Chapter 45—The 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; and
to human appearance the struggle to gain possession of the land must
be long and difficult. It was inhabited by a powerful race, who stood
ready to oppose the invasion of their territory. The various tribes were
bound together by the fear of a common danger. Their horses and
iron battle chariots, their knowledge of the country, and their training
in war, would give them great advantage. Furthermore, the country
was guarded by fortresses—“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.
One of the strongest fortresses in the land—the large and wealthy
city of Jericho—lay just before them, but a little distance from their
camp at Gilgal. On the border of a fertile plain abounding with the
rich and varied productions of the tropics, its palaces and temples the
abode of luxury and vice, this proud city, behind its massive battle-
ments, offered defiance to the God of Israel. Jericho was one of the
principal seats of idol worship, being 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. But first of all he sought an assurance of divine
guidance, and it was granted him. Withdrawing from the encampment
to meditate and to pray that the God of Israel would go before His
people, he beheld an armed warrior, of lofty stature and 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
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Captain of the host of the Lord am I now come.” The same command
given to Moses in Horeb, “Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the
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