Joshua 6: Jericho’s Walls Tumble for the Church’s Sabbath Rest

Rev. Mark Jasa, pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Pasadena, California, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Joshua 6. “Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, and the walls come a-tumbling down.” This folk song speaks to the popularity of this story from chapter 6. Although everyone remembers the horns blasting, the people shouting, and—yes—the walls tumbling down, the story isn’t really about terrorizing Jericho. This chapter continues Joshua’s encounter with Yahweh, who appeared in the form of a warrior. Yahweh reveals Himself through His Word, and His instructions to encircle the city seven times on the seventh day point back to creation. The God of all creation, not just a small region, is creating a nation for Himself by giving them Sabbath rest in the land of promise. Our Lord Jesus saves His church as He saved Rahab and all who would repent.