The Fall of Jericho

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Joshua led the people in a battle to overtake the walled city of Jericho. Instead of soldiers, priests and musicians led the people in marching around the walls of the city. After seven days of this, the people shouted and blew trumpets. Immediately, the walls of the city collapsed, and the soldiers completely destroyed the city of Jericho. Only one woman and her family were spared. This was because she (Rahab) had previously protected two Israelite spies.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Joshua 5:13-6:27

Outline:

1. Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord’s arm)y. (Joshua 5:13-15)
2. The Israelites overcome Jericho. (Joshua 6:1-27

Tips for teaching children:

• Younger children can build “city walls” from blocks. They can then reenact marching around 7 times before shouting to make the walls fall.
• Roll paper into tubes to make trumpets.
• For older children lead a discussion about commandments are sometimes difficult. We do not always understand at the time. Scriptures you might use could be:
  • 1 Peter 2:13-15 
  • 1 Peter 3:9 
  • Ephesians 6:1 
  • Matthew 5:44 

Tips for teaching adults:

• This story is not too long so the entire passage could be read aloud in class. Choose different readers to read the different sections of the story. Refer to the outline above to break the reading into parts.
• Ask the class members: “If you were in charge of the battle of Jericho, what battle strategy would you have used?"  
• Choose someone to draw a picture of God’s battle plan on a whiteboard.  Class members should direct the drawing by referring to the bible reading.
• Joshua 5:13-15 is a significant text.  Refer to Exodus 3:1-5 and ask the students to reflect on the following:
  • How are the stories of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush and Joshua’s encounter similar?  
  • How are they different? 
• End the class with a prayer of humility, pledging ourselves to be obedient to God even when we do not fully understand or see the bigger picture.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Fall of Jericho

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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