Daily Devotional | The Music of Jericho

What is your favorite day of the week? Studies show that Friday and Saturday are the favorite days for most. But how many of us would say Sunday?

In the battle of Jericho, a story that some Christians have known since Sunday School, we get a glimpse of how a particular day can be the most jubilant day of a week, filled with music, trumpets, shouts, and victory. But before that joyous moment, when the walls came down, we observe that the people of God fully obeyed each of His commands for six full days.

They were to march around Jericho each day with all the armed men (v. 3) and seven priests carrying trumpets in front of the ark of the covenant (v. 4). There were further instructions given by God through Joshua for the people. They were not to give a war cry or raise their voices; not to say a word until they were told which day to shout (v. 10).

What a picture of faith and daily obedience to the Lord! It was faith in the Lord that brought down the walls of Jericho (Heb. 11:30). From morning to night (vv. 11–12), the people had to trust in God’s Word before the outcome, knowing that the Lord had something greater in store for the final day. Indeed, God had something greater. On the seventh day, the Israelites saw victory through Joshua (Yeshua) over the enemy in Jericho in the Promised Land.

We too have something greater in our future! That’s why gathering with God’s faithful people on the Lord’s day can be the most exciting day of the week. It is filled with jubilant worship as we remind ourselves of the victory we have in and through Jesus (Yeshua).

Go Deeper

What do you think went through the minds of the Israelites as they followed God’s puzzling instructions? How does being mindful of our future hope (Heb. 4:9) influence the way we walk in obedience today?

Pray with Us: Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom we have to come together with fellow believers in our churches today. Thank You for the joy of joining Your people on earth and all the company of heaven in the unending hymn.

BY Brian Lee

Dr. Brian Lee is a professor of Music at Moody Bible Institute. He serves in music ministry at Maranatha Bible Church in Chicago and is an active classical pianist as a soloist and chamber musician. He earned a doctorate from The Juilliard School and has been invited as a guest artist, adjudicator, masterclass teacher at many institutions, competitions, and festivals. He and his wife, Helen, are the parents of three sons.