The Fall of Jericho

INTRODUCTION: The conquest of the Promised Land began with the battle of Jericho. Everything up to that point had been preparation, but now the war ensued. God assured Joshua that He was with him and that He had a plan for taking Jericho. In the end, Joshua merely had to trust that God knew what He was doing. This lesson serves as a reminder to us all that although we may participate in the battle, both the plans for the battle and the resultant victory are in the Lord and in the power of His might.

CONCLUSION: What battles are you facing? Do you know that the Lord is with you? Are you looking to Him for strength? Are you submitting to His will in your life? Are you fighting for the Promised Land?

o Practical Questions
 Joshua came into contact with the captain of the Lord’s host right before entering into battle. We know that he received instructions for the battle, but what are some other reasons why the Lord might have chosen this timing?
 Who do you think deserved all the glory for the victory over Jericho? Could the children of Israel honestly claim that they won by their own might? How is this like the Christian life?
 Joshua told the children of Israel to shout because the Lord had given them victory, but their shout seems to have come before the victory was actually complete. How is this like the Christian life? Are we supposed to rejoice in victory that is technically not yet manifest?