Most people know about the battle of Jericho by heart, there's even a song about the great battle. Chapter 6 recaps this famous event.

Rahab had already informed the spies that the people of the city were fearful of the Israelites. The miracle God performed at the Jordan only added to that fear. The people of Jericho knew something big was coming, but instead of surrendering to God, they locked themselves inside their city. Just as Nimrod was overly confident in his tower, the people of Jericho were strangely confident in their walls. If they were only worried about the men in the army, it would make sense that they believed the wall would protect them. However, we have confirmation from Rahab that the men of Jericho knew that God was with Israel (or at least it was a rumor that sparked fear amongst them). This means even after hearing of God's miracles on behalf of Israel, they still doubted God would best them. Imagine the arrogance; Egypt—the most powerful nation at the time—fell to God's Will, so what made Jericho believe they would stand? This sounds a lot like people today, but we know that if you try to stand against God you will eventually fall.

The Israelites were supposed to march around the city for six days; once per day. On the seventh day, they were to go around the city seven times; this time when the trumpets blew, the people were to shout and this would cause the wall to fall. During each march around the city, seven priest carrying ram's horn trumpets were to go before the ark. Today these horns are called a shofar.[2]

Within these instruction is a repeat of the symbolic nature of the number seven: seven priests, seven horns, seven days, seven times. We also have 3 items of deeper symbolism. The ark symbolized God's presence. The sounds of the horns trumpeting symbolized the call to war. Finally, the shout of the people symbolizes their victory.[1]

Each day, the Israelites circled the city once, but on the seventh day, they circled the city seven times. Thus, in total, the Israelites marched around the city thirteen times. On the seventh day, during the seventh march, the priests blew the trumpets for the people to shout as instructed. Joshua reminds them that Rahab's family is to be spared for her kindness to the spies and proceeds with instructions on how to proceed after the siege begins.

Joshua describes an "accursed" thing that the people are not to touch, though they were permitted to take metals such as silver, gold, iron, and brass to be added to the treasury of Lord. This was to caution away idolatry, by keeping such items in a holy space that was inaccessible. Accursed things may have described idols, but it may be a reference to items that spark covetousness (as we will see in Joshua 7). Items of wood could be burned, whereas items of metal could not. Thus the metal items were placed in the Lord's keeping to avoid the temptation of worship or greed that may have abounded from keeping such items in one's own home.

The 2 spies were sent to Rahab's home to bring her and her family out of the city. We are told that they saved Rahab, her father, mother, and brethren. She was given a place outside Israel's camp.

The Israelites burn the city, as instructed, leaving only the metals (which couldn't be burned with fire) that were to go to the Lord's treasury. They also saved Rahab's possessions and Rahab was made a member of Israel. Joshua speaks a curse that anyone who rebuilt Jericho would lose their firstborn and youngest son. This curse is fulfilled in 1 Kings 16:34.

"Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" is a "Negro Spiritual" written by slaves and recapping the events of the battle. Though not the most popular song sung at my childhood church, I remember this

song quite well. Gospel legend Mahalia Jackson's version of the song can be heard using the Spotify player and the lyrics can be found here.

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