Around the World in Five Days
Strange Battle Tactics
Lesson 3
Memory Verse:
Hebrews 11:30 - “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.”
Scripture References for study:Joshua 5:13-15; Joshua 6; Hebrews 11:30 ; Joshua 2
INTRODUCTION: When Christians follow the Lord and His will, not always are God’s ways understood. That is where faith come in. When you know Jesus as your personal Saviour, there is no need to worry about your life because God is in control. He knows what is best and wants the VERY best for His child. Such was the case for a man named Joshua. He loved the Lord and obeyed Him even though he did not understand all that God commanded him to do.
ITRAVEL PLANS ISSUED (Joshua 5:13-15; 6:2)
Joshua had been a faithful servant under the leadership of Moses. After Moses died, Joshua became the leader of the children of Israel. They had been gradually taking control of the land that God had given them. Joshua now stood at Jericho, a mighty city that looked impossible to conquer. Yet, God promised to give the city to them and that they would be victorious in battle. Joshua was a very courageous soldier. When he arrived at Jericho, he saw a Man standing with a sword and asked if this Man was for them or against them. This “Man” was the Captain of the Lord’s host and, yes, He was definitely FOR Joshua and his army. It was time for his battle orders.
IIDESTINATION AND DEPARTURE
A. Battle Orders
God gave Joshua specific orders to follow in order to conquer the city of Jericho. Joshua must lead the mighty men of valor into a strange battle. By faith, they must obey God or they will not conquer the city.
1) all the men of war, seven priests each carrying a trumpet, those carrying the ark of the covenant, and the “rereward” (the rest of the children of Israel - moms, dads, children) must walk around the city walls of Jericho once a day for six days
2) no one is to say a single word or utter a sound until told to shout
3) on the seventh day all must walk around the city seven times, the priests shall blow a long blast on the trumpets
4) when the blast is heard, all the people shall shout with a great shout and the wall of the city shall fall down flat!
IIIARRIVAL
What a surprise the people of Jericho must have had that seventh day when the people marched around the city seven times, trumpets blew, they all shouted, and the walls of this great Jericho began to shake. That huge wall that protected the city fell down flat. The children of Israel ran in and every living thing in the city was destroyed except for one lady and her family. Rahab had helped some spies that Joshua had send to spy out the land. Because she helped them, she and her family were spared and taken in by the children of Israel. All gold, silver, brass and iron were taken into the treasury of the Lord. The people were instructed not to take anything for themselves. This time the things taken from the city belonged to the Lord. After Rahab and her family and all the gold, silver, brass, and iron were removed from Jericho, the city was burned.
Because of this tremendous victory, the fame of Joshua was known throughout all the country.
TEACHER SUGGESTIONS: Salvation and faith is emphasized in this lesson. It is
important to obey God’s will even though we may not always understand it. You may give more detail about Rahab and the help she gave to Joshua’s spies (Joshua 2) to emphasize salvation. As always, adjust your teaching according to the age group in your class but always give a clear presentation of the gospel. Show excitement in your teaching. Know the material so well that you do not need to read from your notes.
PASSPORT:Issue the “Jericho” and “Honduras” stamp for passports of students who are present. Be sure to show the travels of Joshua on the map.
