In Joshua, chapter six, verse one, the city of Jericho covered about eight acres. It was a fortress city not just for its residents but also for the inhabitants of the nearby countryside. The walls may have been as much as thirty feet high and twenty feet thick. Jericho was considered invincible and protected by the gods and the Canaanites. The capture of Jericho was the key to Joshua’s whole war strategy, for it would demonstrate that Israel’s God was superior to the Canaanite gods, so the defeat of the Canaanites was sure.
It explains why the captain of the Lord’s host appeared unto Joshua. The inhabitants of Jericho were in a state of the utmost alarm: they were on their guard against the children of Israel. The commencement of hostilities imposed a great responsibility on Joshua, and success at the outset was, humanly speaking, indispensable. Joshua knew the magnitude of Jericho but did not rely on himself but followed the instruction of the Lord. The response by Moses’ successor is evident in verses six and seven, respectively.
The alternative was victory or annihilation. For the Israelites had no homes or fortresses to which they could retire. Joshua was therefore encouraged by visible proof that he was under the protection of the Lord. Jericho seemed intimidating, yet they had shut up all their gates and kept a very strict guard at them for fear of the children of Israel. The king, the people of Jericho, and their foundation did not feel safe among the Israelites.
Jericho resolves Israel shall not be its master. It shut itself up, being strongly fortified both by art and nature. They were foolish, and their hearts hardened to their destruction; the case of all that strengthen themselves against the Almighty. God resolves Israel shall be its master, and that quickly. The faith and patience of the people were proved and increased.