The Promised Land 

DEUTERONOMY 33, JOSHUA 1-5

            After the death of Moses, Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom.  He became the leader of Israel.  At last the Israelites were about to enter the land that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants.

            The Lord said to Joshua, “Be strong and brave, Joshua.  Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  You and your people will cross into the promised land in three days.”

            Excitement was high as everyone prepared for the crossing.  One the third day, the people gathered by the Jordan River.  The priests went before them, carrying the ark of the covenant.  The ark was a beautiful wooden chest plated with gold that held the stone tablet on which God’s laws were carved.  As soon as the priests’ feet touched the water, the Jordan stopped flowing from upstream.  The people crossed on dry ground.  The priests stood in the middle of the riverbed as they passed, holding the ark.

            The people came near Jericho.  Jericho was a large city with a powerful army, but the Lord assured Joshua that he would help the Israelites to conquer it. The Lord told Joshua to take all the armed men of Israel and march them around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day to march around the city walls seven times, with priests blowing trumpets.  The Lord promised that if the Israelites did this, the walls of the city would collapse and Jericho would be theirs. 

            Joshua did just as the Lord said.  He was strong and very courageous.  On the seventh day, with a mighty shout, the walls tumbled down.  God gave the city to the Israelites!

Return to Bible Story Index
 

(From Classic Bible Stories, A Family Treasury retold by Lise Caldwell (c) 1998 Standard Publishing.  Used by permission.  This book may be purchased at your local Christian Bookstore or from Standard Publishing (800-543-1301).