The New Leader and the Stronghold: Entering the Promised Land

The Israelites spent forty years wandering in the wilderness due to their unbelief, and the entire generation of adults who left Egypt (including Moses) died during that time. Joshua, who was Moses' faithful assistant, became the new leader. His task was to lead the new generation into the Promised Land (Canaan), a land occupied by strong, walled cities.

The story of the Fall of Jericho, found in Joshua chapter 6, is the first and most critical battle. Jericho was an ancient, heavily fortified city—a seemingly impossible obstacle to a wandering army of former slaves.

I. The Appearance of the Commander

Before the battle began, Joshua had a unique encounter. As he looked up, he saw a man standing with a drawn sword.

• God’s Authority: Joshua asked, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” The man replied, “Neither; but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” (Joshua 5:13–14) This figure (believed to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ) immediately commanded Joshua to remove his sandals, confirming that this was holy ground. The message was clear: this was God's battle, and Joshua was merely the human commander under God's supreme authority.

II. The Divine, Absurd Strategy

God gave Joshua a plan for taking Jericho that made no military sense:

• The Command: The army, led by priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant (symbolizing God's presence), was to march silently around the walls of Jericho once a day for six days.

• The Climax: On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. When the priests blew a long blast on the trumpets (shofars), the people were commanded to shout with all their might.

• The Lesson of Faith: The purpose of the marching was not tactical; it was a powerful, week-long test of faith and obedience. They had to trust God’s promise and submit to His method, no matter how foolish it looked to the enemy (or to themselves).

III. The Victory of Obedience

The Israelites obeyed the bizarre instructions precisely. They endured the mockery of the city and the frustration of waiting.

• The Fall: On the seventh day, as commanded, the priests blew the trumpets, and the people shouted. The Bible simply states: “the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.” (Joshua 6:20) The victory was entirely supernatural, leaving no doubt that it was the Lord who delivered the city.

• The Exception (Rahab): The only inhabitants spared were Rahab the prostitute and her family, who were saved because she demonstrated faith in the God of Israel and helped the Israelite spies (Joshua 6:25). Her inclusion in the covenant community emphasizes that God's grace extends beyond the Israelite nation to anyone who trusts Him, and she is even later listed in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Applying the Truth Today

The story of Jericho teaches us that God often chooses to work through means that are weak or illogical by human standards, so that the glory belongs entirely to Him. Our "walls of Jericho" are the seemingly impossible obstacles in our lives—long-standing sins, impossible financial problems, broken relationships, or spiritual strongholds.

We are called not to rely on our own cleverness or effort, but to remain obedient to God's Word and rely on the power of His Presence (the Ark). Victory over the impossible comes through simple, persistent faith and following God's commands.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. Divine Strategy. What obstacle in your life are you currently trying to overcome with human effort or cleverness? How might God be calling you to a simpler, more obedient approach (like "marching and shouting")?

2. The Commander. Joshua was reminded that he was under command. When you face a difficult task, do you focus on your own role or on the fact that you are following the Commander of the Lord’s Army?

3. Faith's Reward. The walls fell because the people were obedient. What simple act of obedience is God asking of you today, knowing that great spiritual results often flow from small acts of faith?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp the nature of the confrontation, read the meeting with the Commander in Joshua 5:13–15. Next, read God's specific and strange instructions in Joshua 6:2–5. Finally, read the dramatic outcome of their obedience in Joshua 6:15–20.