jericho. ... multitudes drawn together
by the fame of His miracles. ... case; for the interval between the fall of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

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