The Walls of Jericho

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Chosen People

Episode: The Walls of Jericho
Date: March 15, 2026
Host: Pray.com
Duration: ~31 minutes (excluding advertisements and sponsor messages)

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Overview

This episode of The Chosen People dramatizes and reflects on the biblical narrative of the Battle of Jericho, focusing on themes of faith, obedience, spiritual leadership, and redemption. Through immersive storytelling, the episode brings to life the tension, uncertainty, and triumph of the Israelites' conquest of Jericho, spotlighting Joshua’s leadership and Rahab’s pivotal act of faith. Listeners are invited to contemplate the interplay between divine commandment, human action, and the ever-relevant importance of trust in God's promises.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Challenge of Jericho’s Walls

[01:00–01:49]

• Joshua and his men face the physical and psychological challenges of Jericho’s double walls: a 10-foot lower wall, sloping rampart, and a 20-foot, 6-foot-thick upper wall, with archers poised above.
• The imposing strength of the city underscores the need for faith over military might.

Divine Encounter: Commander of the Lord's Army

[01:49–02:48]

• Joshua is confronted by a divine figure—"the commander of the Lord’s army"—who instructs him:

  “Remove the sandals from your feet, for where you are standing is holy ground.” —Commander of the Lord’s army ([02:35])

• Joshua submits in reverence, paralleling Moses' own holy encounter, representing a passing of spiritual authority and reinforcing Joshua’s role as God’s chosen leader.

Israel’s March: Faith and Obedience in Action

[05:04–11:44]

• The Israelites, led by Joshua and the tribe of Judah, march in a meticulously organized procession around Jericho.
• Priests bear the Ark of the Covenant, surrounded by soldiers, with a specified distance to demonstrate reverence and visibility of God’s presence:

  “It was the Lord who marched. It was the Lord who would carry out his plans for his chosen people.” —Narrator ([07:02])

• Joshua’s command to the people:

  "Do not shout or let your voice be heard… until I say shout. Then you are to shout with every fiber of your being." —Joshua ([09:15])

• The shofar (ram’s horn) blasts signify the Lord’s presence and recall priestly tradition, bridging past (Moses’ instruction) and present obedience ([10:48]):

  “Short blast for war. Long blast for gathering the assembly together.” —Joshua ([10:48])

Spiritual Leadership & Humility

[11:03–11:44]

• A tender memory of Moses reminds Joshua, and listeners, of the vital connection between military, civil, and spiritual leadership, and the need for humility:

  “Never forget to keep the Lord at the forefront. And never, I mean never mistake your leadership for his.” —Moses ([11:20])

• Joshua’s longing for his mentor highlights the emotional complexity and weight of leadership.

The Test of Perseverance: Six Days of Marching

[15:20–18:12]

• For six days, Israel obediently marches silently around Jericho, blowing the shofar but never speaking, internalizing the cost and anticipation of God’s promise.
• The Canaanites are demoralized by this approach, while Israel’s unity and faith are strengthened:

  “Victory would come. The price was their faithfulness.” —Narrator ([15:20])

The Seventh Day: Breakthrough & Miracle

[18:12–22:59]

• On the seventh day, Joshua commands the people to march around Jericho seven times, culminating in a climactic, divinely directed shout:

  “Today you will again see the wonders of the Lord. Mighty walls of Jericho will fall before you… the Lord is already marching, we shout, for he has already won.” —Joshua ([18:12])

• Upon Joshua’s signal, Israel’s army lets out a mighty shout:

  “Shout for the Lord has given you the city.” —Joshua ([20:58])

• The walls of Jericho collapse in a supernatural event, visually and audibly dramatic (“the full-throated roar of 40,000 shook the ground like an earthquake” ([21:01])), symbolizing the power of faith and obedience.

