Jericho city is considered as unconquerable, measured 225 meters by 80 meters with a circumference of 600 meters; surrounded by a stone wall 3.6 meters (11.8 feet) high and 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) wide at the base. There was also a stone tower inside the wall which was 8.5 meters (28 feet) high and 9 meters (30 feet) wide at the base with 22 steps. However, the Lord promised to Israelite that He had given it to them. (Joshua 6:2,16) Lord commanded them to march around the city once each day for six days and on the seventh day seven times. They had to march in silence, and only on the last round, when Joshua commanded the long trumpet blast was done, and the people gave a loud shout. The city fell. (Joshua 6)
Strange: Probably, on the first day when Israelites marched in silence around the city, the Jericho residents must have considered that as strange. They knew that Sihon and Og, two kings of Amorites, were defeated by the Israelites. (Joshua 2:10)
Entertainment: On the second day, it was like entertainment. Probably, more people peeped to see what these crazy Israelites were doing.
Why: On the third day, they must have asked the question, why are they marching in silence? What is the strategy for war?
Fear: Unable to understand the intention of Israelite marching around, fear must have gripped the people of Jericho on the fourth day.
Confusion: The march was in silent mode. Hence, they could not fathom the intention of the Israelites. It was a daily repetition. How many days will it happen? They were confused.
Routine: Now a daily routine, they must have thought, foolish Israelites were going to march like this for several days.
Judgment: On the seventh day, when the Israelites marched more than once. They must have been perplexed. They faced a sudden disaster, the judgment of God.
Failed to repent: Unlike Nineveh, this city did not repent though they knew how God had judged other nations. (Jonah 3:6-10)
Do I heed God’s warning and repent? (Proverbs 29:1)