The Battle of Jericho: Trusting God's Unconventional Plan

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence and Leadership: The True Commander

Joshua’s encounter near Jericho reveals that, while he may be the human leader, the true commander of God’s people is the Lord Himself. The pre-incarnate Jesus stands before Joshua as the Commander of the Lord’s Armies, reminding us that God’s plans and purposes are above our own, and that our role is to submit, worship, and follow His lead. When we face battles that seem insurmountable, we are called not to ask if God is on our side, but to place ourselves under His authority, trusting that He is in control and will lead us into victory. [44:23]

Joshua 5:13-15 (ESV)
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Reflection: In what area of your life are you still trying to be in control, rather than submitting to God’s leadership? What would it look like to truly surrender this area to Him today?

Day 2: God Uses the Least Likely for His Purposes

God’s plan to use Rahab, a prostitute and outsider, to protect the Israelite spies and secure victory at Jericho demonstrates that He delights in working through the broken, the overlooked, and the least likely. Rahab’s confession of faith and her willingness to act courageously show that God’s grace is not limited by our past or status; He chooses those who trust Him, regardless of their background, to accomplish His redemptive purposes. [37:06]

Joshua 2:8-11 (ESV)
Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”

Reflection: Is there a part of your story or your past that you believe disqualifies you from being used by God? How might God be inviting you to trust Him and step out in faith today, just as Rahab did?

Day 3: Obedience to God’s Unconventional Plans

The victory at Jericho came not through military might or human wisdom, but through simple, even seemingly foolish, obedience to God’s instructions. Marching in silence for six days and then shouting on the seventh defied all logic, yet God honored their faith and obedience by bringing down the walls. God’s ways often challenge our understanding, but He always blesses those who trust and obey, even when His plans don’t make sense to us. [53:16]

Joshua 6:2-5 (ESV)
And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.”

Reflection: What is one area where God is calling you to obey Him, even though it doesn’t make sense to you or feels uncomfortable? Will you take a step of faith and trust Him with the outcome?

Day 4: Faith Is the Difference Maker

The story of Jericho and Rahab is ultimately a story of faith—faith that God’s promises are true, faith that He is able to do what He says, and faith that leads to action. The New Testament affirms that it was “by faith” the walls fell and Rahab was saved. God honors faith that is lived out in obedience, and He brings down the walls that stand in our way when we trust Him fully. [58:17]

Hebrews 11:30-31 (ESV)
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

Reflection: Where do you need to exercise faith today—trusting God’s promise even when you can’t see how things will work out? What is one practical way you can act on that faith?

Day 5: The Real Battle Is in the Heart

The true battle is not against physical walls or human enemies, but within our own hearts and minds—between trusting God’s truth and believing the lies of the enemy, between surrendering to God’s Spirit and clinging to our own ways. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. Victory comes as we put on the armor of God, stand firm in His strength, and allow Him to bring down the walls within us. [01:00:12]

Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Reflection: What “walls” in your heart—doubt, fear, shame, pride—are keeping you from fully trusting God? How can you invite Jesus, the true Commander, to lead you into freedom and victory today?

Sermon Summary

As we journey through the Bible, we find ourselves at the threshold of the Promised Land with Joshua and the Israelites. After Moses’ death, Joshua is commissioned by God to lead the people into Canaan, a land filled with fortified cities and daunting obstacles. The story of Jericho stands as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness, the necessity of obedience, and the surprising ways God works through the least likely people.

Before the walls of Jericho ever fell, God was already at work. He used Rahab, a marginalized woman, to protect the Israelite spies, demonstrating that God’s purposes are often accomplished through those the world overlooks. The Israelites then crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, a miracle echoing the Red Sea crossing, reminding a new generation that God’s promises endure and His power is undiminished.

Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s armies—who is revealed as the pre-incarnate Christ—shifts the focus from human plans to divine authority. Joshua learns that the real question is not whether God is on our side, but whether we are aligned with Him. This encounter calls for humility, worship, and a willingness to submit to God’s leadership, even when His plans seem unconventional.

The battle plan for Jericho defies human logic: march in silence for six days, then circle the city seven times on the seventh day, blow the trumpets, and shout. It’s a strategy that must have seemed foolish to seasoned warriors, yet it was precisely through this obedience that God brought the walls down. The lesson is clear: victory comes not by our strength or wisdom, but by trusting and following God’s word, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Ultimately, the true battle is not against physical walls or human enemies, but within our own hearts—will we trust God, obey His voice, and walk by faith? The story of Jericho points us to Jesus, our true Joshua, who leads us to victory over sin and death, not by our works, but by His grace. The invitation remains: listen, trust, and follow, for the commander of the Lord’s armies is still leading His people today.

