Learn the Story of God and of the Old Testament
Season 4
4.5 Jericho Falls
Jericho Falls: Victory Through Faith and Obedience
The walls of Jericho seemed impossible to overcome, but God gave His people an unusual plan. As the Israelites trusted and obeyed God’s instructions, the walls fell and God demonstrated that victory comes through His power rather than human strength.
4.5 Jericho Falls
After years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites finally entered the Promised Land.
Their first major challenge stood directly before them.
Jericho was a fortified city with strong walls and experienced defenders. From a human perspective, it appeared nearly impossible to conquer.
Yet God had already promised victory.
The question was whether the Israelites would trust God’s plan.
What followed became one of the most remarkable victories in Scripture—not because of military strength, but because of faith and obedience.
The story of Jericho reminds us that God’s ways are often different from our expectations and that victory ultimately belongs to Him.
Scripture References
Joshua 5:13–15
Joshua 6:1–27
Related Reading:
Hebrews 11:30
2 Corinthians 10:3–4
Psalm 20:7
The Story
As Joshua prepared for battle, he encountered a mysterious figure described as the Commander of the Lord’s Army.
Joshua realized he was standing in the presence of God and fell in worship.
God then revealed His strategy for conquering Jericho.
The plan was unlike anything Israel expected.
There would be no siege towers.
No battering rams.
No traditional attack.
Instead, the people were instructed to march around the city once each day for six days.
The Ark of the Covenant would lead the procession.
Priests would carry trumpets and sound them as they walked.
The people were to remain silent.
On the seventh day, they were instructed to march around the city seven times.
At Joshua’s command, the priests blew their trumpets and the people shouted.
Then something extraordinary happened.
The walls of Jericho collapsed.
The city was conquered exactly as God had promised.
Israel learned that victory came through trusting and obeying God.
Understanding the Story
God’s Ways Are Not Always Our Ways
The battle plan seemed unusual.
Marching around a city would not normally defeat a fortified wall.
God wanted His people to understand that victory would come through His power, not their own strength.
Throughout Scripture, God often works in ways that surprise people.
Obedience Matters
The Israelites followed God’s instructions even when they may not have fully understood them.
Faith is often demonstrated through obedience.
Trusting God means following Him even when we cannot see the outcome.
Victory Belongs to God
Jericho was not won because Israel had superior military resources.
The victory came because God fulfilled His promise.
The story teaches humility and gratitude.
When success comes, God deserves the glory.
Faith Requires Perseverance
The people marched for six days without seeing immediate results.
The walls did not begin falling on the second day or the fourth day.
Faith often requires patience.
God’s timing may differ from our expectations.
Why This Story Matters
The fall of Jericho teaches important lessons.
Why did God choose such an unusual strategy?
To demonstrate that the victory came from Him.
What role did obedience play?
The people trusted God enough to follow His instructions.
Why is patience important in faith?
God’s plans often unfold over time.
What does Jericho teach about obstacles?
No obstacle is greater than God’s power.
Connecting to Jesus
Jericho points to a larger spiritual truth.
Humanity faces barriers that cannot be overcome through human effort alone.
Just as God provided victory at Jericho, He provides salvation through Jesus Christ.
The people trusted God’s plan and experienced victory.
Believers trust Christ and receive salvation.
The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence among His people.
Jesus is God’s presence with us and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The victory at Jericho reminds us that God’s power accomplishes what human strength cannot.
Living the Message
Jericho encourages us to trust God when facing challenges.
This week:
Identify a “Jericho” in your life—an obstacle that seems impossible.
Pray for faith to trust God’s guidance.
Obey God in small steps even when results are not immediate.
Practice patience while waiting for God’s timing.
Give God the glory for victories and blessings.
Reflect and Discuss
Why was Jericho such a significant challenge?
Possible answers:
It was a fortified city with strong walls and defenses.
What does the story teach about obedience?
Possible answers:
Faith often involves following God’s instructions even when we do not fully understand them.
Why did God choose an unusual battle plan?
Possible answers:
To demonstrate His power and ensure that He received the glory.
How can believers trust God with difficult obstacles today?
Possible answers:
Through prayer, obedience, patience, and confidence in God’s promises.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Joshua 6 reveals God’s power, faithfulness, and the importance of obedient trust.
Reasons We Believe
The fall of Jericho demonstrates that God’s promises are trustworthy and His power is greater than any obstacle.
Obedience in Action
Trust God enough to follow His guidance even when His plan differs from your expectations.
Walk It Out
Take one faithful step toward a challenge you have been avoiding and trust God with the outcome.
Season 4 Review: Wilderness Adventure
In Season 4 we have learned:
Manna in the Wilderness — God provides daily bread.
Twelve Spies and a Choice — Faith and fear lead to different outcomes.
The Bronze Serpent — God provides healing and grace.
Joshua Leads the People — Courage comes from God’s presence.
Jericho Falls — Victory comes through faith and obedience.
Together these stories reveal that God uses the wilderness and life’s challenges to teach trust, perseverance, and dependence upon Him.
Related Pages
Season 4: Wilderness Adventure
Season 5: Heroes of Faith
Closing Invitation
The walls of Jericho appeared impossible to overcome.
Yet God’s power proved greater than every obstacle.
The same God who led Israel into the Promised Land continues to guide His people today.
As Season 4 concludes, the story turns to ordinary men and women whom God used in extraordinary ways.
Their stories remind us that God often works through imperfect people who trust Him.
