Life today often presents us with formidable obstacles, challenges, or situations that seem impossible to overcome. We encounter personal barriers that can feel as insurmountable as the ancient walls of Jericho, standing tall and defiant against our progress, growth, and freedom. The biblical story of Jericho is more than a historical account; it is a metaphor for the spiritual and psychological strongholds that we all face. Just as the Israelites overcame their incredible challenge through faith in God and determination in spirit, so too can we confront and dismantle the walls in our own lives.
This essay explores the story of Jericho with its timeless strategies for personal transformation, illustrating that with courage, consistency, and trust in a higher purpose, even the most intimidating walls can be torn down. Let us review the tale of the fall of Jericho:
God adopted Israel - His choice was an act of pure, sovereign grace, not due to any merit (Deuteronomy 7:6–8). Through the centuries, He nourished, instructed, and protected the people and made the Israelites not just a large population, but a very influential people with a distinct identity and purpose. The promise God made to Abraham states that he would be blessed, and his name would be made great. Through him, his descendants and all families of the earth would also be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3). Abraham’s descendants were promised Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey, to own as their inheritance (Read Deuteronomy 6:3; Deuteronomy 32:49). Today, almost every believer ignorantly prays for Abraham’s blessings to be theirs instead of claiming them by faith.
The Jews in Captivity in Egypt - unfortunately, Israel gave God cause to grieve by their ungrateful and indifferent attitude. They insulted God by acts of rebellion, immorality, and idolatry. In His sovereign love, God chastised and corrected the prodigal nation to restore it to a loving relationship with Himself. It is very remarkable to know that both Israel and Jesus went for protection to Egypt - Jesus was taken to Egypt as an infant because king Herod threatened to kill all children under two years old in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The Israelites fled a severe famine in their locality. They were led by Jacob (Israel) and initially settled in Egypt during the days of Joseph, seeking refuge and sustenance. Their population grew significantly over several generations, and they became a large and influential group in Egypt. Over time the rulers of Egypt became concerned that the number and strength of the Israelites was posing some threat. A new Pharoah decided to subject them to enslavement, harsh labour and rough treatment (Exodus 1:8-11).
God displayed His love by delivering Israel from 400 years of Egyptian bondage. For 40 years, through the wilderness wanderings, the Lord regularly provided food and water. When Israel fell during times of testing, God was there to forgive and lead them on. The prophets repeatedly used this deliverance as an illustration of God’s power on behalf of His people.
God’s Intervention - from the Exodus to the Promised Land -- according to Exodus 2:23-25, the Israelites under the yoke of pharaoh, cried out to God for deliverance, prompting Him to remember His Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and to deliver the Israelites from their slavery (Exodus 3:7-9). God sent Moses to the ruler of Egypt, demanding the immediate release of the Israelites: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness” (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh refused, and God sent ten plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 5:2). After the tenth plague caused the death of all the firstborn sons of Egypt, Pharaoh relented and allowed the Israelites to leave.
Moses, through the power and grace of God, led the Israelites out of Egypt and they headed for the promised land. They wandered in the wilderness of the desert of Sinai for 40 years (Numbers 13-14) and finally came to the threshold of the land that God had promised to give them for an inheritance. Joshua, the new leader after the death of Moses, led the Israelites across the River Jordan and near the promised land Canaan (Joshua 3:14–17).
The Challenges of the Israelites - the biblical Jericho is described in the Old Testament as the greatest walled fortress of all time, as an unparalleled military citadel with walls so thick that chariots could traverse over them. The fortified and virtually impregnable city of Jericho with its formidable army stood imposingly between the Israelites and the promised land, the gateway city to Canaan which they had to conquer to get into and occupy the entire land of Canaan. (see Joshua 6:1). Joshua, in a bid to learn about Jericho, “sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim” (Joshua 2:1). They entered the city of Jericho and came to stay with Rahab, a prostitute. She hid them from the king of Jericho, and they promised her and her family protection during the Israelite invasion. The spies returned safely and brought information about the defences and strength of Jericho. They had learned from Rahab: “And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” (Joshua 2:11)
Joshua’s curiosity and nervousness indicated subtle disobedience. Despite that, God’s Plan for the establishment of the nation of Israel was undeterred. His Glory remained in the tabernacle, and their offerings were still accepted. The covenant relationship remained unbroken. In all circumstances and situations our trust in God must be total for His ways are far superior to whatever we can discern by our human wisdom. That is why serving God requires trust and a heart tuned to His Voice.
