The miraculous conquest of Jericho is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, showcasing the power of God working through His chosen servant, Joshua. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 5 and 6, and serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites.

Background and Context

Following the death of Moses, Joshua assumes leadership over the Israelites as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land. God reassures Joshua of His presence and promises success in the conquest of Canaan, contingent upon Joshua's obedience to the Law (Joshua 1:1-9). The city of Jericho, a fortified city with formidable walls, represents the first major obstacle in the Israelites' path.

Divine Strategy and Obedience

The strategy for taking Jericho is divinely ordained and unconventional. The Lord instructs Joshua to have the armed men march around the city once a day for six days, accompanied by seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and the priests are to blow the trumpets. At the sound of a long blast, the people are to shout, and the walls of the city will collapse (Joshua 6:2-5).

Joshua faithfully conveys these instructions to the people, emphasizing the importance of silence during the initial marches and the timing of the shout on the seventh day (Joshua 6:10). The Israelites' obedience to this divine plan is crucial, as it demonstrates their trust in God's power rather than relying on conventional military tactics.

The Miracle of Jericho's Fall

On the seventh day, the Israelites rise early and march around the city seven times. At the sound of the trumpets and the people's shout, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapse, allowing the Israelites to charge straight into the city and capture it (Joshua 6:15-20). This miraculous event underscores the theme of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises.

The Role of Rahab

An integral part of the Jericho narrative is the role of Rahab, a Canaanite woman who hides the Israelite spies sent by Joshua. In return for her protection, the spies promise safety for Rahab and her family when the city is taken. Rahab's faith in the God of Israel and her actions lead to her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogy in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:5).

Significance and Theological Implications

The fall of Jericho serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and the effectiveness of faith and obedience. It illustrates that victory comes not through human strength or strategy but through reliance on God's power. The event also foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's people over the forces of evil, as seen in the eschatological themes throughout Scripture.

The account of Jericho is a reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and the assurance that God is faithful to His promises. It encourages believers to trust in God's plans, even when they defy human logic, and to recognize that true success comes from aligning with His will.Joshua 6:6-20
And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews xi. 28-31
... only], but even from the beginning all the miracles have been ... "And the prophets,"
he says, ( ver.33 ) "who through faith subdued ... "Wrought righteousness;" who? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvii hebrews xi 28-31.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Secondly, These stones, as they were thus wrought within and ... and immortality is brought
to light through this ... of God; as so, they are but servants, though these ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... followed in the wake of the Hebrews through all the ... who thereupon commanded silence,
and ordered his servants to leave ... said, I have a message from God unto thee ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... poor carpenter's son, who, notwithstanding his miracles of wisdom ... by the effects
which these things have wrought. ... for our learning, that we through patience and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that a ... to work upon, as will,
if wrought up to ... shines, when it worketh towards Christ, through the sides ...
/.../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 ... to work upon, as will,
if wrought up to ... shines, when it worketh towards Christ, through the sides ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ... But this shall not fail to
be wrought in them ... He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

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