Through the river Israel marched: How did they march through a river?

This was a miracle. Israel refers to all the descendants of Israel also known as Israelites, or the Jewish people. They crossed the Jordan River on dry ground during its flood stage, because God stopped the river and made dry ground so they could cross! They marched with the Ark of the covenant going first and staying in the middle of the river until they all got through. One man from each tribe was to pick up a memorial stone from the middle of the river to put in a pile where they could see them often. This was to remind them of what God had done for them.

Jericho’s wall came tumbling down: Why did the walls fall down?

God instructed Israel’s men to march around the city 6 days in a row. First, 7 priests blowing trumpets led the procession, then the Ark of the Covenant carried by the Levites came next, then the army. On the 7th day they were to march 7 times and blow trumpets. After a long trumpet blast at the end all the men were to shout! What an unusual battle plan! They followed God’s instruction and the large fortress walls that surrounded Jericho to protect it, fell to the ground.

Not one of their foes could stand: What does not one of their foes could stand mean?

Foes were anyone trying to keep Israel out of the promised land. When Israel obeyed God, none of their foes could stand against their coming into the land. He gave the victory in their battles so they could settle in the land of Canaan that God had promised to them.

Was it by great armies these battles were won? Joshua tells how it was done: Was Israel’s army the biggest and strongest?

The armies that Israel faced were often much much bigger than they were. The book of Joshua clearly tells us that it was God who was bigger and stronger than the armies Israel faced. Their job was to trust and obey God and he would give them ability to win the battles.

Just like you and I today, Israel had to trust God and obey: What does this mean?

Here is a clear principle for all time summed up in this verse:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6

A life of victory must be lived by faith in God.

We may not see immediate results like Israel did when we obey God, but we do have His promise that when we submit to Him ( make choices that honor Him) He will guide us. Even if the blessing is not immediate, we will reap what we sow!

The land was divided among the 12 tribes: What land and who were the 12 tribes?

Each tribe of Israel was given land in Canaan, the promised land. Remember the 12 sons of Jacob, including Joseph? The 12 tribes were the families that descended from each of those sons.*