“TAKING JERICHO”
Season 2: Heroes of the Bible
Episode 40: “Taking Jericho”
Today’s Bible Bite: Joshua 6
Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqOqJlFF_eU (The Bible Project for adults and older children)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7sm4tSS7IE (Superbook)
“When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it.” (Joshua 6:20)
God promised to help Joshua lead the Israelites into the promised land, but He made it clear that Joshua was going to have to trust Him. In order to defeat the city of Jericho, God gave the Israelites some instructions to follow that wouldn’t have made any sense. March around the city once a day for six days, making no sound except for the priests who are to blow on their horns. On the seventh day, march around seven times and when the priests give one long blast at the end, have everyone shout as loud as they can. How is that going to defeat a city with strong walls? Joshua told the Israelites to trust God and, even though it didn’t make any sense, they obeyed.
And guess what, on the seventh day, after they had walked around the city seven times and then shouted as loud as they could, the walls of the city fell down! God was once again proving that He would help them miraculously if only they would trust Him. Joshua made certain that the spies kept their promise to Rahab and rescued her and her family who were with her. Everyone else in the city died. Rahab lived because she believed that God was going to help the Israelites; she even married one of the spies. If you read some of the lists of Jesus’ ancestors guess who was one of his great greats? Rahab!
Think about it...
• God promised to help Joshua and gave him a battle plan. What were God’s instructions?
• God’s instructions didn’t make any sense. Why do you think Joshua obeyed?
• Joshua told the Israelites what they must do and they obeyed. What happened?
• Joshua and the spies kept their promise to Rahab. What did they do?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for showing the Israelites that they could trust you, even when things seemed impossible. Thank you that you will help us do the things you want us to do. Help us to obey you always.