Book of Joshua, Walls of Jericho (2025)

[bunniefuu]

JOSHUA: The prophet

Moses, once a prince of Egypt,

let us out of the land of Goshen

where we were enslaved

for 400 years

by the treacherous pharaohs.

[WAVES CRASHES]

[THUDS]

JOSHUA: We followed the pillar

of smoke, provided by the Lord,

as we marched through the desert

with the dream of Canaan

in our hearts.

The smoke turned to fire

to provide light at night

as we camped to rest

our weary feet.

As days became weeks

and weeks became months,

dreams of the Promised Land

faded

as our bellies grew empty.

But the Lord heard our prayers

and fed us with manna

that fell from heaven above.

Our warriors were tested

by the cowardly Amalekites

who preyed upon the weak

and weary.

The battle lasted hours and

we struggled to fend off defeat.

Prayers of Moses were heard

by God

and he gave us the strength

to defeat the evil horde.

Our faith was tested

at Mount Sinai

when many of the Israelites

turned to false gods

and wicked ways

while Moses spoke to our Lord

and received his commandments.

Those who challenged Moses

felt his wrath.

We camped at Kadesh Barnea

for two generations

to build our numbers

and prepare to enter

the land promised to us

by the Lord.



JOSHUA: The wait is over and

our march into Canaan begins.

We have passed peacefully

through the lands

of Edom and Moab.

Moses, Caleb,

and the High Priest Eleazar

have sent ambassadors

across the Arnon River

to negotiate with King Sihon

of Heshbon.

Your sons are about to walk

into the land of great evil

and unbelievable sin.

May the great and mighty Lord

of our ancestors guide

and protect them.

After so much pain and sorrow,

now, now is the time for us

to claim that what is ours.

We have sharpened our blades.

Let us use them.

It is my great hope

that Jonah and Eloni

can negotiate a peaceful passage

through the land ahead.

I fear for my sons.

Trust the Lord

and he will deliver them safe

from harm.



[LEAVES RUSTLES]

Protect them, dear Lord,

as they pass into the mouth

of the beast.

Avoid conflict

and remember your mission.

You will most surely be tested.

Your faith must never wane.

Tonight we dine in the land

of our ancestors.

And dine we shall.

[WATER SPLASHING]









I beg of you, kind master.

We have not eaten in days.

Please help us.

Filthy beast!

How dare you lay your hands

on me?

[SMACKS]



Such beauty.

[COINS RATTLES]

Bless you.

I truly wish it could be more.

We have journeyed

to this horrid land

to fill our purses,

and yet you must always find

a way to empty them.

Should I deny this woman

and her child?



[COINS RATTLES]

Now we must go.

King Sihon will not be pleased

if we are late

for our command performance.

[WATER FLOWING]

You cannot help everyone.

This is true.

But on this day, we aided two.

That is a beginning.

In this land of evil men

and cruel gods,

the light of good

will one day shine.

This, this I must believe.

The renowned Rahab of Jericho.

The court eagerly

awaits your presence.

We will not disappoint.

This I guarantee.

[DOORS OPENS]



[POURS LIQUID]



[APPLAUSE]



Come, Rahab, Sharon.

Join me.

Here, a place of honor for you.

My king, these two men

wish an audience with you.

And who are these men?

They're from the Israelite camp

on the far bank

of the Arnon River.

Ah, the Egyptian sl*ves.

Do you have tributes to offer

the mighty king of Heshbon?

We are a nomadic people

and do not possess riches.

We offer one very valuable gift.

Peace.

Peace for the king of Heshbon,

and peace for his people.

For this peace, we seek only

passage through your land.

We shall travel only

on the main road.

We shall not take anything

from your fields or vineyards.

We shall not drink any water

from your wells.

My king, such a great request

would require an offering

to our god.

You must ask them

at the very least

for an offering for Chemosh.

There will be no offering

for your god.

We serve only

the God of Abraham.

What is the name of your god

who is so powerful

you dare insult Chemosh?

We do not speak our god's name.

Your god has no name?

He has a name.

We do not speak it for it

would be a sign of a reverence.

You Israelite scum

come to my court

and ask my favor,

then insult me and Chemosh?

Know this, if your people

cross the Arnon River,

my army will destroy you!

The god whose name

you will not speak

will know the name

of a more powerful god,

and that name is Chemosh.

I believe we must

teach these nomads,

these Egyptian sl*ves, a lesson.

