When it comes to classic Bible stories we want our kids to know, Jericho is near the top. It demonstrates God’s faithfulness and shows us how we can do great things through God when we obey. This Jericho Bible lesson is one of my all-time favorites– and so easy.
I will warn you, it is a bit rowdy and a bit loud.
But it’s so much fun.
PS If you need more things to do for the Battle of Jericho, you can click here to get my Jericho lesson pack. It includes printable activity sheets for older kids, printable coloring sheets for younger students, AND a trivia game your kids will love!
Also read: 10 Best Verses about Fear
Jericho Bible Lesson
Bible: Joshua 5:13-6:21
Materials: Bible, chairs
The lesson
First off, read the story in Joshua 5:13-6:21. Talk about how the Israelites were underdogs, and ask what the people of Jericho thought about them.
After reading and talking through the Jericho Bible story, we are going to act it out!
Have the students move the chairs into a circle. This circle is the walled city of Jericho.
Then, split the students into two groups. Half will go inside the circle, and they are the people of Jericho. The other half will be on the outside of the chairs, and they will be the Israelites.
To act out the story, have the students march around the “city” six times. In between, have them pretend to go to sleep, because that will separate the six days.
Meanwhile, the people of Jericho (those in the middle!) get to (nicely!) taunt the Israelites. They can say things like, “Go home!” and “You won’t knock out walls down!”
On the seventh “day”, have the students walk around seven times. The seventh time, they stop and make trumpet sounds.
Then comes the fun part– the people in the middle knock all of the chairs down, and then fall down on the floor, with the Israelites triumphant. (Pro tip: Have the Israelites take a few steps back so that they don’t get knocked with a chair.)
I told you, super loud, super rowdy, but so much fun. So much fun, in fact, that your students will want a second chance so that they can switch roles and be the group of people.
Also read: Object Lesson for Putting God First
Option 1: Build a City
After acting all out the Battle of Jericho, build a city! You can get some cheap blocks, but my personal favorite thing to do is to find a bunch of random craft supplies in the closet, and let the students go to town. You’d be amazed at what they can build with cups, plates, paper, straws, and more.
Option 2: Jenga
If you are looking for a fun extension for the Battle of Jericho Bible lesson, Jenga is where it’s at! You build a tower, and then knock it down… What’s better than that?
You can get Jenga on Amazon by clicking here. You can also buy Giant Jenga, which is even more fun, on Amazon here (affiliate links).
Option 3: Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho
Annnd the last idea for the Battle of Jericho Bible lesson is to learn the song Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho. This is an African American Spiritual, and it’s amazing. You can see the sheet music here.
If you want to take it up a notch, you can have your kiddos sing AND play Jenga. Here is a link to the video that I saw this on. It is so cool. You sing and one person pulls out one of the blocks. Then, you pass the block around the circle to the steady beat.
Full disclosure, I am a music teacher, so I often find music lessons and games to go along with my Bible lessons!
What is your favorite Battle of Jericho Bible lesson? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram @beccasbibleclass If you do this lesson, use the hashtag #beccasbibleclass on social so that I can see it!
And don’t forget to grab your Jericho lesson pack by clicking here!
Happy teaching!