Aftermath & Rahab's Redemption

[23:31–30:09]

• The Israelites charge into Jericho, destroying all except Rahab and her family, who are spared as promised:

  “Only Rahab and everyone in her house will live because she hid the spies we sent into the city.” —Joshua ([18:12])

• Rahab’s internal fear and relief are palpable as she witnesses the destruction but sees her home uniquely spared:

  “Outside, the walls were nothing but shattered debris... only her house still stood. It defied all logic.” —Narrator ([25:58])

• Salmon, one of the Israelite rescuers, reassures Rahab:

  “Rahab, you're safe now. No one will harm you.” —Salmon ([26:55])

• Rahab and her family are escorted to safety and presented to Joshua. In humility, Rahab expresses gratitude; Joshua, in turn, honors her faith:

  “Your faith has not only spared your life, but has also made a way for us to have victory today. As a very wise man once told me, it is our faith that defines us, not our lineage or our past. You can choose your faith. Because of that, you can have a new family.” —Joshua ([29:26])

• Rahab, adopted into Israel, begins a new chapter, foreshadowing her legacy:

  “You and your family will live in peace among us, and the legacy of your faith will be passed down through our history.” —Joshua ([29:58])

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Divine Authority and Holiness:

  “Remove the sandals from your feet, for where you are standing is holy ground.” —Commander of the Lord’s army ([02:35])

• Command for Silence and Anticipation:

  “Do not shout or let your voice be heard… until I say shout. Then you are to shout with every fiber of your being.” —Joshua ([09:15])

• Leadership Advice from Moses:

  “Never forget to keep the Lord at the forefront. And never, I mean never mistake your leadership for his.” —Moses ([11:20])

• Spiritual Purpose of the Ritual:

  “It was the Lord who marched. It was the Lord who would carry out his plans for his chosen people.” —Narrator ([07:02])

• Faith, Not Lineage:

  “It is our faith that defines us, not our lineage or our past. You can choose your faith. Because of that, you can have a new family.” —Joshua ([29:26])

• Rahab’s Unique Deliverance:

  “Outside, the walls were nothing but shattered debris... only her house still stood. It defied all logic.” —Narrator ([25:58])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:00–01:49] — The daunting construction of Jericho’s walls and initial concerns.
• [01:49–02:48] — Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s army.
• [05:04–07:02] — Israel organizes for the initial march on Jericho.
• [09:15–11:44] — Joshua’s instructions; memory of Moses emphasizing spiritual leadership.
• [15:20–18:12] — Six days of silent marching, growing anticipation and faith.
• [18:12–22:59] — The seventh day: the command to shout, collapse of the walls, and charge.
• [23:31–25:58] — The destruction within Jericho and Rahab’s survival.
• [26:55–30:09] — Rahab and her family's rescue; Joshua’s affirmation of Rahab’s faith and new identity.

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Tone & Style

The episode blends vivid narrative, dramatic reenactment, and contemplative reflection. It honors the gravitas of biblical events while investing deeply in moments of personal emotion and spiritual significance. The dialogue between characters maintains a reverent, sincere tone, while the narration immerses listeners in the sights, sounds, and weight of the ancient story, making its universal lessons accessible for today’s audience.

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Takeaways

• Faith requires both action and patience—displayed in Israel’s patient obedience and the supernatural reward.
• Leadership is a partnership with, not a replacement for, God—highlighted in the distinction between Joshua’s military role and his spiritual humility.
• Redemption and belonging are matters of faith, not heritage—embodied by Rahab’s deliverance and integration into God’s people.

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For further prayer, study, or spiritual resources, listeners are encouraged to explore the Pray.com app as suggested in the episode.