Circumcision of the Israelites (Consecration) - after settling in their new camp on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites took their time to fulfil their obligations to God (Joshua 5:2-7). All the males born in the wilderness were to be circumcised as a sign of His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). The neglect of circumcision for forty years had to be remedied before they could observe Passover, because the rules that God set down for Passover observance state that “No uncircumcised person shall eat thereof” (Exodus 12:48).
God’s Divine Strategy and Joshua’s Obedience to God’s Commands - the strategy to conquer the city of Jericho was unique. It was laid out by God Himself and thus was a plan beyond human understanding. As Joshua was preparing to attack Jericho, God gave him the following Commands:“See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valour. You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him.” (Joshua 6: 2-5, 16)
Let us here remember Naaman the leper. He was told to dip 7 times in the river Jordan to be healed of his leprosy. Each time he came up he must have looked at himself to see if it was progressively getting better, but nothing seemed to be happening around him. But at the 7th time he was cleansed and healed!Joshua would surely not understand what the army had to do together with priests in a military exploit, but he led the Israelites exactly as God had commanded him to do. Though he knew that with the lens of humans, shouting is never a military strategy in war. Circling and blasting trumpets have never been any workable strategy in the history of war as well. This kind of strategy seemed foolish to man, but Joshua followed God’s instructions to the letter. The Israelites believed in the promises and power of God, and this paved their way to success.
He immediately appointed priests who would carry trumpets of rams’ horn before the Ark of God as the Israelites march around the city walls daily for six days. On the seventh day, he commanded them to march around the city seven times. At the end of the seventh round, the priests were ordered to blow the trumpets loudly and the people instructed to shout at the top of their voices. At the blasting sound of trumpets, the people gave a loud shout, and the mighty walls of Jericho miraculously came down and Israel won an easy victory.
Reasons for the Fall of the Walls - it was integral in God’s promise to the Israelites. It was however that when the people of God followed the commands of God that the walls of Jericho miraculously fell (Joshua 6:20). God honoured His word and the city was captured through implicit faith and obedience. Joshua 6 is a powerful illustration of God’s Power and the importance of obedience and faith in God’s Promises, His omnipotent and supernatural Acts.
The fallen walls of Jericho became a key affirmation that God was fulfilling His promise to the Israelites, and that He would surely be with them as they proceeded to take possession of the Promised Land. The walls of Jericho fell, and the Israelites took over the city, not because of the strength and prowess of the Army of Israel, but through God’s miraculous intervention (Read Joshua 6:17-25) and Israel’s obedience to the instructions of God even when they seemed illogical. It is a great lesson about overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles and trusting in God’s promises (Matthew 7:24–29; Hebrews 5:8–9; 1 John 2:3–5).
In our daily lives, we all build walls between us and others as we live, each one of us, as unique personalities with individual talents and limitations. Walls create barriers between individuals, family members, neighbours and others. Some walls are built to safeguard our privacy. Some walls are built to protect us from danger. We build walls to prevent others from seeing our fears, weaknesses, character faults, evil and sinful nature. We build walls with the intent to hurt by withdrawing from the other person. Sin has turned this world into a place filled with walls.
Walls either keep us in; or they keep us out, in any case they act as a barricade, an obstacle between us and our goals. In our fallen world, we are surrounded by internal walls of sin. These are walls of emotional pain, fear, insecurity, doubt, worry, anger, guilt, bitterness, hatred, violence, bondage, but also walls of pride, self-reliance and exaggerated self-esteem. In addition, we are surrounded by external walls. These come in form of relationship issues (unhappy marriages, difficult work-situations), joblessness, a lack of connection with others, financial struggles, health problems, or social isolation.
The fall of the walls of Jericho is a manifestation of God’s power and ability to perform miracles. It serves as a powerful metaphor for overcoming obstacles and strongholds in our lives. We are reminded that with faith in God, His plan and His power, even the most formidable walls that keep us from living a life of purpose and of fulfilling God’s plan for our lives, can be demolished. The walls of Jericho, which had seemed invincible, came crashing down, not by human hands, but by the power of God. Similarly, we might feel helpless before our walls of Jericho — walls of financial instability, failing health, or broken relationships, but we must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
First, let us recall God’s promises concerning your spiritual and social life, your family, your business: 3 John 2 tells you that God wants you to prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers. Philippians 4:6 tells you that God will supply your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Deuteronomy 28: 1-14 and Ephesians 6:2-3, assures you that God will bless you, your children and property anywhere you are in the world, and it shall be well with you. Isaiah 59:19-20 promises that when your enemies come against you like a flood, the Spirit of God will lift a standard against them. In Exodus 14:14, God has stated emphatically that He shall fight your battles, and you shall hold your peace.