When your city burns, remember

we offered you peace.

When you watch your people die,

remember we offered you peace.

When life leaves your body

with the taste of your own blood

in your mouth,

remember

we offered you peace.

Speak your god's name.

[WHACKING]

Say his name!

[LAUGHS]

CHEMOSH PRIEST:

Say his name!

[WHACKING CONTINUES]

Shma' Yisrael! Adonai Eloheinu!

[LAUGHS]

JONAH AND ELONI: [TOGETHER]

Adonai Echad!

[YELLS]

Shma' Yisrael!

Adonai Eloheinu!

Adonai Echad!

Say his name!

[WHACKING CONTINUES]

Yahweh.

No, please.

Say his name!

Yahweh.

What is this you say?

Their god's name is Yahweh.

Please stop this.

You know their god?

I know of their god.

And you weep for them?

I weep for all who suffer.

Then soon you will

weep for yourself.

You will share their pain

and deliver a message

to the scum

on the other side of the river.







[GROWLING]



[DONKEY BRAYS]

[LEAVES RUSTLING]

[WATER RIPPLING]

[BIRDS & INSECTS CHIRPING]

[WATER SPLASHING]



You are awake!

They burned yours,

for many reasons.

Where am I?

The tent of my uncle Joshua.

Is he the man who pulled me

from the river?

That is Salmon.

He is very handsome as well.

I will take you to him.

There are many people

who would like to speak to you.

Can you walk?



I present the Amorite woman.

I am no Amorite.

I am Rahab of Jericho.

No Amorite you say,

then why where you in Heshbon?

I was summoned there

to entertain

with my dear sister Sharon,

who's fate I do not know.

How do we know you are not a spy

for the Amorites?

Speak, child.

Your men, they were brave.

King Sihon refused

their promise of peace

and mocked your god.

They were merciless.

I tried to help by giving them

what they wanted.

Which was?

I spoke your god's name.

You know the God of Abraham?

The pain I suffered was

but a fraction of theirs.

Yet when I looked into the eyes

of Eloni and Jonah,

as the Chemosh High Priest

continued to inflict

unspeakable pain,

I knew the stories

I had heard were true.

That there was a god

who stayed true,

even when times are most dire.

Strangely, I felt

there was a god

who will create a world

where the good are rewarded

and the evil are punished.

I am sorry for the loss

of your son.

The pain you feel must

surely be immeasurable.

Know that you can be proud

of him,

proud of the man he was,

his love for you and the Lord.

I will celebrate his name

for the rest of my days,

for he opened my eyes

and heart to the Lord.

A god I would like

to know better,

even should

I never gain his favor,

for I am a Canaanite,

and I have done shameful things

to survive.

You will stay with us until you

are fully healed,

and it is safe for you to return

to your people.

She can remain in my tent.

Bless you

for what you have done.

[SCRAPING]

Preparing for battle?

They will pay for the pain

they've inflicted.

We are 12 tribes,

but we have a common ancestor,

Jacob, the grandson of Abraham.

God changed Jacob's name

to Israel,

so we call ourselves Israelites.

This is our tribe, Judah.

We have been chosen

to bring the world

a great leader,

greater than Moses.

Salmon, perhaps?

Perhaps.

Can we do something to help?

We can prepare bandages

and the herbs

our warriors will need.

Follow me!



[CONTINUOUS ZAPPING]

Our Lord spoke to me.

You will be the one who leads

our warriors into battle

against Sihon and the Amorites.

You will avenge Jonah,

but you must not let anger

cloud your judgment.

I have faith in you,

and our Lord has faith in you.



I look at some of your faces

and see dread.

Perhaps there are those

of you who believe

we are not ready

for a battle such as this,

and think it wise for us

to scurry back

across the Arnon River.

I will be forthright with you.

We are about to be tested

on this field of battle.

Tested for the first time

in many years,

for we face a fearsome enemy.

An enemy who chose violence

over peace.

An enemy who is evil

and takes pleasure in k*lling.

An enemy who worships

wicked gods.

But know this, the greatest foe

will not be

the mighty King Sihon

and his chariots,

nor will it be his infantry

whose numbers dwarf ours.

It will not be arrows

that defeat us,

nor will it be swords or axes.

The only foe that can cause

us to falter is doubt

and fear in our hearts.

Doubt our Lord is mighty,

and fear he may fail us

on this day.

Trust that the horde

over there is tiny

when compared to our god.