Transcript

[Paul Coltofianu]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Guaranteed Human hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is Stock up savings time now through March 31st. Spring in for store wide deals and earn four times the points. Look for in store tax to earn on eligible items from Smart Water, Healthy Choice, Continental arrowhead, Red Bull, St James, Tillamook and Special K. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up or deliver restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Previously on the Chosen People why did you help us? I heard of the miracles of your God, the parting of the Red Sea, the victories in Moab against impossible odds. Many here dismiss these stories as exaggerations, but I know the truth. I believe your God is God of heaven above and earth below. I believe you will take this city and claim the land.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Hang a scar the cord in this window so we can keep our oath to protect your family when we enter the land. Bring all your family into your house. Anyone who leaves will be responsible for their own death. If anyone inside is harmed, we are at fault. But if you reveal our mission, the oath is void. And what of the walls? Aye, our men will find no such luck with these walls. There are two of them. The lower wall is over 10ft tall. Then there's a sloping rampart where their archers will surely strike us down from the watchtowers and beyond it is the upper wall, and that one is almost 20ft tall and 6ft thick.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Joshua's hand instinctively reached for the blade on his left hip. He freed it from its scabbard a half a second later and whirled around to face the threat. A man stood on the bank before him, the sunrise silhouetting his frame. Metal armor gleamed in the pre dawn. He stood about 20 paces away and a great sword and shield donned each arm.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Are you for us or for our enemies? I have come as commander of the Lord's army.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Recognition smacked Joshua in the face. The though he did not understand fully, he dropped his weapon immediately and bowed low with his face to the ground in homage.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Tell me, what does my Lord want to say to his servant? Remove the sandals from your feet, for where you are standing is holy ground.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Click the link in the description to grow closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories, and so much more, all on the Pray.com app. Click the link in the description to get started.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway it is Stock up savings time now through March 31st. Spring in for storewide deals and earn four times the points. Look for in store tax to earn on eligible items from Smart Water, Healthy Choice, Continental, arrowhead, Red Bull, St James, Tillamook and Special K. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings step. Stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up or delivery restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.

[Public Investing Representative]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisors Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosure is [e-mail] disclosures.

[Electric For All Representative]

You ever wonder how far an EV can take you on one charge? Well, most people drive about 40 miles a day, which means you can do all daily stuff no problem. Go to work, grab the kids at school, get the groceries and still have enough charge to visit your in laws in the next county. But they don't need to know that. And the best part? You won't have to buy gas at all. The way forward is electric. Explore EVs that fit your life at electricforall.org

[Paul Coltofianu]

the booming of 40,000 pairs of feet marching forward was punctuated by sharp spears hammering into the gravel. Everything thrummed to the rhythm of war drums. The sound reverberated in Joshua's ribcage, electrifying the atmosphere around him. The men were tightly wound with a contagious Frenetic energy. As the famed double walls of Jericho loomed larger and larger before them. Joshua's heart beat alongside the thunderous forward march of the Lord's army. Joshua marched with the vanguard, the tribe of Judah. When they were still a ways off the rear, guards still within the outer perimeter of their riverside camp. Joshua held up his fist. The deafening marching stopped, his men awaiting his command. The silence hung in the air like a thick morning fog. So confident in Israel's obedience, Joshua did not turn as he shouted into the now silence Tribe of Judah forward. The front lines of their force spread on either side of Joshua and immediately marched forward. Caleb at the helm. They marched until they neared an archer's bow range from the city and then halted and turned to face north.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Priests of Yahweh forward.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Now in the front lines behind Joshua. The seven priests Joshua had selected stepped forward ahead of the Ark of the Covenant, carried by Eleazar, Ithamar and Phineas. The unit of priests moved together. The seven priests at the front carrying shofars. The Ark of the Covenant and its priestly guardians crossed the plains of Jericho before the great army. They came to a halt a thousand yards behind the vanguard. The tribe of Judah created a wall of protection between the priests and the

[Jonathan Cotton]

city tribes of Israel forward.

