LESSONS FROM JERICHO
The first battle in the conquest of Canaan was one with incredible odds. Having learned with the lives of the
previous generation the high cost of unfaithfulness, the present Israelite army would stop at nothing to do what
their fathers had not done. This initial test was formidable because of the wall surrounding the city and the way
they were told to take the city. Of course, we are talking about the city of Jericho. There are several lessons we
can learn from Joshua and the Israelites’ victory at Jericho.
1. The taking of Jericho was because of God (Josh. 6:2). The Lord told Joshua, “...I have given into thine
hand Jericho and the king thereof and the mighty men of valor.” It was God’s will that they conquer Jericho and
its wicked people. When we read how the city was taken we can clearly see the hand of God in it. Even today
our victories are because of the Lord. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”
(Phil. 4:13). He is the only One without limitations and weaknesses. Our victories are through Him.
2. The taking of Jericho was conditional (Josh. 6:2). God told Joshua that He had already given them Jericho.
It was as if it were already done. However, the children of Israel had to do what God said, or the city would have
remained in Canaanite hands. In this regard God has not changed. He promises all spiritual blessings in Christ
(Eph. 1:3)--He promises salvation through His Son (John 3:16). These are real and blessed promises, but they
are conditional, too.
3. The taking of Jericho was an incredible feat (Josh. 6:3). When you see God’s plan for taking the city, you
have to wonder how much hesitation or concern the plan caused for the Israelites. Through human eyes the plan
looked impossible. Lesson: We should not underestimate God’s power.
4. The taking of Jericho was according to a pattern (Josh. 6:3-7). Go back and read those verses. God’s
commands were specific and precise. Would Joshua and the Israelites have taken Jericho if they had deviated
from God’s pattern? I think not.
5. The taking of Jericho was characterized by justice and grace (Josh. 6:22-25). The wicked people of
Jericho were destroyed largely because of their long standing iniquity. Of course, Rahab the harlot was the ex-
ception. God showed grace and mercy to her and “...all that she had...” because she had hid the two Israelites
spies and sent them out another way. Even among the wicked people of Jericho, God showed grace to those who
put their trust in Him.
From these lessons concerning Jericho, may we learn to also put our trust in Him!
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The plain truth is that we humans are happy only when we are striving for
something worthwhile.
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
previous generation the high cost of unfaithfulness, the present Israelite army would stop at nothing to do what
their fathers had not done. This initial test was formidable because of the wall surrounding the city and the way
they were told to take the city. Of course, we are talking about the city of Jericho. There are several lessons we
can learn from Joshua and the Israelites’ victory at Jericho.
1. The taking of Jericho was because of God (Josh. 6:2). The Lord told Joshua, “...I have given into thine
hand Jericho and the king thereof and the mighty men of valor.” It was God’s will that they conquer Jericho and
its wicked people. When we read how the city was taken we can clearly see the hand of God in it. Even today
our victories are because of the Lord. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”
(Phil. 4:13). He is the only One without limitations and weaknesses. Our victories are through Him.
2. The taking of Jericho was conditional (Josh. 6:2). God told Joshua that He had already given them Jericho.
It was as if it were already done. However, the children of Israel had to do what God said, or the city would have
remained in Canaanite hands. In this regard God has not changed. He promises all spiritual blessings in Christ
(Eph. 1:3)--He promises salvation through His Son (John 3:16). These are real and blessed promises, but they
are conditional, too.
3. The taking of Jericho was an incredible feat (Josh. 6:3). When you see God’s plan for taking the city, you
have to wonder how much hesitation or concern the plan caused for the Israelites. Through human eyes the plan
looked impossible. Lesson: We should not underestimate God’s power.
4. The taking of Jericho was according to a pattern (Josh. 6:3-7). Go back and read those verses. God’s
commands were specific and precise. Would Joshua and the Israelites have taken Jericho if they had deviated
from God’s pattern? I think not.
5. The taking of Jericho was characterized by justice and grace (Josh. 6:22-25). The wicked people of
Jericho were destroyed largely because of their long standing iniquity. Of course, Rahab the harlot was the ex-
ception. God showed grace and mercy to her and “...all that she had...” because she had hid the two Israelites
spies and sent them out another way. Even among the wicked people of Jericho, God showed grace to those who
put their trust in Him.
From these lessons concerning Jericho, may we learn to also put our trust in Him!
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The plain truth is that we humans are happy only when we are striving for
something worthwhile.
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
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