My brothers,

we must have no doubt.

We must have no fear.

We must be strong, courageous,

and believe that

if we serve our Lord

and obey his laws,

he will deliver that

what he promised!

[CHANTING]

Look at them.

It is an insult they believe

they can defeat the chariots

of Heshbon.

Attack them in the middle.

We will drive a spike

through the heart of their army.

Destroy their mighty

Judean warriors.

We will feast on the livers

of these dogs tonight.

They appear to be weakest

on the left side

of their formation.

One might think

a flanking maneuver

would be the more

prudent tactic.

Or better yet,

let them come to us,

since we occupy the high ground,

my king.

No,

I will show the world how weak

these Egyptian sl*ves are.

Israelite worms of Egypt,

how dare you insult Chemosh

with your pitiful army.

On this day,

the blood of Israel will drench

the soil of this valley.

On this day,

I, King Sihon of Heshbon,

will feast on the hearts

of your dead warriors.

On this night, your people,

every man, woman, and child

will be offered to Chemosh

as tribute.

On the morrow, the sun will rise

and shine light on a world

where the Israelites

are no more,

and the god whose name you fear

to speak will be no more.

Hold, my brother.

Vengeance will come soon enough,

whether it be by your hand

or another.

Is there a man among you

who dares to challenge Sihon?

The great Moses?

Is he among you, or does he hide

behind your women and children?

Joshua, the great warrior whom

defeated the Amalekites,

fight me here

between our two armies.

[SCREAMS]

Salmon!



[CLANGING]

[THUDS]

[SNICKERS]

[CHANTING]

[SCREAMING]

[THUDS]

[CHANTING]



[WHOOSHING]



[CLANGING]

[YELLING]

[SCREAMING]



For Jonah!

JOSHUA: We were forced to

battle our way through the land

of the Amorites

and fought many great battles.

From the Arnon River

in the south,

to the River Jabbok

in the north.

[THUDS]

JOSHUA: From the

mighty Jordan to the west,

to the wilderness in the east,

we captured the cities

of Heshbon and Didon.

We destroyed all who opposed us.



[DONKEY BRAYING IN DISTANCE]

Are you removing yourself

from this camp without saying

farewell to Salmon and Achsah?

I am healed,

thanks to your kindness,

and I must return

to my family in Jericho

and allow you back

into your own tent.

Your family?

My dearest mother and father,

my brothers and sister Sharon,

they rely on me

and those whose favor I have.

You cannot leave now.

We have one more battle

to fight in this land.

Then and only then

may you return to your family

in Jericho.

I thank you for your concern.

Be assured, I have lived

in this land all my years

and know how to journey

to Jericho safely.

Now, if you please step aside,

unless your true motive

to keep me here is

because I lack your trust.

I keep you here only

for your well-being.

If you have a great desire

to leave us,

I will not stand in your way.

Your absence will surely bring

sorrow to some in this camp,

for they have grown fond of you.

And I of them,

but my place is with my family.

Our paths will cross again,

of this I am certain.

I hope it is so.

Please tell Salmon and Achsah

I said farewell

and pray for the day

I will see them again.

[CONTINUOUS ZAPPING]

How can we defeat

such a giant as King Og,

whom you once favored?

MOSES [AS VOICE OF GOD]:

Do not fear King Og.

I am going to help you

defeat him and his army

and take over his land.

You will destroy him

and his people,

just as you did

with the Amorite King Sihon

of Heshbon.



Witness me, the mighty Og,

a giant among puny men.

You march your army to the land

of Bashon

as if I should quake in fear.

Moses, your warriors humor me

as I watch them scurry about

like insects.

I will squash them.

Their wives will be widows,

their children will be orphans.

All who I allow to live will bow

before King Og

and worship Baal!

Our army can defeat this giant

if he be foolish

and faces us alone.

He will be defeated on this day,

and it will be by our hand.

Have you not heard

of the great and mighty Og,

the last of the Rephaim?

I battled giants and monsters

as big as the mountains.

I survived the great flood.

Why, tiny Moses,

should Og fear you and your god?

Does your dung-filled mind think

I will fall like Sihon?

How stupid you must be

if you think that is so.

Moses, I will pull the limbs

from your body.

I will pluck the eyes

from your head.

I will tear your heart

from your chest.

Make w*r with Og

and he will crush you.

Og, you will fall today!

Your people will bear witness,

as will your weak god.



This is the great Joshua.