[Paul Coltofianu]

With that, the rest of Israel's army marched forward until they were a thousand yards away from the Ark. It was the same distance they had given the Ark when they crossed Jordan. It marked not only the reverence they held for their God, but it would also create a spectacular aerial view of the presence of God. From Ab, Jericho would know where Israel's true power came from. All of Israel's enemies needed to know who their real adversary was. It wasn't Joshua, nor was it the armies under his command. It was the Lord who challenged them. It was the Lord who marched. It was the Lord who would carry out his plans for his chosen people. The children of Israel, much like the citizens of Jericho, would be mere spectators to the glory of God Most High. The rest of the tribes filled in the space to the south and the north of the priests, curving around them to complete a gigantic circle of protection with the tribe of Judah as the defenders of the front lines. Joshua walked among them as they moved into place. They turned north and halted to await his next order. The entire company was still out of arrow range, but undoubtedly visible to the enemy soldiers above. Joshua smiled as he continued to walk among his men, standing at attention and imagine what an intimidating sight they were for the people of Jericho. No doubt they were shaking behind their walls. Good. Let them see what would come next. Joshua had received his orders hours earlier from the commander of the Lord's armies. Joshua had been told the city was theirs. Victory was within grasp. They needed only to follow the Lord's commands. Victory was assured. But the method, well, that was to be yet another trial of their faith. Joshua found himself at the furthest northern edge of the army. Jericho was on Israel's left. He shouted so that the priests and the vanguard could all hear him.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Remember, brothers, do not shout or let your voice be heard. Don't let one word come out of your mouth until I say shout. Then you are to shout. You will shout with every fiber of your being, every ounce of strength in your soul. But until then, the fire within you will be tamed. Do you understand?

[Paul Coltofianu]

Joshua felt their obedience. The entire army of Israel nodded as one to confirm that they remembered his orders from that morning. A half a second later, the seven priests began sounding their shofars and strode forward. The ark was in their wake. As they began to march around the city's walls, they blew short, percussive blasts, unrelenting and bold. The armed men on either side, the front and the rear guards kept in stride so that the presence of the Lord was protected as they marched. The shofar blasts reverberated off the distant city and rattled the Canaanite men's armor. And Joshua imagined the piercing, persistent sound was only enhanced as it echoed against the foothills of the distant twin peaks of Mount Ubal and Gerizzum. As they marched, and the short blast sounded all around them, A distant memory tugged at Joshua's mind and brought a sad smile to his lips. Now, Joshua, when the army goes to battle, the priests will sound short blasts of the trumpets. Can you tell me why?

[Jonathan Cotton]

Yes. It's so we will be remembered before the Lord and he will save us from our enemies. It's a reminder that the Lord goes before us and fights our battles. Short blast for war. Long blast for gathering the assembly together.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Well done, my son. You certainly paid careful attention when I instructed Aeronautic and his sons.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Oh, yes, Moses. I try my best to understand the duties of the priests, the army and the civil leaders. Want to serve you as best I can. You carry so much.

[Paul Coltofianu]

It is very wise of you to understand how leading the people and the army is interconnected with the spiritual leadership of the people. Never forget to keep the Lord at the forefront. And never, I mean never mistake your leadership for his. Do you understand me, my son?

[Jonathan Cotton]

Yes. Yes, I do.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Joshua's heart simultaneously panged with grief and swelled with pride at the memory of his beloved mentor and friend. Joshua longed for Moses to march at his side as Israel entered its first battle for the Promised Land. Lost in memories and complicated emotions, Joshua rearranged. They were rounding the last bend of the city of Jericho. The city stood on about eight acres of land, and one lap around the city took about half an hour. Joshua looked around. Priests and soldiers alike still stood straight and tall, their feet pounding the ground in time to the shofars. At the last turn, the vanguard led the men back toward their camp instead of continuing to circle the city. The shofars didn't let up until the priests crossed the threshold of the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant was safely back inside the most holy place, for this was all Israel was required to do on this first day. Joshua was sure there was confusion on the other side of the heavily fortified walls of Jericho. Jericho did not know that tomorrow would hold the same for them and the next five days after that. Each day would break their spirit a little more. But each day the faith of Israel would be on display, growing little by little each day as their God went before them.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is Stock up savings time now through March 31st. Spring in for storewide deals and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Goldfish, Keebler, Doritos, all M&M's, Drumstick, Altshine and Kellogg's. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.

