Joshua and Jericho
God told Joshua to march around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day the people shouted, the trumpets blew, and the walls fell down.
You will learn to...
- Retell how the walls of Jericho fell.
- Explain why Joshua followed God's unusual plan.
- Learn Joshua 1:9.
Words to know
- Courageous
- Brave; doing what is right even when afraid.
- Ark of the covenant
- A special gold-covered box that reminded Israel God was with them.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
After Moses died, God chose Joshua to lead his people into the Promised Land. God told him, 'Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.'
The city of Jericho had huge walls. God gave Joshua a surprising plan: march around the city once a day for six days, with priests carrying the ark of the covenant and blowing trumpets made from rams' horns. On the seventh day, march around seven times.
Joshua and the people obeyed. On the seventh day, after the seventh lap, the priests blew the trumpets, the people gave a great shout, and the walls fell down flat. God had given them the city.
God's plan didn't look like a normal plan, but Joshua trusted God and obeyed. Courage isn't the same as not being scared — it's trusting God and doing what's right even when you feel afraid.
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Family conversation starters
- Why might God have chosen such an unusual plan?
- Where do you need courage this week?
Note for grown-ups
Jericho was a battle. We focus on God's instructions and the walls falling, without describing fighting.
Main people: Joshua, God · Topics: Obedience, Courage, Trusting God's way · Review status: awaiting theological review