Chapter 45—The Miraculous Fall of Jericho
This chapter is based on
Joshua 5:13-15
;
6
;
7
.
The Hebrews had entered Canaan, but they had not subdued it.
It was inhabited by a powerful race, who stood ready to oppose the
invasion of their territory. Their horses and iron battle chariots, their
knowledge of the country, and their training in war would give them
great advantage. Further, the country was guarded by “cities great
and fenced up to heaven.”
Deuteronomy 9:1
. Only in the assurance
of a strength not their own could the Israelites hope for success in the
impending conflict.
The large and wealthy city of Jericho lay just a little distance from
their camp at Gilgal. This proud city, behind its massive battlements,
offered defiance to the God of Israel. Jericho was especially devoted
to Ashtaroth, the goddess of the moon. Here centered all that was
vilest and most degrading in the religion of the Canaanites. The people
of Israel, in whose minds were fresh the fearful results of their sin at
Beth-peor, could look upon this heathen city only with disgust and
horror.
To reduce Jericho was seen by Joshua to be the first step in the
conquest of Canaan. Withdrawing from the encampment to meditate
and to pray, he beheld an armed warrior of commanding presence
“with his sword drawn in his hand.” To Joshua’s challenge, “Art thou
for us, or for our adversaries?” the answer was given, “As Captain of
the host of the Lord am I now come.” The mysterious stranger was
Christ, the Exalted One. Awe-stricken, Joshua fell upon his face and
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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 trumpets.
The ark of God, surrounded by a halo of divine glory, was borne by
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