[Public Investing Representative]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year. You can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures [e-mail] disclosures you ever wonder

[Electric For All Representative]

how far an EV can take you on one charge? Well, most people drive about 40 miles a day, which means you can do all daily stuff no problem. Go to work, grab the kids at school, get the groceries and still have enough charge to visit your in laws in the next county. But they don't need to know that. And the best part? You won't have to buy gas at all. The way forward is electric. Explore EVs that fit your life at electricforall.org

[Paul Coltofianu]

finally the seventh morning dawned. Joshua emerged from his tent, the animal skin flaps spraying him with morning dew as he thrust it aside. The cool flecks of moisture striking his cheek were electrifying. He felt alive with anticipation. He strode to the edge of camp to look out across the divide between their camp and at the mighty walls of Jericho, the battleground marked by faith, not blood. The ground gained invisible, the fighting take place not in the muck and mire of heated battle, but in the minds and hearts of warrior and priest alike. Israel had received her orders from Joshua every morning, and every morning she had obeyed march short blasts of the shofars around the city back to camp. Not a man uttered a sound, not that it could be heard over the cacophony of ringing made by the ram's horns, but Joshua knew that the men's obedience to the word of the Lord was of the utmost importance. He doubted the Lord would grant them victory if anyone had disobeyed his instructions had been so clear. Victory would come. The price was their faithfulness. Joshua squinted over at the city. It was too far to make out the details at this distance, but on their marches of the previous six days, Joshua hadn't seen a soul on the walls or in the watchtowers. It was as if the sound of the horns had beaten the soldiers back and they were cowering behind their walls and boarded up gates and windows along the walls. Though he could not see them, he knew they were there. They hadn't seen anyone leave the city, nor were travelers or saviors on the horizon. Jericho's final hour crept closer and closer, and there would be no Rescue. Joshua's fingers curled around the sword at his left hip and side. It was time. He turned on his heel and made his way over to where the soldiers and priests were gathered to await the day's orders. They had faithfully listened to the same orders each day. On those days, Joshua warned the troops daily to not shout or let their voices be heard. He reminded them that when he told them to shout, they would let up a roar the likes of which Canaan had never heard before. Joshua stood before Israel that morning as if the entire world stood still. Today felt different from the days before. They could all sense it. The stillness that comes with pent up energy. A spring coiled and ready to be released. Electric anticipation hung in the air.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Israel. Today we march around the city as we've done these six before. But today we will not stop at one time around. No. We will march around the walls of Jericho seven times. Today is the day I ask you to shout. You will shout, for today is the day the Lord will give us the city. Today you will again see. See the wonders of the Lord. Mighty walls of Jericho will fall before you. Make no mistake, brothers and sisters, you do not shout for victory. You aren't conjuring some spirit to destroy your enemies, nor are you summoning power for yourselves. The Lord is already marching, we shout, for he has already won. The city and everything in it are set apart for the Lord. Only Rahab and everyone in her house will live because she hid the spies we sent into the city. You know her house by the scarlet cord hanging in the window. You are to pass by and let them live again. I tell you, keep yourself from the things set apart. You will be set apart for destruction. If you take take any of those things, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and make trouble for it. All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and silver are dedicated to the Lord and must go into the Lord's treasury. Now, brothers, the sun is rising. Let us march on the wall of Jericho for a final time. And when I tell you to shout, you will know what to do. Rak Shazak, Amatz, be strong and courageous.

[Paul Coltofianu]

With a final war cry from the men, they again fell silent. As they fell into line, the march began. The vanguard led the way. Then the priests blowing their ram's horns. Then the ark, and then the rear guard. The sound of horns pierced the silent morning. The Israelites made their way around the length of the city. They circled it once, three times, four times, five times, six times, seven times. The priests held a Prolonged note as the last soldier completed his circuit. It was a stark difference from the relentless staccato of the short blasts. There was a half heartbeat of silence when the prolonged note ended. It was a most welcome balm to Joshua's ears and he could almost feel the sigh of relief of their enemies behind the wall. But he didn't let the moment last

[Jonathan Cotton]

shout for the Lord has given you the city.

