Tuesday, Ordinary 31, Proper 26, Nov 4

The Fall of Jericho

The Taking of Jericho by James Tissot Wikipedia public domain CCL

Meditation

Tuesday, Ordinary 31, Proper 26 told the story of intervention by God. The Old Testament lesson showed Joshua leading the Hebrews to take Jericho. The children’s song, “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” hums in my head as this was a favorite story from childhood. There was the high walled city of Jericho with its armed soldiers walking the walls, which must have appeared fearsome to the Children of Israel.

But God told Joshua what to do—he would give the victory to his people. Walk silently around the walls of the city once every day for six days with the soldiers preceding the Priests who would be trumpeting their presence. On the seventh day, they walked seven times, the trumpeting priests, the only noise, until Joshua gave the word and they all shouted.