The First Jewish Battle in the Promised Land: What Can We Learn Today

There’s something uniquely profound about the way the Jewish people entered the Promised Land. It wasn’t peaceful. It wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t a diplomatic negotiation or a political strategy. It was war. The first Jewish battle in the Promised Land was nothing short of miraculous and brutal—a reminder that the inheritance promised by God wasn’t just handed over on a silver platter. It had to be fought for. Fast forward a few thousand years, and Israel still knows this truth too well.

The Israelites in the Battle of Jericho, Digital Art

The Battle of Jericho: A Fight of Faith

When Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River, the first city in their path was Jericho. A formidable fortress with towering walls, Jericho was practically impregnable. Yet, God didn’t instruct Joshua to plan a siege or develop a clever military tactic. Instead, He gave a seemingly ridiculous plan: march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, march seven times with the priests blowing trumpets. Then, give a mighty shout.

What kind of battle strategy is that? It sounds crazy! Yet, Joshua obeyed. On the seventh day, after that final lap and loud shout, the walls came crashing down. Jericho fell without a single Israelite lifting a weapon against the walls. The first Jewish battle in the Promised Land wasn’t won with might but with faith and obedience.

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.” (Hebrews 11:30)

But don’t be fooled—faith didn’t eliminate the need for combat. The Israelites still had to fight the people inside the city. God made the walls fall, but the Israelites had to seize the victory. Faith led to battle, and battle led to victory.

Jewish soldier in Biblical times, Digital Art

Today’s Warriors: The Modern Israeli Soldier

The echoes of Jericho still ring in the hearts of Israel’s soldiers today. Just like their ancestors, modern Israeli soldiers know that freedom isn’t free. It has to be fought for—sometimes with faith and sometimes with firepower.

Take a look at the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). It’s one of the most innovative, resilient, and morally grounded armies in the world. It’s not just a fighting force—it’s a community. Young men and women serve, not just out of obligation, but out of deep-rooted belief that Israel must be protected. They’re not just warriors; they’re guardians of a promise that dates back thousands of years.

Soldiers in the Givati Brigade participate in a drill in southern Israel. Photo by Cpl. Shai Wagner, IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Think about this: These soldiers carry the legacy of Joshua and his men. They carry the same determination, the same willingness to fight against overwhelming odds. They’re not just fighting modern enemies; they’re standing up against an ancient spirit that has always tried to destroy Israel.

When rockets fly from Gaza or Hezbollah threatens from the north, Israeli soldiers don’t cower. They move forward, grounded not only in military training but also in the knowledge that they are defending the Promised Land—a land given by God.

Faith, Courage, and the Will to Fight

In the ancient battle of Jericho, faith and obedience to God were the secret weapons. Today, it’s still about faith, but it’s also about courage and readiness. The IDF doesn’t march around cities blowing trumpets (well, not usually), but they certainly know the power of unity and the importance of standing firm.

Here’s what modern Israel can learn from Jericho: Never underestimate the power of faith in the face of impossible odds. Sometimes it seems ridiculous to stand against enemies far more numerous, more powerful, and more influential on the world stage. But Israel’s story has always been about the small prevailing over the mighty. Jericho wasn’t the last time Israel faced a giant—Goliath, Rome, the Nazis, and today’s threats from radical Islam are all part of the same story.

Aerial view over Jericho City, Shutterstock

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Every time an Israeli soldier puts on that uniform, they’re not just preparing for battle. They’re stepping into a legacy. They’re saying to the world: We are still here. We are still fighting.

When you see an Israeli soldier, think of the Jewish warriors in Biblical times—those who stood on the edge of the Promised Land, hearing the trumpets blare, knowing that victory was promised but still needing to fight for it. That’s the spirit of Israel: faith in action, courage against the odds, and a steadfast belief that God will honor His word.

Conclusion: Standing Tall Against the Odds

Today, Israel still faces walls that seem impossible to topple—diplomatic walls, ideological walls, physical threats. But like Joshua, the Jewish people know that with God, the impossible becomes reality.

Next time you see news about Israel, remember Jericho. Remember the courage it takes to stand when everyone wants you to fall. Remember the soldiers who don’t just fight for a piece of land but for a sacred promise. And most of all, remember that God still fights for Israel—now, just as He did then.