[SCREAMING]

[CLANGING]

[THUDS]



[SCREAMS]

[THUDS]



[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Tell us more of this god.

Their god does not require

the blood of human sacrifices.

Little sister,

you are so foolish,

all great gods require blood

or they are small gods

with no power.

This is not so, for I saw

the fearsome King Sihon

and his army slaughtered

by the Israelite army.

They went on to rid the rest

of the land of the Amorites

who apposed them.

Chemosh and his followers

where destroyed by the Lord.

Even King Og is no more.

The Lord? [SCOFFS]

Now you take their god

as your god,

forsaking the gods

of your people?

Our dear sister must have found

some favor with their god,

for she made it out

of King Sihon's grips

and is here with us now.

For that, we should give thanks

to the God of the Israelites.

Yahweh, the God of Abraham,

the tales are true.

Yes, Father.

Change will come to this land,

of this I am certain.

A new day for us all.

[MUNCHING]

[INSECTS CHIRPING]

[FIRE CRACKLING]

It is agreed.

We cannot allow the horde

to remain on this side

of the Jordan.

Their military might

is something

we cannot stand against.

We must have Balaam

cast a curse on them,

yet he continues to refuse.

Balaam,

I know who you curse is cursed,

and who you bless is blessed.

I built your seven altars

and offered the burnt offerings

of the seven bulls,

and yet you have not cursed

this horde in our land,

but have instead blessed them

seven times

before my very eyes.

Have I not offered you

enough gold and silver?

There are no riches

that can make me go against

the will of God.

So long as he blesses

the Israelites, so must Balaam.

I can only speak the words

God puts in my mouth.

There is no way to defeat them?

They will devour

everything in this land.

There may be a way

to rid them from your land.

The God of Abraham

is a jealous god.

He will not share nor tolerate

their affection for other gods.

If the Israelites turn away

from serving their god,

who will protect them then?

A beautiful woman and a warm bed

at times

will fell a man more swiftly

than a sword or spear.

Call on Cosbi

and her priestesses.

[FIRE CRACKLING]

JOSHUA: Much like Mount

Sinai, our faith was tested in Moab.

Many of our warriors turned

from our Lord

and lay with

the Midianite temptresses.



JOSHUA:

Without the favor of the Lord,

the curse of Balaam fell upon

our people,

and a deadly plague

spread through the camp.

God had demanded we pass

through this land in peace.

The Midianites have demonstrated

they are the enemies

of our people.

Now we must destroy King Balak

and his priests

who bring this plague upon us.

We will send my son Phineas.

Let it be so.

[FIRE CRACKLING]

[FOOT FALLING]

JOSHUA: Phineas followed the

commands of Moses and his father

and led a band

of fierce warriors

into the Midianite camp.

Our people once again

were blessed by the Lord.

Balaam's curse was lifted

and the deadly plague ended.



[CONTINUOUS ZAPPING]

Yes, Lord.

MOSES [AS VOICE OF GOD]:

Your time to die draws near.

Climb Mount Nebo

and look over the land

I have given

to the people of Israel.

After you have gazed upon it,

you will die

like your brother Aaron

on Mount Hor.

You, like he,

will not enter the land.

If this is to be, appoint

someone over this congregation.

Give them someone

who will guide them

wherever they go

and command them in battle

so they will not be

like sheep without a shepherd.

MOSES [AS VOICE OF GOD]:

Joshua, son of Nun, has the spirit in him.

Transfer your authority to him

so the people

of Israel will obey him.



I will not be crossing

into the Promised Land with you.

Joshua will lead you to victory.

It is God's will.

Joshua has strength,

courage, faith.

It is he who will lead you

into the land promised to us.

Follow him

as you have followed me.

Trust him

as you have trusted me,

and victory shall be yours.

Love the Lord our God

and keep his commandments.

They are for your good

and for survival

in the land you are

about to possess.

If you are strong

and courageous,

God will be with you

and bring our people

into the land

he promised Abraham.

[YELLING]



Do not leave us.

I am not worthy

and our God surely favors you.

You will be

a great leader, Joshua.

You must have faith in this

as much as you have faith

in our God.

He will be with you

and will not fail

or forsake you.

Do not fear or be dismayed.

Go, return to the people,

for they are yours

as they were mine.







The Israelites will cross

the Jordan River!

They will come for your gold,

your women, and your homes!

They swept through the land

of the Amorites like locusts

in a field of grain.

