“See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.” — Joshua 6:2 (New International Version)
In the narrative of the conquest of Jericho, we encounter one of the most extraordinary military strategies recorded—one that defies logic but exemplifies deep trust in God. Joshua, as the ordained leader of God’s people, was given specific instructions: march the Israelites around the city once each day for six days, and then seven times on the seventh day, followed by a mighty shout and trumpet blast (Joshua 6:3-5, NIV). From a purely human perspective, such directions seemed improbable, even absurd. A heavily fortified city like Jericho would not naturally fall by mere marching and loud shouting. Yet, Israel followed the orders meticulously, displaying complete obedience to the word of their covenant-keeping God.
God’s ways can often appear strange to human wisdom. The Apostle Paul echoes this truth, reminding us that “the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:25, NIV). Theologically, the theme of obedience beyond understanding resonates profoundly here. Earlier, Israel’s preparation had involved spiritual circumcision at Gilgal (Joshua 5). Now they were enacting obedience in tangible action, circling Jericho—their commitment to God’s Word translating to physical, intentional, repeated faithfulness. For us today, obedience might not entail circling walls, yet it frequently involves trusting God’s instructions, even when they do not immediately fit our personal reasoning or strategies. True faith means obeying God even when the path He sets appears unconventional.
Jericho’s fall is often highlighted in discussions of God’s judgment and sovereignty in the Old Testament. For modern western readers, the intense warfare and subsequent total destruction of Jericho might provoke questions about God’s mercy and justice. This practice, known as “herem” (חרם) in Hebrew—translated “devoted to destruction”—indicated complete consecration of spoils to God (Joshua 6:17). Historically, this signified the absolute authority of God over life and existence, marking the beginning of Israel’s possession of the Promised Land as sacred rather than merely political conquest.
Jericho’s archaeology has drawn significant interest. Excavations of Tell es-Sultan (ancient Jericho) remain debated among scholars, yet archaeological data indicate an ancient city with walls that collapsed outward under destruction consistent with a violent event in the Late Bronze Age, broadly matching the biblical period. Importantly, Rahab’s home built against the wall (Joshua 2 & 6:22-25) finds cultural corroboration, as homes were indeed built into city walls in ancient urban settings.
Theologically, major Christian thinkers—from Augustine to Calvin—have viewed these texts not only historically but spiritually: the conquest symbolically represents God’s judgment upon sin and spiritual strongholds. This historic episode illustrates both the seriousness with which God views human rebellion (as exemplified in Jericho’s pagan practices) and the triumph of believers who align their lives obediently under His sovereign hand (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 6:12, NIV).
Amid judgment, God’s remarkable preservation of Rahab shines as a stunning grace note. As discussed in our previous devotional reflections (Joshua 2), Rahab’s courageous faith in Israel’s God brought redemption not only for her household but also marked her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5, NIV). In this divine drama full of destruction, Rahab’s narrative underscores God’s gracious and merciful intent, always open to those who respond in faith.
In the original Hebrew text, the key verb “shout,” (רוּעַ, ru’a), implies not simply yelling but often signifies battle cries, alarms, or a cry of joy and victory. This reminds readers that it was ultimately not Israel’s shout, but God’s own power and faithfulness behind that shout, which granted total victory. Our obedience unleashes God’s sovereign, gracious might.
Joshua 6 holds vital keys to understanding biblical theology. First, God alone achieves salvation and victories—Israel participated through obedience, not force or ingenuity alone (Psalm 20:7, NIV; Zechariah 4:6). Second, the narrative foreshadows spiritual challenges believers face today, symbolizing walls—inner struggles or external trials—that seem insurmountable without divine intervention. By obedience and trust, believers witness breakthroughs enabled by God’s power and will.
An appropriate hymn for reflection could be “Lead On, O King Eternal” (lyrics by Ernest W. Shurtleff), which beautifully captures themes of obedience, spiritual warfare, and confidence in divine guidance:
“Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears.
For gladness breaks like morning
Where’er Thy face appears…”
Heavenly Father, grant us the humility and patience to trust fully in Your ways, even when Your purposes seem unclear or unconventional. Remind us that our battles belong ultimately to You, and that true victory is found in Your sovereign, faithful hand. Like Rahab, help us recognize Your grace amid judgment, and respond in courageous faith. May our obedience to Your Word be complete and unwavering, Lord, that we might see every “wall” in our lives fall under Your mighty power. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.