The Six-Day March refers to the biblical account of the Israelites' encirclement of the city of Jericho, as recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 5 and 6. This event is a significant moment in the history of Israel, marking the beginning of their conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses.

Biblical Context

After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. The Lord instructed Joshua on the strategy to conquer the fortified city of Jericho, which was a key stronghold in Canaan. The instructions were precise and required strict obedience to God's commands.

The March

The Lord commanded Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city once a day for six days. "You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. You shall do this for six days" (Joshua 6:3). The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, was to be carried by the priests, and seven priests were to carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark.

The people were to remain silent during the march, with only the sound of the trumpets filling the air. This daily procession was a demonstration of faith and obedience, as the Israelites followed God's unconventional battle plan without question.

The Seventh Day

On the seventh day, the Israelites were to march around the city seven times. "On the seventh day, you shall march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets" (Joshua 6:4). After the seventh circuit, the priests were to sound a long blast on the trumpets, and the people were to shout with a great shout. "When you hear them sound a long blast on the ram’s horn, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, every man straight in" (Joshua 6:5).

The Fall of Jericho

As the Israelites obeyed God's command, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapsed, allowing the Israelites to take the city. This event demonstrated the power of God and His faithfulness to His promises. The fall of Jericho was not achieved through conventional military might but through divine intervention, underscoring the importance of faith and obedience to God's word.

Theological Significance

The Six-Day March is often seen as a testament to the power of faith and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. It illustrates the principle that victory in spiritual battles is achieved not by human strength but by reliance on God's power and guidance. The event also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises to His people.

Historical and Archaeological Considerations

The historicity of the fall of Jericho has been a subject of debate among scholars and archaeologists. Excavations at the site of ancient Jericho have revealed evidence of a collapsed wall, though the dating and interpretation of these findings vary. Conservative scholars often affirm the biblical account, viewing the archaeological evidence as consistent with the narrative in Joshua.

Conclusion

The Six-Day March around Jericho remains a powerful account of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. It is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to His chosen people.