[Paul Coltofianu]

The troops gave a great shout. The full throated roar of 40,000 shook the ground like an earthquake. Joshua fought the urge to look down to see if it was so. Instead, he kept his eyes fixed on the great walls before them. Cracks began forming in the solid rock. The inner and outer walls they spider webbed out in response to the trembling of the foundation, shaking the deep into its core. The cracks rippled through the length of the walls, wrapping around edges and out of sight. The tiles of the watchtowers fell first. They rattled against one another, and the first one fell and shattered on the gravel far below. As if the first one had given permission. More followed, and soon the rules slid off entirely. Then the walls started to crumble before their very eyes. Larger and larger portions collaps, revealing panicking soldiers scrambling to grab hold of the walls and ledges. But they found no purchase. Their cries drowned in the sound and chaos of the falling stones, bricks and mud. The inner wall deteriorated first. The debris tumbled down the corridor between the two city walls and into the sloped rampart and then collided spectacularly with the outer wall. The force of the rubble hitting the base brought down the already crumbling top heavy walls with crash. Then all went silent. A plume of dust shot toward the sky and rained down. The wave of dust that swept across the plains had an air of finality to it. And as it dissipated, Joshua released a final roar.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Charge. Rakshasakamatz. Be strong and courageous.

[Paul Coltofianu]

With another mighty shout, Israelites stormed forward to take the city. They sprang over the rubble and the collapsed, mangled gates and said to their destruction, as commanded. Joshua charged in first, leaping with the veracity of a man half his age. His first downward swipe met the shoulder of a guard. The second swing went sideways to block a spearman thrusting forward. Caleb finished the job with a decisive blow with an axe.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Save some for me.

[Paul Coltofianu]

You have to keep up, old man.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Watch and learn.

[Paul Coltofianu]

The elder warriors of Israel pressed in with an otherworldly fierceness. Every soldier fell before them. The children of Israel pressed forward. The spoils of the city would go to the Lord and no man was to take plunder nor prisoner. The Corruption of the city was not permitted to grow. Instead, it would be ripped out, root and stem in a matter of hours. The batt of Jericho was won and no one was spared save the woman with remarkable faith in the God of Israel who lived in the house marked by the scarlet cord. Rahab trembled from head to toe, but forced herself to stay crouched and hidden. Her limbs were tight and stiff, barking at her to move and stretch, but her fear would allow no such thing.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Thing.

[Paul Coltofianu]

The screaming of her neighbors had died away some time ago, and they had not heard the crunch of soldiers footsteps In a while. Her family was huddled around her. Tentatively, her father and siblings peered up at her, their fearful eyes asking the question, will we survive? In response, Rahab summoned her courage to stand. She would need to get a handle on her surroundings to decide their next move, but that would involve leaving their hiding place. She balled her fists and willed herself not to shake as she crept quietly to the window and peered out. Despite hearing the commotion, nothing could have prepared her for what she saw. Outside, the walls were nothing but shattered debris and rubble. Defenders of Jericho lay dead and sprawled along broken walls or crushed beneath the stones. Rahab gaped as she realized that only her house still stood. The wall her family was huddled against made up part of the inner wall of Jericho. It defied all logic. Rahab didn't need to look further into the city to know that everyone within the wall was dead. She had heard enough of the butchering to know the truth. They had gone to every house.

[Jonathan Cotton]

House.

