(a) Give an account of the capture of Jericho.
Explanation
(a) God gave Joshua a master plan for the capture of Jericho which was strictly adhered to by him. The assault started with a procession led by armed men of war, followed by seven priests with seven trumpets, while another group of priests formed the rear guard bearing the ark of the Lord, and simultaneously the trumpets blew continually as the procession marched around the city of Jericho once a day for six days. After each march, they came into the camp and spent the night there. There, they were warned not to shout until Joshua gave them the order to shout. On the seventh lay, they rose early and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. At the seventh time, when the priest had blown the trumpet, Joshua commanded the people to shout, adding that the Lord had given them the city. Immediately, people shouted and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the trumpet, they raised a great shout and the wall fell down flat. The people went straight into the city and took it. Joshua then instructed the people to destroy the city with fire and this was done. But Rahab, the harlot who spared the two spies, together with her household, were not destroyed. Also precious stones like gold silver and the vessels of bronze were kept in the Lord's treasury.
(b) Lessons for Christians to Learn
(i) The Omnipotence / power of God was demonstrated / with God everything is possible, nothing is beyond God's power.
(ii) God is ready to fight for His people, if we trust in Him at all time. he emphasis is on trust.
(iii) Joshua is presented as a man of Faith in God. He did not doubt God.
(iv) Obedience: Joshua obeyed God's command. This led to his success.
(v) God uses people no matter their conditions (e.g. Ahab, the harlot)