06: Jericho collapsed as the Lord’s army marched (Josh 6:1 – 27)

As the first town in Canaan, Jericho was uplifted to the Lord just like a burnt offering. The way they captured the town signifies that they just participated in the triumphal procession of the Lord into the land of Canaan.

πŸ‘‰ Read Joshua 6:1 - 27

Q1. What was the order of their parade when they marched around Jericho?

Soldiers – Priests’ horns – the Ark – soldiers


Q2. The Bible keeps saying that the priests of the horns and the ark should march around Jericho. Find four verses saying that.

v4, v6, v8, v13, and more

This parade illustrates that the Canaanite conquest is God’s marching into the land of Canaan. As they marched around Jericho 13 times, they should not speak but would hear the sound of the horns. This reminded them of their wilderness life and that they had followed God’s guidance. The blowing of the horns meant the start or stop of their movement. 



Q3. Why should they not take any items from Jericho? (v17-19)

The city and all in it were set apart for the Lord. 

The Canaanite nations were subject to God’s judgment for their sins. Jericho was the first city in the land and was supposed to be completely destroyed. Anyone who takes the things destined for destruction will be destroyed along with the things he took. Through this command, God wanted them to know the Canaanite conquest was God’s judgment. As they entered the land of prosperity, they should be warned not to abandon God’s words in front of the temptation of wealth. 


Q4. It was Rahab who hid the spies, not her family. But her family also were saved because of Rahab. Find verses alluding they were saved because of Rahab. 

v22, v23, v25. 

“who belong to her” The Jericho narrative has two main parts. The ark of the Lord circles the wall. The salvation of Rahab and her family amid total destruction. V22-23: Salvation of Rahab, v24: total destruction, v25: salvation of Rahab. 

God's salvation like this, saving those who belong to the one whose faith is proven, is found in several places in the Bible.



Q5. What is Joshua’s curse on those who build a city on Jericho?

“He will lose his firstborn son who lays its foundations and his youngest son when he erects it gates.” 

Joshua wanted the place to remain as a ruin to warn the Israelites of God’s punishment when they serve other gods in the love of wealth. However, their descendants were tempted to rebuild Jericho because the land was fertile and its location was good for trade. At the time of Ahab, the king of Northern Israel, Jericho was rebuilt and Joshua’s curse came true (1 Kings 16:34)




We, as pilgrims journeying through this world, are like the Israelites following the Ark of the Lord around Jericho, the epitome of worldly wealth.

As we march with the Lord in faith, worldly power will eventually succumb to Him. Do not fear, take hold of, or envy those things destined for the Lord’s destruction.

Our life in this world is a participation in the Lord’s war.



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