Jericho March

QUESTION: What is a Jericho March?

ANSWER:

A Jericho March is what some may refer to as a prayer walk by a group or congregation. The purpose is to pray for or against something and ask God to intercede, protect, or change something. For instance, many Jericho Marches have been prayed throughout the United States against abortion or against gang activity in a declining neighborhood.

Other Jericho Marches have occurred to ask God’s protection over our leaders or cities or for revival to come. Still others have taken place around church buildings, asking for protection, blessing, or against worldly influences that attract our teens, or for almost any specific purpose. It is a test of faith, trust in God to move, and a test of obedience. These marches are patterned after the march on Jericho by Joshua as instructed by the Lord.

Jericho March - Joshua 6
In the book of Joshua chapter 6, we are told of the first "Jericho March." According to the Bible, the Israelites were led by Joshua into the land God promised them. They crossed the Jordan River and were instructed to conquer the land called Canaan. Jericho was the first city to be taken for the Lord. It was a city of false gods. Joshua was instructed to silently march around the walled city once a day for six days straight.

Then on the seventh day the Israelites marched around the city seven times with seven priests, placed ahead of the Ark of the Covenant, carrying seven shofars or ram’s horns. As they marched, the priests were to blow the shofars. On the seventh trip around, they were to give one long blast in unison. Upon hearing that long blast, the people were to give a great shout. When they did this, the fortress walls of Jericho fell flat to the ground allowing the Israelites entry to take the city. It must have seemed strange to the Israelites to enter battle by way of a peaceful march.

The residents inside Jericho were also surely puzzled by the six days of quiet marches around their city. But on that seventh day, they certainly believed their gods would protect them. However, once again the one true God proved He is mightier than all other false gods.

This Jericho March was the instruction given by God; it was His plan and they succeeded. We may not always see God’s logic, but He is faithful when we are obedient to His Word. If a church is petitioning the Lord for a revival or a new pastor, be sure, the Lord will provide. The Lord may call you to Jericho March in behalf of taking back your city from sinful corruption or for divine guidance for your leaders. Have faith that the Lord hears every prayer because He may again call on us to bring down some walls to restore His Kingdom.