Jericho was a relatively small city by comparison to what we might think of as a city today, a lap around the city was a whopping 1.24 miles. But the walls were at least 12 feet tall and at some points up to 30 feet tall and around 20 feet thick. The city was fortified and served as a shelter for not just the residents of Jericho, but for the surrounding countrysides as well.

The city of Jericho was considered invincible, and was though to be protected by Canaanite gods.

Jericho had a reputation for being the strongest city in the region, which is why it was a key starting point for Joshua and the Israelites. It would be a statement win for God to topple the mighty Jericho.

We understand from the passage that the people of Israel essentially watched as the Lord destroyed the city walls. Only Rahab the prostitute and all of her household was spared in the destruction of the city as the Israelites destroyed the city by fire.

All that they kept went into the Lords treasury

After the stunning upset victory at Jericho, Israel then took aim at their next battle, which was the small town of Ai. The only problem is that, the Lord is angry with the people because Achan had stolen some of what was supposed to be devoted to God.

God was not with the Israelite warriors when they went to battle the small town of Ai. It was so small in fact that Joshua’s intelligence advised that he only send a couple thousand men. Joshua decided to add to that number and sent 3,000 men. They were routed by the men of Ai and about 36 Israelite mighty men were killed in the battle.

The people of Israel were devastated, and terrified.

Not only had they lost the battle, but they lost after Joshua added to the number of warriors…

Joshua was also devastated. He thought that this battle signified the end of his leadership. In his mind the people had lost all momentum from their big defeat of Jericho. After all if the Israelites couldn’t defeat the small town of Ai, then they were no match for stronger Canaanite cities, and those people would be encouraged to fight against the Israelites.

So Joshua turned to God.