The Story of the Walls of Jericho Falling Down (Joshua 5-6)

God has now brought his people back into the land he promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were called the people of Israel or the children of Israel because they were descendents of Jacob whose name was changed to Israel. Israel was also the name of the great nation God promised to make of his people. They crossed over the Jordan River by a miracle of God, but now they really needed God’s help to get their land back. While they were slaves in Egypt for about 400 years other people took over the land and refused to give it up. They built strong walls to keep others out, and some of the people were even giants. God, however, was on the side of his people, and he helped them get their land back for at least two reasons. First, the land had already been promised to the children of Israel; and second, the people that occupied the land were a very wicked people. They committed all kinds of sin and even sacrificed their children to idols. God’s judgment fell upon them because they would not repent and turn away from their sins. The city of Jericho was the first wicked city in the land to be destroyed. God told Joshua to have his people march around the walls of the city once each day for six days. On the seventh day he told them to march around the wall of the city seven times. After that the people gave a great shout, and I think you know what happened. Yes, the walls came falling down with a big crash. God gave his people a great victory that day, and he kept giving them victory after victory until all their enemies in the land were either gone or subdued. And it all happened because God was on their side. Will God always be on our side if we trust him and do his will? Yes, he will!