The Walls of Jericho

God had a surprising plan to help His people, and all they had to do was trust Him and march. It is a story about following God, even when His way is a surprise.

God led His people to a city called Jericho. It had tall, thick walls all the way around, taller than the tallest tree. The big gates were shut up tight, and not one of them was open. The people looked up at those high walls and wondered how they could ever get inside.

Then God told Joshua a special plan. “March around the city once each day for six days,” He said. It was a quiet plan, and a surprising one. So the people did just what God said. The priests blew their trumpets as they marched, but no one spoke a single word.

On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times. Their feet went round and round in the warm sunshine. Seven priests carried seven trumpets made from rams’ horns, walking just ahead of the Ark of the Lord. Everyone walked and waited and listened for the signal, their hearts beating with hope.

Then the trumpets blew loud and long! The bright sound rang out over the whole city. The people opened their mouths and gave a great big shout, just as God had told them to. Their happy voices rose up together, strong and full of trust.

And down came the walls of Jericho! God had kept His promise, and His people walked right in. They hugged each other and cheered and lifted their hands to the sky. “Thank You, God!” they sang, glad and safe, knowing that He had loved them and helped them all along.

Thank You, God, that I can always trust Your plans, even when they surprise me. Help me to follow You with a happy, trusting heart.