JOSHUA 6

THE ISRAELITES MARCH AROUND THE WALLS OF JERICHO

Because the people of Jericho were anticipating an attack from the Israelites, the city gates were shut and no one entered or exited the city.

God instructs the Israelites to march around the city walls, all of their soldiers at once. For six days, the Israelites do nothing but walk in a circle around the perimeter of the city. On the seventh day, they were to walk around the city seven times. After their final lap, the priests were directed to blow the trumpets and the people were to shout. Until it was time to shout, the Israelites were not to speak. Despite this unconventional and potentially frustrating strategy, Joshua faithfully leads the people to follow God’s orders.

After days of marching in silence, Joshua speaks with confidence, telling the Israelites it is time to shout, saying “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city!” When the trumpets sound, the city walls miraculously fall and the Israelites are able to seize the city, just as God promised!

The Israelites did not forget the kindness and bravery of Rahab, so they spare her life and save her family. Because of her faithfulness, she is rescued by the Israelites.

Joshua 6:20 - So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.