Joshua 6

The Walls Came Tumbling Down

In Joshua 2 we read about how two Israelites spied on Jericho, were protected by Rahab, and then brought back their report to Joshua. Joshua 6 tells how the Israelite army conquered the city and how Rahab was saved, as the spies had promised.

Understanding the Scriptures

Joshua 6

Straitly (v. 1)Tightly

Mighty men of valour (v. 2)Trained soldiers or warriors

Bear before (v. 4)Carry in front of

Bid you (v. 10)Tell you to

Accursed (vv. 17–18)Utterly destroyed by God

Kindred (v. 23)Family

Without (v. 23)Outside

In his firstborn (v. 26)By losing his firstborn child to death

In his youngest son (v. 26)By losing his youngest son to death

Noised (v. 27)Talked about

Joshua 6—Seven

Notice how many times the number seven is used in this story. In Hebrew, seven (sheva) means “whole, complete, or perfect.” By using the number seven the Lord emphasized that if Israel wholly kept His commandments and their covenants with Him, they would be successful.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Joshua 6.

1. Describe the Battle of Jericho

   Briefly describe the battle of Jericho, making sure to include the following words: surround, trumpet, seven, ark, and Rahab.

2. How Did They Feel? What Did They Think?

   Write something you think each of the following people thought or felt as a part of the conquest of Jericho: an Israelite priest with a trumpet, a soldier in the army, a cousin to Rahab, and a citizen of Jericho. Jericho was the first city the armies of Israel battled after entering the land of Canaan. What do you think the children of Israel should have learned from how they won this battle that could have helped them as they continued their conquest of the promised land?