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"Fall of Jericho" by Jordan Merritt

 
 
 

the story and the study

THE PROMISE:

“Now Jericho was strongly fortified because of the Israelites—no one leaving or entering. The Lord said to Joshua, “Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its best soldiers over to you”

Did you catch that? God meets Joshua before the Israelites ever take one step! He promises that He’s already fully given Jericho over to Israel! He inspires faith and confidence and then gives them their marching orders.

THE PLAN: MARCHING ORDERS

Let’s look at the next verse:

“March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry seven ram’s-horn trumpets in front of the ark. But on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the rams’ horns. When there is a prolonged blast of the horn and you hear its sound, have all the troops give a mighty shout. Then the city wall will collapse, and the troops will advance, each man straight ahead”

God has the prerogative to design plans that make the way for His promise. Obedience to his marching orders matter.

He could have just caused the walls to fall in one day, without Israel ever marching, but He instead chose to work in, with, and through their obedience. He does that with us too. An invitation will always come with marching orders.

THE PROCESS CHALLENGES our CONFIDENCE, CONFRONTS, and CHANGES US

God grows our faith, and each step of obedience is designed to challenge, confront and change us.

Our Confidence. God permits situations where it will be tested and challenged, revealing what is present and not present; demanding each one of us to come up higher. Think about what it must have felt like to have the warriors of Jericho staring over at the wall, taunting, hurling insults, possibly spitting, and who knows what else. Imagine how weak, utterly exposed and vulnerable it would feel, as a warrior, to show up, and simply walk around. All were challenged and tested that week with every step. Who’s report is to be believed? Fear? Pride? The mighty? The mockers? Or God? In what or in whom is our confidence?

The Confrontation. No one was left out. God put them all to the test. Imagine it from both sides. The chance to run (in the right direction - towards God) was there for all. Wise Rahab, full of humility and faith, is proof. Let’s let her words set the scene and posture our hearts: 

“I know that the LORD has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”

It is clear as we read the story from the sidelines that fear and pride were coming down. Those warriors who were strong in battle, were told not to battle. What a blow to pride. What a false confidence killer. The confrontation was real. It was on both sides. It’s easier to imagine being on the “right” side - but what if we are wrong? When other people’s faith or fear looks ridiculous to us and we laugh inside…what’s inside?

We can assume we are safe on the inside to think as we please… but God sure knows how to get on the inside. That should halt us and cause us to stare at God. Those folks in Jericho hoped they were safe in their little fortified city. Who was more vulnerable? Both. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). 

Jesus answered, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

The Change. Again, it begins with an invitation that comes with marching orders. The process of seven days, walls and circles changed everyone. Some warriors grew past fear and obedience to childlike faith. Others saw everything they had ever placed confidence in crumble. That shout was deafening. It represented a completed process. It represented that the change was NOW.

It was a simultaneous sound of victory and defeat. Scripture acknowledges that whatever we don’t do in faith is sin. So somewhere in that march, obedience must have turned into faith, because on the seventh day, the seventh time around, the rocks indeed cried out, but Israel’s shout of faith was heard by God and the walls came tumbling down.

THE INVITATION

God is not going back on His Word. He is going to finish what He started. Whose report is to be believed and on which side will we stand? Fear or Faith? Where does our confidence stand? To what does it bow? 

Friends, we implore you to put all your confidence in Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith. He keeps His promises. His ways are perfect. We are changed by His processes. Christ, Our Warrior King can be trusted as our sole Defense. Keep on marching - soon the trumpet will be heard.

Here are some battle songs to help you on your journey.

Remember, “The promise is the fall of Jericho”!

message from the writer,
jonathan lee

I believe the story of Jericho is so much deeper than a city with fortified walls.

Yes, it reminds us that God can use the simple songs and shouts of a few to tear down the strongest strongholds that humanity can build. But, it also should remind us that God can tear down any stronghold that stands against Him and those that follow him, including sin, fear, depression, and death.

We wrote this song to remind the listener that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If He did it then, He will do it now! He who the son sets free is free indeed!

message from the writer,
cliff preston

Getting to be a part of Fall Of Jericho has been one of the highlights of the last year. In my world we see so many people with these seemingly insurmountable struggles and hardships. Fall Of Jericho, for me, represents a defiant joy in the midst of these trials that comes from the understanding of the remedy…Jesus! Just keep marching!

message from the writer,
Sabin flore

I remember the joy that filled the room when the four of us wrote “Fall of Jericho.” When I contemplate the significance of this song for me, I find myself concentrating on its opening line: “Have you forgotten we crossed the Jordan and we were safe”… As children of God, we frequently lose our focus and overlook the ways the Lord has safeguarded, protected, and fought on our behalf. Instead of succumbing to fear, look back at what the Lord has accomplished for you, and continue moving ahead into His intended path for you.

fall of jericho lyrics

Chorus
Oh, in my own Jericho
I’m just gonna keep on marchin'
My eyes on a new horizon and
Hold like I’ll never let go
Cause you know how this goes
The promise is the fall of Jericho.

Verse 1
Have you forgotten
We crossed the Jordan
And we were safe?
We saw the wonders
But then we wandered
Away

Pre Chorus 1
But I’ve seen You move
A deliverance, a heavenly escape
And if I fear you
I’ll stare down walls until I see a way

Verse 2
There's always gonna be a giant
There's always gonna more fighting
But I know there's hope.

Pre Chorus 2
Cause I’ve seen You move
You gave me something none can take away
So I’ll keep shouting
Cause every wall that’s standings gotta break
Oh, it's gotta break

Bridge
I’m just gonna keep on marching
I’m just gonna keep on marching
I’m just gonna keep on marching
I’m just gonna keep on marching

Chorus 2
Oh, bye-bye, Jericho!
Listen to the trumpet sounding!
He’s always gonna keep His promise!
Oh, no You won’t let me go,
Now I know how this goes.
The promise is the fall of Jericho.

CREDITS:

writers: Sabin Flore, Jonathan Lee, Jordan Merritt, Cliff Preston

Producers: Jordan Merritt, Kaleb Frazier, Zach Saltmarsh

mixed by david riddle

mastered by joe causey at voyager mastering

COVER ART:

Photographer: William Read

Graphic Designer: William Read

Art Director: Jennie Lee Riddle

jordan merritt Bio

Jordan Merritt is a talented Christian songwriter and musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary Christian music scene.

With a passion for creating music that inspires and uplifts listeners, Jordan has written a number of powerful worship songs that have become beloved favorites of Christians around the world.

Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," moving anthem performed by Selah; and "Yet I Want More," a powerful ballad featured on Vol. 3 of The Emerging Sound project.

Jordan's music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether he is writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, Jordan's dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every song he creates.

You might also be able to find him singing in the band that he is a part of called "The Band Table".