Fall of Jericho
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place whereon thou standest is holy,” revealed the true character of
the mysterious stranger. It was Christ, the Exalted One, who stood
before the leader of Israel. Awe-stricken, Joshua fell upon his face
and worshiped, and heard the assurance, “I have given into thine hand
Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor,” and he
received instruction for the capture of the city.
In obedience to the divine command Joshua marshaled the armies
of Israel. No assault was to be made. They were simply to make the
circuit of the city, bearing the ark of God and blowing upon trumpets.
First came the warriors, a body of chosen men, not now to conquer by
their own skill and prowess, but by obedience to the directions given
them from God. Seven priests with trumpets followed. Then the ark of
God, surrounded by a halo of divine glory, was borne by priests clad
in the dress denoting their sacred office. The army of Israel followed,
each tribe under its standard. Such was the procession that compassed
the doomed city. No sound was heard but the tread of that mighty
host and the solemn peal of the trumpets, echoing among the hills and
resounding through the streets of Jericho. The circuit completed, the
army returned in silence to their tents, and the ark was restored to its
place in the tabernacle.
With wonder and alarm the watchmen of the city marked every
move, and reported to those in authority. They knew not the meaning
of all this display; but when they beheld that mighty host marching
around their city once each day, with the sacred ark and the attendant
priests, the mystery of the scene struck terror to the hearts of priest and
people. Again they would inspect their strong defenses, feeling certain
they could successfully resist the most powerful attack. Many ridiculed
the thought that any harm could come to them through these singular
demonstrations. Others were awed as they beheld the procession that
each day wound about the city. They remembered that the Red Sea
had once parted before this people, and that a passage had just been
opened for them through the river Jordan. They knew not what further
wonders God might work for them.
For six days the host of Israel made the circuit of the city. The
seventh day came, and with the first dawn of light, Joshua marshaled
the armies of the Lord. Now they were directed to march seven times
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around Jericho, and at a mighty peal from the trumpets to shout with a
loud voice, for God had given them the city.