Lesson Plan for the History Around Biblical Times: The Fall of Jericho

The Fall of Jericho, a pivotal episode in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, is chronicled in the Book of Joshua, encapsulating a saga of divine guidance, strategic ingenuity, and a city's dramatic collapse.

Historical Background: Jericho, believed to be one of the world's oldest inhabited cities, occupied a strategic location near the Jordan River. Archaeological evidence supports its existence during the Bronze Age, aligning with the general timeframe of the biblical narrative. The city was fortified with imposing walls, an emblem of ancient urban defense.

Events Leading to the Fall:

Crossing the Jordan River: The Israelites, led by Joshua, crossed the Jordan River miraculously during the harvest season, symbolizing divine favor and the commencement of their conquest.

Circumcision at Gilgal: Following the crossing, the Israelites underwent circumcision at Gilgal, signifying their commitment to the covenant. This period also marked the observance of the Passover.

Encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army: Joshua's encounter with a divine figure, often identified as the Commander of the Lord's Army, reinforced the sacred nature of the impending conquest.

Siege of Jericho: Guided by divine instructions, the Israelites executed a unique military strategy. They circled the city once a day for six days, with priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, after circling the city seven times, they shouted, and the walls miraculously collapsed.

Historical Comparisons: While the biblical narrative emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jericho's fall, historical comparisons reveal recurrent themes in the ancient world:

Mesopotamian Sieges: Instances of city sieges in Mesopotamian history, such as the Sumerian city of Ur and the Akkadian city of Agade, offer parallels in the broader context of fortified cities succumbing to military actions.

Egyptian Military Campaigns: Pharaoh Thutmose III's military campaigns in the Levant, as documented on the famous Annals of Thutmose III, highlight the strategic importance of fortified cities during the New Kingdom of Egypt.

Mycenaean Collapse: The collapse of Mycenaean citadels, including Mycenae itself, shares similarities with the concept of fortified city centers facing internal or external challenges leading to decline.

Assyrian Conquests: The Assyrian Empire's military campaigns against fortified cities during the Neo-Assyrian period, as recorded in annals and reliefs, draw parallels with the strategic considerations in Jericho.

The Fall of Jericho, whether viewed through a biblical or historical lens, remains an intriguing episode that reflects the complexities of ancient warfare, the significance of city fortifications, and the interplay of divine intervention and human agency in shaping the course of history.

Around the Same Time:

The city of Jericho, with its formidable walls, stood as a formidable obstacle, yet the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, witnessed a miraculous and strategic event that has reverberated through the corridors of time.

Hittite Empire (c. 1600–1178 BC): While slightly preceding the Israelite conquest, the Hittite Empire in Anatolia faced military challenges involving fortified cities. The Hittites employed sophisticated military strategies, reflecting a parallel theme of conquest and strategic warfare.

New Kingdom of Egypt (c. 1550–1070 BC): The New Kingdom in Egypt, with its military campaigns and fortified cities, provides a broader context. The events during the reigns of Pharaohs Thutmose III and Amenhotep II align with the timeline of the Israelite conquest, showcasing concurrent military activities in the ancient Near East.

Mycenaean Greece (c. 1600–1100 BC): The collapse of Mycenaean citadels during the Late Bronze Age resonates with the theme of fortified structures falling. The fall of Mycenae, possibly due to a combination of factors including invasion and internal strife, presents a parallel to the events in Jericho.

Assyrian Expansion (c. 1900–600 BC): The rise of the Assyrian Empire and its military campaigns against fortified cities, particularly during the Neo-Assyrian period, demonstrates a continuation of themes related to the strategic importance of city walls and conquest.

Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BC): Although the timelines don't precisely align, the decline of urban centers in the Indus Valley Civilization raises intriguing parallels in the context of urban collapses and transitions.

The Fall of Jericho stands as a testament to the divine intervention and strategic brilliance depicted in the biblical narrative. When examining parallel events from neighboring civilizations, students gain insights into the broader tapestry of ancient warfare, conquest, and the pivotal role of fortified cities in shaping the fate of nations.

Life Lessons and Thought Processes from the Fall of Jericho

The Fall of Jericho, a momentous event in biblical history, offers profound life lessons and avenues for critical thought that transcend the boundaries of time and culture.

1. Faith and Obedience: The narrative underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the face of daunting challenges. The Israelites, following divine instructions, demonstrated unwavering trust in a higher power. This prompts reflection on the role of faith and obedience in overcoming obstacles in one's personal journey.

2. Divine Intervention and Human Agency: The miraculous collapse of Jericho's walls serves as a reminder of the interplay between divine intervention and human agency. While the Israelites adhered to a unique military strategy, the ultimate outcome was attributed to divine guidance. This dichotomy encourages contemplation on the relationship between human effort and the unseen forces shaping our paths.

3. Strategy and Ingenuity: The unconventional military strategy employed by the Israelites prompts exploration of strategic thinking and ingenuity. The circumambulation of Jericho and the coordinated shout on the seventh day demonstrate that effective solutions often emerge from creativity and a willingness to step beyond conventional norms.

4. Unity and Collective Action: The success of the Israelite conquest was rooted in unity and collective action. The people, acting as one, achieved a feat that transcended individual capabilities. This theme invites consideration of the power of collaboration, emphasizing that shared goals can be accomplished more effectively through unity.

5. Symbolism of Walls: The symbolism associated with the fall of Jericho's walls invites reflection on metaphorical barriers in personal and societal contexts. Whether it be internal struggles or external challenges, the narrative prompts contemplation on breaking down walls that hinder progress and understanding.

6. Historical Parallels: Studying the fall of Jericho allows for exploration of historical parallels involving the collapse of significant fortifications in various cultures. This comparative analysis encourages critical thinking about the recurring patterns in the rise and fall of fortified structures and the lessons they offer.

7. Cultural and Historical Context: Delving into the historical context of Jericho's fall provides insights into the cultural, political, and geographical dynamics of the ancient world. This broader perspective fosters an appreciation for the interconnectedness of historical events and their impact on societies.

In essence, the Fall of Jericho serves as a rich tapestry of lessons encompassing faith, strategy, unity, and the complexities of human history. Its study not only offers a glimpse into the past but also provides a reflective lens through which individuals can glean wisdom for navigating the challenges of their own journeys.