They can already control

the eastern trade routes.

Yes, they do,

but how long can they last?

How long?

Ask the King of Heshbon

how long.

Moses is dead!

The threat is over then!

Nomads with no leader

are people without a god.

A flock of sheep with

no shepherd to protect them,

and we, we are the wolves.

If they somehow cross

the swollen Jordan,

my army will smash them

before their feet are dry.

I want your armies

to be prepared.

You don't need our armies.

Your walls will protect you.

Enough of this talk

about the nomads.

Tonight, I want you to enjoy

the hospitality of Jericho.

[WATER FLOWING]



The walls of Jericho wait for us

on the other side.

What is God's plan?

First, we must cross this river.

JOSHUA:

No.

We will wait on Salmon and Tola

to return with word on Jericho.



Be steady, my brother.



There is no way past that.

If there is a way,

our friend Rahab will know.

We must find her.

Our friend?

You there, stop!

We must run. Now!





Rahab, my rose blossom,

and Sharon, welcome back.

[FIRE CRACKLING]

Mighty king, why do you beckon

us to your palace?

Rahab,

have I not been good to you?

I brought you into this court,

plucked from the lowest place

of my kingdom and made you...

Your courtesan.

Yes, my most honored courtesan.

And when you broke

this poor king's heart

telling me of your desire

to leave my court,

did I not willingly let you go?

Yes, you did.

When you opened your inn,

did I not protect you

and your family?

And to you, lovely Sharon,

did I not grant you favors

as well?

You wear some now.

Yes, my king.

This is why I find it vexing

that you did not come to me

after you escaped

the clutches of the Israelites.

They held you c*ptive,

did they not?

I was unable to

leave their camp for some time.

You are here before

your most generous king now.

Tell me, what do you

know of the Israelites?

What are their numbers?

Intentions?

There are many women

and children

who seek a better life.

I care not of the women

and children.

How many soldiers

do these nomads have?

When do they plan

on crossing the Jordan?

I know nothing

of military numbers

or their plans for w*r,

so I know not what to tell you.

Their god is what

gives them strength.

Their god gives them courage,

great courage.

Their God does not need

the blood of innocents

to make their men strong

in battle.

He protects their women

and children.

He feeds them from the sky.

You say their god

is a mighty god,

more mighty than Baal?

More mighty

than the walls of Jericho?

Their god may make them

feel powerful,

but swords make us powerful.

Walls make us powerful.

Armies make us powerful.

We will see their god wilt

like weeds in the summer sun

if they dare challenge Jericho.

Now be gone.

[FOOT FALLING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER

IN BACKGROUND]



She is there.





YOUNG WOMAN:

She is there.

I thank you

for showing us the way.

Now you must remove yourself

from this evil land.

It is not safe.

[FIRE CRACKLING]

You were summoned

to your king's court?

Did your words betray us?

I spoke of your god

and his power.

Sisters, who are these men?

They are friends

from the east bank

of the Jordan.

The Israelite horde

you are so fond of?

The horde who threatens Jericho?

Dear brother, they are guests

in my house,

and you will treat them

with respect.

Tell us more of your king.

Will he meet us

on the b*ttlefield

or hide behind the walls?

He has heard of the power

of your god,

how he parted the Red Sea

for Moses,

how you handily destroyed

Sihon and Og

and the rest of the Amorites.

All of the kings in this land

quake in fear of you,

he most of all.

They will hide?

I believe this to be so,

for all of their boastful words

do not hide their true feelings.

They comfort themselves

with the belief your people

cannot cross the Jordan,

nor can they breach

the walls of Jericho.

The wealthy and powerful

will retreat to the inner city

behind the insurmountable walls

that protect it.

People in the outer city

will be left to die

while the king hides.

Joshua must know this at once.

Thank you for this news.

The men you seek

are with the harlot.

Now, what of my reward?

Your king thanks you.



[KNOCKING DOOR]

JERICHO SOLDIER:

Open this door at once!

[CONTINUES DOOR KNOCKING]

They will k*ll you

and my family.

You must trust me.

I have a way

with brutes like them.

[CONTINUES DOOR KNOCKING]

Do not say a word.

Where are they?

Who?

The spies.

There are no spies here.

Do not lie to me.

We were told the spies

were seen entering your inn.

It is true,

there were two strangers

here earlier this day,

but they have departed.

JERICHO SOLDIER:

Where do those stairs lead?

