What an event! This story sticks with me because as a child I learned a song in Sunday School about it. “Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down.” Is that familiar to you, too? I remember we’d all dance around in a circle, and then fall down like the walls. I think that’s why I love teaching the Bible using songs. Here’s a cute version to watch.
This would be the first battle in the new land the Israelites were poised to conquer. I’m sure there were plenty of people who wondered if Joshua had lost his mind having them march around the city for six days in a row. But on the seventh day, that’s when the miracle would happen.
God was true to his word. He had told Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors,” even before their very first circle around the city. God placed that truth in Joshua’s heart, and Joshua trusted it and got the people to act as God had instructed.
That alone is a miracle. The fact that Joshua could communicate this in such a way that it was not only “believable” but required. Everyone had a role to play. To rally that many people into action was not an easy feat. Just as God spoke to Joshua, he must have been speaking to the hearts of the Israelites, too. The scene was being prepared and the importance emphasized so that victory was inevitable.
What must have been going on in the minds of the residents of Jericho? There was nobody going in or coming out for days. We had already heard that fear was gripping the city. It was like anticipating an approaching tidal wave or tsunami. They wouldn’t need to fear for long because they would be destroyed.
“So the Lord was with Joshua, and his reputation spread throughout the land.” The Lord was with Joshua, indeed. Joshua will need to be careful not to let his “reputation” cloud his faith. He is what he is because of God working in his life. That’s the message we should not miss. The fall of Jericho was God’s victory. Joshua was God’s appointed leader to bring the victory to life.
People may wonder why Jericho had to fall? After all, couldn’t the Israelites have just walked around the city? The land of Canaan was a big place. God was making a statement. Those walls were thought to be impenetrable keeping the city safe from foes. If they were to have an early victory such as this, all other battles may not seem as harrowing.
Think about the battles you are facing. How is God directing you to smash the walls that are holding you back?
Let’s pray … Lord, give me insight to discern your path for me. There are many obstacles in my path. Help me to overcome and learn from you. Give me the patience to endure. You are great, God, full of mercy and truth. In your great wisdom, you share with us exactly what we are ready to hear. Use me now to help others find their hope in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