Key Takeaways

1. God delights in using the unlikely and overlooked to accomplish His purposes. Rahab’s faith and courage, despite her background, remind us that God’s grace is not limited by our past or status. He chooses the willing and obedient, not the perfect or powerful, to be instruments of His redemption. This truth invites us to see ourselves and others through the lens of God’s mercy and possibility. [37:06]
2. True leadership and victory begin with surrender. Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s armies reveals that the most important question is not whether God is on our side, but whether we are on His. Humility, worship, and submission to God’s authority are prerequisites for experiencing His power and guidance in our lives. [41:43]
3. God’s plans often defy human logic, but obedience is the pathway to blessing. The strategy for Jericho seemed absurd, yet it was through simple, faithful obedience that God brought about victory. We are called to trust God’s instructions, even when they challenge our understanding or make us appear foolish in the eyes of others, knowing that His wisdom surpasses ours. [53:06]
4. The real battle is internal, not external. The struggle is not ultimately against physical obstacles or other people, but within our own hearts and minds—between faith and doubt, trust and self-reliance, God’s truth and the enemy’s lies. Spiritual victory comes as we align ourselves with God’s promises and walk by faith, not by sight. [60:12]
5. Salvation and victory are gifts of grace, not achievements of effort. Just as the walls of Jericho fell by God’s power, not Israel’s might, so too are we saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Our role is to listen, believe, and receive what God has already accomplished, allowing Him to lead us into the fullness of His promises. [55:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:52] - Introduction to Route 66 and Joshua
[31:23] - Opening Prayer
[32:12] - Joshua Succeeds Moses
[32:48] - Famous Verses from Joshua
[33:47] - Focusing Beyond the Famous Verses
[34:20] - The Battle of Jericho: Setting the Scene
[35:37] - Rahab and the Spies
[38:12] - Crossing the Jordan on Dry Ground
[39:58] - Joshua Meets the Commander of the Lord’s Armies
[43:05] - The Commander Revealed: Jesus in the Old Testament
[45:10] - God’s Unconventional Battle Plan
[48:22] - Lessons from Jericho: Who’s in Charge?
[51:10] - The Blessing of Obedience
[55:38] - Salvation by Grace: The Greater Joshua
[59:42] - The Real Battle: Internal Struggles
[61:13] - Jesus, Our Victor and Leader
[62:46] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Joshua 5:13–6:20 (ESV) — > 13 When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” 14 And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

> 1 Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. 2 And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.”
(Read through verse 20 for the full story.)

Hebrews 11:30–31 (ESV) — > 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

Observation Questions

What role did Rahab play in the story of Jericho, and how did her actions affect the outcome for herself and her family? [[36:36]]
What was unusual about the battle plan God gave Joshua for taking Jericho? [[47:03]]
How did Joshua respond when he encountered the commander of the Lord’s armies, and what did this reveal about his attitude toward God? [[40:46]]
According to Hebrews 11:30–31, what was the key factor that led to the walls of Jericho falling and Rahab’s rescue?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to use Rahab—a marginalized and unlikely person—to accomplish His purposes in Jericho? What does this say about God’s character? [[37:06]]
The commander of the Lord’s armies tells Joshua, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord.” What does this response teach about the difference between asking God to be on our side versus us aligning ourselves with God? [[41:43]]
The Israelites’ obedience to a battle plan that seemed foolish led to victory. What does this suggest about the relationship between faith, obedience, and God’s power? [[53:06]]
The sermon says the real battle is internal, not external. How does this perspective change the way we view our own struggles and challenges? [[01:00:12]]

Application Questions

Rahab’s faith and courage changed her story, despite her background. Is there an area of your life where you feel disqualified or overlooked? How might God want to use you, just as you are? [[37:06]]
Joshua had to surrender his own plans and submit to God’s authority, even when it didn’t make sense. Can you think of a time when you had to let go of control and trust God’s direction? What was hard about it? [[49:34]]
The Israelites looked foolish marching around Jericho, but their obedience brought blessing. Is there something God is asking you to do right now that feels risky, strange, or countercultural? What’s holding you back from obeying? [[53:06]]
The real battle is often inside us—between faith and doubt, trust and self-reliance. What is one “internal wall” you are facing right now? How can you bring this to God and trust Him with it? [[01:00:12]]
The sermon says salvation and victory are gifts of grace, not something we earn. Do you ever find yourself trying to “earn” God’s approval or blessing? What would it look like to rest in His grace this week? [[55:38]]
Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s armies led him to worship and humility. How can you practice humility and worship in your daily life, especially when facing uncertainty or big decisions? [[41:43]]
The story of Jericho points us to Jesus, our true leader and Savior. In what ways do you need to “listen, trust, and follow” Jesus more closely right now? [[01:01:13]]

Sermon Clips

Joshua may be the human commander of Israel, but the true leader of God's people is the commander who stands before him with drawn sword. Amen. Joshua understood his role at that point. I'm sure he was really scratching his head, even after the spies have reported what the story is to this with this city and this people, that Joshua was probably still kind of kneeling in the sand, wondering how am I going to do this Lord, what am I going to do? And at that moment, Joshua understood that he might be the human commander of Israel, but the true leader of God's people is the commander of the Lord's armies who stands before him with drawn sword. [00:44:23] (37 seconds) #TrueCommander

The lessons in this story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho are threefold: number one, you're not in charge; number two, listen to God's plan, trust it, and no matter how goofy it sounds, listen and respond, and you will be blessed by your obedience; and number three, listen to God's plan. The real battle of Jericho is not against the people of Canaan or the walls of Jericho, the battle is in the hearts and minds of God's people—will they follow? [00:48:22] (39 seconds) #TrustGodsPlan

Joshua was called by God to lead them to secure victory, to bring them into the promised land, and yet Joshua could never accomplish that task alone. Joshua learned this in that pointing interaction with the commander of the Lord's armies. He learned that he had to set himself aside, realize who the real commander was, and not get caught up in power, authority, who gets credit, what the plan might be, or what the outcome would be. He had to just simply submit, worship, trust, and follow. [00:49:12] (27 seconds) #SubmitAndTrust

Here's another plan that sounds crazy: by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it's a gift to God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Really? You're saved by grace through faith, it's a gift from God, simply receive what God has already done by and through Jesus Christ, his blood atoning for our sins. [00:55:30] (25 seconds) #GiftOfGrace

I don't have to scale walls, I don't have to defeat my sin on my own, I don't have to prove to God that I'm worthy or show him how good I am or at least one year without a sin before he gives me salvation—it's too crazy, it's too easy. Listen and believe, and then walk in the freedom of God's forgiveness, love and love and salvation. The walls of sin, the walls between you and your creator, come a tumbling down at the sound of Jesus' voice. [00:56:09] (34 seconds) #FreedomInJesus

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