I am sure they headed

for the gate.

If you hurry,

you can catch them.

What will the king say

when he learns

you let the spies escape?



There's nothing up there

except bundles of flax.

Come back soon.

[SIGHS]

[DOOR SHUTS]



[CONTINUES ZAPPING]

CALEB:

It is God's will.

There are others who would be

a more worthy candidate.

Is it yourself you speak of,

or your son?

There are whispers

I hear throughout the camp.

The people doubt

if God is truly with Joshua

as he was with Moses.

They grow impatient and fearful

that we are so close,

yet we will never make it

to the Promised Land.

Do you doubt the word of Moses?

Do you doubt the word of Moses?

Do you doubt the word of Moses?



We thank you for your aid.

I will not forget your kindness.

Since I have done this kindness

for you,

will you show kindness

to me and my family?

I know the Lord your God

is God in heaven above

and on the Earth below.

When the Lord

gives this land to you,

will you protect us from harm?

Save my father and my mother,

my brothers and my sister,

and all who belong to them.

Protect us from death.

Our lives for your lives.

No hand will be laid

on any who are in this inn.

We will protect you

when we enter Jericho,

as will the Lord.

But know this, our oath

will no longer be binding

unless you have tied

this scarlet rope

from your window,

and you and your family remain

within the walls of this inn.

If you leave,

we cannot protect you.

Let it be as you say.

We've placed you

in peril for too long.

We will take our leave.

Go to the mountains.

The soldiers will be waiting

for you at the river.

Hide there three days

and the soldiers will give up

the chase.

Then you can make your way

back to your people.

I will see you

once again, Rahab.

My heart will be full

on that day.



[CONTINUES ZAPPING]



Lord, please command me.

What am I to do?

Are we to turn

back being so close?

Command me as you would Moses.



We've been hiding far too long,

We must move quickly

to get back to our camp.





What have you learned?

Is there a way past

Jericho's walls?

There are two walls.

One very stout and tall

that surrounds the inner city

where the king

and the rich dwell.

There is a second smaller wall.

This is where

the less fortunate live.

We may get past the first wall,

but the second wall.

Is impossible to breach

without help.

There are gates here and here.

Rahab and her family are here.

You've seen her?

We would not be here

if it were not for her.

What of the mood?

[SALMON SCOFFS]

They are melting in fear.

From the king to the urchins

in the streets,

they know God is with us.

It is settled. We will attack.

[CONTINUOUS ZAPPING]

JOSHUA:

My Lord, is that you?

JOSHUA [AS VOICE OF GOD]:

Yes, Joshua.

Lord, we have no way

into Canaan,

for the water is too great

for us to pass.

JOSHUA [AS VOICE OF GOD]: Take your

people to the bank of the Jordan and camp

for three days.

Then tell your priests to carry

the ark to the river's edge.

When the priests step foot

in the river,

I will part the waters

as I did for Moses,

and the people

will know I am with you.

Let the people pass.

Gather your provisions

and come and listen to the Lord.

You will know

that he is still among you,

and he will certainly drive out

those in Canaan

who stand in our way.

When you see the priests

carry the ark, follow behind,

and we will enter

the Promised Land.



[WATER SPLASHES]

Do you still doubt

God is with Joshua?



Come out of the Jordan.



They have crossed the Jordan

and are camped at Gilgal,

Your Highness.

The all-powerful Baal

must surely be offended.

Perhaps we have to

offer him more blood.

I have been offended.

I heard that they stopped

the waters of the Jordan.

Round up seven score women

and children

and give them to Baal.

Yes, my king.

Call the archers to the wall.

They will die

in a hail of arrows

before they reach gates

of Jericho.

Yes, my king.

[FOOT FALLING]

[CONTINUOUS ZAPPING]



Where is the manna?

It's come down every day

since I was a child.

God will not let us go hungry.

There is no longer

a need for manna.

The Promised Land

will feed us now.

My Lord, we have crossed

the Jordan

and Jericho is before us.

What do we do now?

JOSHUA [AS VOICE OF GOD]: You take the Ark

of the Covenant carried by four priests.

Seven trumpeters

will be before them.

They will be led by armed guards

and followed by rear guards.

You will march around Jericho

one time only,

blowing the horns.

Make no w*r cry

nor raise your voice

until the day

I tell you to shout.

Then go back to your camp.

Do this for six days.



She is with us.

How do they hope

to breach these walls

with swords and horns?

