The Fall of Jericho: A Demonstration of God’s Power

The account of the walls of Jericho falling down is a story of human improbability and God's ability. It is not just an event in the Bible but a powerful demonstration of God's power to remove every obstacle and make a way for His people when there seems to be no way. This account is recorded in Joshua 6.

After the death of Moses, God chose Joshua, the son of Nun, to be the leader of the people of Israel. Joshua had been a faithful and trustworthy servant of Moses for more than 40 years and followed God's commands diligently. As Israel continued their journey to the Promised Land and approached Jericho, Joshua sent two men to spy on the city. The spies sneaked into the walled city of Jericho and stayed at the house of Rahab, a prostitute.

Some men of Jericho who saw the spies enter the city went and informed the king that some Israelites had arrived and had gone to Rahab’s house. The king of Jericho sent a message to Rahab, demanding that she hand over the spies. However, Rahab hid them on the roof of her house and deceived the king's messengers, telling them that the men had already left.

When the king’s soldiers departed, Rahab let the two spies out of her house through a window using a rope. But before doing so, she made a request:

"I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us... I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token; and that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death." (Joshua 2:9, 12-13)

The spies vowed to spare Rahab and her family when the battle of Jericho began and instructed her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign of their protection.

Israel Crosses the Jordan River

The Israelites continued their advance toward Canaan. When they reached the Jordan River, God commanded Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the river. As soon as they stepped into the water, the flow stopped, piling up in heaps upstream and downstream, allowing the people to cross on dry ground.

Just as God had parted the Red Sea for Moses, He performed another miracle for Joshua, proving that He was with him as He had been with Moses.

The Battle of Jericho

When they arrived at Jericho, the city was tightly shut because of the Israelites. No one could enter or leave. Jericho was a fortified city in the eastern part of the Promised Land, but it had to be conquered because it was fully given over to pagan worship. The name "Jericho" means "moon city," relating to the worship of a pagan god.

God gave Joshua a divine battle strategy, instructing him to have the armed men march around the city once per day for six days. The priests were to carry the Ark of the Covenant, blowing trumpets, while the soldiers were to remain silent.

God said to Joshua:

"I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days." (Joshua 6:2-3)

Israel encircled the city, cutting off all escape routes before beginning their marching strategy. The children of Israel marched once per day for six days.

On the seventh day, they marched seven times around the walls of Jericho. Joshua commanded them, by God’s order, that everything in the city must be destroyed, except for Rahab and her family. All silver, gold, bronze, and iron were to be dedicated to the Lord’s treasury.

The Walls of Jericho Fall

At Joshua’s command, the men gave a great shout, and Jericho’s walls collapsed completely. The Israelite army rushed in and conquered the city.

Everything in Jericho was destroyed—men, women, children, and animals—in obedience to God's command. They burned the city and everything in it, except for the gold, silver, and valuable metals, which were placed in the Lord’s treasury as instructed.

Rahab’s Salvation

Rahab and her family were the only ones spared because of her faith in God and her kindness to the Israelite spies. She and her descendants became part of Israel, and Rahab later became an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5), a testimony to God's grace and redemption.

God’s Faithfulness to Israel

Joshua may have been Israel’s military leader, but the true leader of the nation was God Himself. Even in difficult circumstances, God always honored His promises to lead Israel into the Promised Land.

The fall of Jericho is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to remove obstacles, perform miracles, and fulfill His promises. When God's people trust and obey Him, victory is certain, no matter how impossible the situation seems. 

Thank you for your time reading. God bless!