Series: Biblical Cities- Jericho [#1]
JERICHO- WHEN THE WALLS FELL DOWN
Joshua 6:1-2
Introduction:
We are continuing in our Series about some of the most mentioned Cities in the Bible. Tonight, we are going to begin to study the city that is 3rd on the list- Jericho. Jericho is mentioned 64 times in the Bible. Many of these mentions are about location. There are many passages about location in the Book of Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Joshua 6:1-2
The name Jericho means “fragrant.” It is also called “The City of Palms.” Jericho is located 5 miles west of the Jordan River and 7 miles north of the Dead Sea. Jericho stood opposite of Mount Nebo. It was surrounded by a wall. It was ruled over by a king.
Joshua 2:1-3
Jericho is 1 of the oldest cities in the world. In the winter it became a resort town for people fleeing the colder weather of the Palestinian hill country. The presence of many springs made Jericho a very green area. Joshua 6 is the story of the preparation for the capture of Jericho, a Canaanite city, by Joshua and God’s people. The miracle of the wall of Jericho falling down is in Joshua 6.
At a specified time on the 7th day after encompassing the city 7 times the wall fell down. God had worked another miracle for His people. It was fitting that the 1st time Israel crossed swords with her deadly and dreaded enemies God would intervene to hearten His people, His warriors. Miracles show us God’s power. He is active and He acts. God is as much with us in our battles as He was with Joshua and His people when they marched around Jericho.
Hebrews 11:30
Joshua 6:3-5
The walls of Jericho fell…
1. By faith.
Faith in God is essential to salvation, to those who would do God’s work, to the Christian life. We must believe that God is powerful, and God acts. This was the 1st place Joshua and Israelites had attacked; and God’s method of fighting did not make any sense. Joshua had to trust God in faith and the Israelites had to have faith in following Joshua.
Not only did God tell them to do something strange; but He also stretched it out over 7 days. Many times, God takes much longer to work than what we think He should. God is on His own time.
Joshua 6:6-9
The walls of Jericho fell…
2. When God’s people followed God’s plan.
Knowing the plan and doing the plan is 2 different things. The plan for the conquering of Jericho was simple- They were to march around Jericho once a day for 6 days and on the 7th day they were to march around Jericho 7 times, blow the trumpets with a long blast, shout with a shout, and the wall would fall. Israel followed God’s plan and God’s leader.
Joshua 6:10
The walls of Jericho fell…
3. When God’s will was done without complaining and questioning.
6 days of walking around Jericho without a spoken word. On the 7th day they were to walk around Jericho 7 times without a word. No reason had been given for this silence. The entire plan for the conquering of Jericho had been explained to Joshua. He knew what God was doing.
The hardest thing for Israel to do was to be silent, to walk around in silence. The silence of the people must have been impressive. How long could we do the Lord’s work in silence, without complaining? We have a right to know the plan; but do we need to know the plan? Better still, we are to follow the plan without complaining and questioning.
Joshua 6:20-21
The walls of Jericho fell…
4. For God’s glory.
When we have faith to follow the Lord and His plan and His leaders, victory will come, and glory will come to Him. When the walls of Jericho fell, glory came to God. Only Rahab and her family were spared. God can get glory to Himself when He saves you. God can get glory to Himself as you serve Him.
Hebrews 11:31
Rahab was the mother of Boaz, the great grandmother of King David, and ancestor of our Lord.
Conclusion:
Put your faith in God.