Second, commit to understanding the walls of Jericho standing between you and your promised land. You must pinpoint if you face walls of sickness, physical and mental stress and strain, depression (an inner feeling of emptiness and worthlessness), poverty, Human or Spiritual Enemies, or other seemingly impossible challenges and difficulties. The challenge may be an unanswered prayer, a failed or unhappy marriage etc.
Third, wholeheartedly place your trust and faith in God's plans and promises, proudly profess that nothing shall be able to separate you from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31-39).
Fourth, accept as a truth that there is a vast difference between God’s way and the human way (Isaiah 55:8–9). Though, God’s way may seem irrational or illogical (like His strategy given to Joshua to pull down the walls of Jericho), never question His plan, purpose or instructions. Always be aware that the power of God is supernatural and far beyond human comprehension (Psalm 18:13–15; Daniel 4:35; Job 38:4–6).
Fifth, circumcise your heart and consecrate yourself (leave behind sin, i.e. overindulgence, adulty, etc.) if you want God to arise on your behalf and pull down the walls hampering your progress. This is a metaphor for a spiritual transformation, for confident spiritual dedication. It entails repentance and confession (repudiation) of all sins in your life, humility, obedience (Read Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6).
Sixth, believe with confidence that God is true to His word and faithful to His character. He keeps His promises (Joshua 6:2, 20; Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews11:1, 30). The walls of Jericho fell because that was part of the fulfilment of God’s promise for the Israelites. God’s promises to us today are just as certain and unswerving (Hebrews 6:11–18; 10:36; Colossians 3:24). Whatever struggle you're facing, God’s power is sufficient to give you victory. The Bible states that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). You have your part to play - to have the faith to obey God implicitly. It is not enough to say, “I believe God,” and then continue to behave in an ungodly manner. Note that Joshua and the Israelites conquered Jericho by acting on God’s Commands. The Almighty God gives you the same privilege today. Faith and obedience to God’s commands will give you victory (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Seventh, at all times remember that prayer plays an important role in pulling down walls that constitute barriers to progress. Prayer is your greatest asset and a powerful weapon when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds (Hebrews 5:9; 1 John 2:3; 5:3). If you cry to God for help concerning your walls, and trust in His promises, He will empower you to pull them down.
Eight, always remember to give glory and honour to our Lord Jesus Christ, who tore down the first and greatest wall of sin that separated us from God. When Jesus gave His Life as an atoning sacrifice on the cross, He made room for an everlasting peace and intimacy between us and God. “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14)
Joshua and the Israelites followed God’s way with full obedience, trust and hope in His promise. Just the same, prayerfully uncover and follow God’s plans for you, even if the journey seems impossible. When you do, it will be worth every step of the way (Luke 11:28). Always listen to hear God speaking to you by reading Scripture, spending time in prayer, being still, worshipping, and journaling. You may hear from God and discern how the Spirit is guiding your steps (Psalms 37:23-24).
Be patient and wait on the Lord for instructions or directives (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting on the Lord deepens your faith, increases your trust in Him, and while you wait with faith, God will certainly transform and renew you.
As a believer you must know that it is impossible to live without God because no one is sufficient in and of themselves. We need God to empower us to confront our walls of Jericho and triumph We need God to control ourselves and make a lasting impact in our families, our business and in the world.
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, recognizing that there are walls in my life that I cannot break down on my own. These walls constitute hindrances blocking the path that leads to my promised land. I rely on Your strength and intervention. I know that You have the power and authority to remove the walls or bring them down. I read in the Bible how You miraculously brought down the imposing walls of Jericho and helped Your people to reach their promised land with ease. (Joshua 6) Mighty Jehovah, I ask that You guide me by Your Spirit and lead me safely to my promised land. Help me to trust in Your power, plan and purpose and to do Your will, even when they seem illogical or impossible. You are the everlasting King of Glory and Sovereign God of victory. Nothing in heaven and on earth is impossible for You. Thank You Omnipotent Father for what you are going to accomplish in my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!