“Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.‘ “ Joshua 6:1-5 NIV
In reading the Bible, especially the Old Testament, do you sometimes wonder if the events described were real or allegorical? Did they really happen? I admit this question has occurred to me several times. It doesn’t mean my faith isn’t strong or I have any doubt about the authenticity of the Bible. It reflects normal human curiosity and a genuine desire to know. After all–and you have to admit the truth of this statement–the events were so incredible that they seem surreal and verging on impossibility.
One of the early Sunday School lessons we learned as children related to Joshua and the fall of Jericho. Just read the above Scripture that introduces this event. Admit it: the whole story sounds a little crazy, so it must be an allegory that teaches us some lesson. Right?
Let me share some information that’ll blow your mind. Archeologists have sifted through the ancient city of Jericho and have made some incredible discoveries. The walls actually fell. Here’s the wild part. They were designed to collapse inward. However, they collapsed outward, which made it easier for an invading army to enter and attack the city. Also, the historical record of the event, the carbon dating of artifacts from the old city, and Joshua’s documented time of living all coincide to the same timeframe.
The evidence points to the Jericho story as being true! I don’t know about you, but these findings encourage me even more about the validity of the incredible Bible stories that we’ve read and heard our entire lives.
Has this information about Jericho boosted your faith?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for providing us with additional means to learn more about You and increase our faith. Amen.