[Paul Coltofianu]

None were left, but they did not come there to her home. Her heart knew the truth. She and her family were the only survivors in Jericho. Rahab looked back at her family and shook her head. Silence hung between them, and she was not sure what would happen next. She looked up toward the front of her house where the scarlet cord hung in the window. She slumped down the wall and held her young siblings close as they cried softly into her shoulder. She took comfort in watching the cords sway in the breeze. For a time, no one spoke a word to one another. Rahab jolted upright. There were footsteps on the stairs below the hallway where she hid with her family. Steps grew undeniably closer and closer. She felt her family, 10, preparing themselves for fight or flight. Rahab rolled her shoulders back, prepared for whatever threat burst through the door. The footsteps grew louder and louder until finally the door swung open. Rahab jumped, and then she sobbed a cry of relief. Salmon entered with a warm look of concern. He looked as relieved as she did to see that everyone had survived. Salmon hurried towards her and knelt down to her. She was still trembling. His large, strong hands gripped her shoulders as she swayed with relief. Rahab, you're safe now. No one will harm you. Rahab found herself still clinging to Salman's arms. She was not ready to let go, not just yet. Luckily, he didn't seem to mind. You came back. Salman nodded. His eyes had not left hers. As he helped her to her feet, she found herself similarly unwilling to break his gaze. My family and I are in your debt. Thank you. Thank you for sparing our lives. You helped us when you could have

[Jonathan Cotton]

easily gave us away. You remained faithful and stayed in your

[Paul Coltofianu]

homes when you could have run. You're an Israelite now. Thank you.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Thank you. Come.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Come.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Your family will be safe with me.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Salmon led Rahab down the stairs, out of the house, and over the rubble of the fallen walls. He held her hand all the while. Rahab kept her gaze on the uneven terrain before her. When necessary, or fixed on the back of her rescuer, Salmon did not drop her hand until she stood before the leader of the Israelites and she flung herself on the ground before him. In gratitude. She heard her family do the same around her. Your Highness, King of Israel, follower of the One True, I cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you for sparing our lives. Thank you for honoring your oath and sending your servants Caleb and Salmon to rescue us. The leader bent and kindly pulled Rahab back to her feet. There was a steadiness to him, an unwavering air of integrity.

[Jonathan Cotton]

My dear, no. I'm not a king. Israel has no king.

[Public Investing Representative]

Really?

[Jonathan Cotton]

It's I who should be falling at your feet in thanks. Salman here tells me you showed courage. Your faith has not only spared your life, but has also made a way for us to have victory today. As a very wise man once told me, it is our faith that defines us, not our lineage or our past. You can choose your faith. Because of that, you can have a new family.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Rahab. Rahab followed the Israelite leader's gaze back to where Salmon was standing. He was staring steadily back at her.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Come, Rahab. I will tell you all about our God and his ways. You and your family will live in peace among us, and the legacy of your faith will be passed down through our history.

[Paul Coltofianu]

From this day on, Rahab followed Joshua and Salmon away from the wreckage. Prepared plumes of smoke and dust covered the city. Rahab stole one last glance at her home. She was happy to be rid of it and hopeful for what the future held. She glanced forward at Salman and allowed herself to smile. The future looked bright. If today's reading moved you, the Pray.com app is where you can go deep with daily prayers, Bible plans and more. Download it Free link in the description this pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review hey, it's

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Electric For All Representative]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

you're

[Public Investing Representative]

listening to a podcast, so you're doing something else too.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Like maybe scrolling home listings on Redfin, saving places you like without thinking you'll get them.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Because that's what house hunting has become.

[Paul Coltofianu]

But Redfin isn't built for endless browsing. It's built to help you find and own a home.

[Public Investing Representative]

Redfin agents close twice as many deals as other agents, which means when you

[Paul Coltofianu]

find a place you love, you've got a real shot at getting it.

[Public Investing Representative]

It Redfin helps turn saved listings into real addresses. Get [e-mail] own the dream this is

[Paul Coltofianu]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

but how we

[Paul Coltofianu]

handle these distractions can be a matter

[Ryan Seacrest]

of life or death.

[Jonathan Cotton]

Before you get on the road for

[Paul Coltofianu]

your next road trip, please put your phones on silent and take a mental

[Ryan Seacrest]

note to focus on driving.

[Paul Coltofianu]

Paid for by NHTSA this is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.