Joshua 5:13—6:27: Jericho Falls

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Joshua.

We fight many battles in life—financial, physical, emotional and spiritual. How can we be victorious in these struggles, especially when the odds against us seem overwhelming?

Conquering the Promised Land was an enormous task. Forty years earlier the Israelites had lamented, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. . . . We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them" (Nu 13:32-33). Yet in spite of these obstacles, Joshua and the people of Israel now set out to conquer the first Canaanite stronghold—Jericho. As they do so, the Lord teaches them and us how to be victorious.

Warming Up to God

When have you felt that God was fighting your battles for you? How did you feel?

Read Joshua 5:13-6:27

Discovering the Word

• How do you think the visit by the commander of the army of the Lord affected Joshua (5:13-15)?
• In what ways do the Lord's instructions for the conquest of Jericho seem strange (6:1-5)?
• How do you think the Israelites felt during this seven-day spectacle (6:6-16)?
• What lessons was God teaching the Israelites during their seven days of marching?
• What did it mean for this city and its contents to be devoted to the Lord (6:17-25)?
• Why didn't God allow the Israelites to keep any of the spoils of war (6:19,24)?

Applying the Word

• How is our spiritual warfare today similar to and different from Israel's conquest of Jericho (see 2Co 10:3-5)?
• What spiritual battles are you currently fighting?

Responding in Prayer

Pray for victory for yourself and others you know who are fighting spiritual battles.