Their power must be in that ark.

Have your archers destroy it.

Loose!

[WHOOSHING]

Loose!

[WHOOSHING]



Do they quit without a fight?

They know Baal

is too great for their guard.

They will scurry back across

the Jordan on the morrow.

It has begun

and yet you have no fear.

I have lived a life

filled with fear.

As a child, I feared

for lack of food and shelter.

As a young woman, I feared

the king's whims

while in his court.

After I was released

from the court,

I feared our safety

when our fortunes took us

to this place in the outer city.

For the first time in my years,

I am no longer gripped by fear.

I know if I follow the words

of Solomon and Tola,

their god will protect us.

I fear we are most vulnerable

in these walls.

Would we not be safer

behind the stout walls

of the inner city?

In the palace with the king.

We still have his favor.

I choose the favor of the Lord.

He will see us safe

through this.

You believe this?

He will protect you?

He will protect us?

I do.



JERICHO CAPTAIN:

Loose!

[WHOOSHING]

Attack or be gone with you!

Are they not in range?

They are, my king.

It is their ark.

If we seize that golden box,

we seize their god.

His power will be our power.

Make it happen.

You and your men

must do it tonight.

Tonight does not give me

much time to plan.

Here is your plan.

You will go out there tonight

and come back with the ark

or do not come back at all.

You will not be allowed to enter

through our gates if you fail.





Lieutenant, you know the plan?

We will create a diversion,

you will take the ark.

Yes.

How will you carry

such a heavy box?

I do not believe

the ark is the true power,

it is what it contains.

I will find the ark,

take its contents

and slip out

before they know I am there.

Baal be with you.

Jericho attacks!

[GROANS]

[THUDS]



[SCREAMS]



[CLANGING]

Even the little Israelite girls

are mighty warriors.

[CLANGING]



[CONTINUOUS ZAPPING]

Your men are dead.

Lay down your weapon.

Achsah, the girl whose life you

saved, told me of your deed.

For this, I will let you return

to Jericho.

I must see your god

with my own eyes.

I warn you, do not gaze

upon what is in the ark.

What a wondrous sight

for my worthless eyes to behold.

Look away!

Why would I look away

from something glorious?

Your god is truly great.

[SCREAMING]

[FIRE CRACKLING]



We have met the enemy

and defeated them,

yet this is but a small taste

of what is to come.

How can we possibly

get through these walls?

We need grappling

hooks and battering rams.

The sword alone will

not bring you victory.

Do you think it was the sword

that parted the sea?

That turned the mighty

Jordan River into gravel?

Do you think it was the sword

that fed you all these years

in the desert?

We have what we need.

Faith.

Your faith has

brought you this far.

Your faith defeated

the Amorites.

This is not an open battle.

Our arrows cannot reach

half the height of these walls.

Do not let your faith wane now.

Believe.

Believe in the path

Moses took us through.

Believe in me.

Believe in yourselves.

And most importantly,

believe in the power of our God.

And through us, he will destroy

Jericho and all those who pray

to evil gods with hands stained

with the blood of the innocent.











[CONTINUOUS ZAPPING]

JOSHUA [AS VOICE OF GOD]: On the seventh

day, march around the city seven time.

After the seventh trip around

the walls, the priests will give

a long blast of the horns.

The army shall give a loud shout

and the walls of the city

will collapse and the army

shall attack the city.

Do not take anything

from the city.

It is all to be destroyed.



Baal will keep

these walls erect.

He will rid this land of this

infestation and their god.

Baal's power is supreme

and cannot be overcome.

You say this and yet they march

around our walls mocking us.

Mocking Baal.

Our arrows cannot reach them.

Our soldiers fail against them.

When will this end?

When will Baal put

an end to these sl*ves?

They insult me.

They insult Baal.

And you and your priests

do nothing.

Perhaps more blood

will make Baal look

more favorably upon us.

Perhaps you are right.

I will send the soldiers

to the outer city

to gather women

and children to sacrifice.

How many? 10?

20?

100?

One will suffice.

[SCREAMING]

[THUDS]

[CONTINUOUS ZAPPING]





Today is our day.

The Lord will deliver Jericho

and its evil overseers to us.

When we enter the city,

k*ll all those who dare

to oppose us.

Do not take anything

from this city.

Take no gold, take no silver.

Take no spoils, for everything

in this city is evil.

It is for the Lord

to do with as he will.



They blow no trumpets today.

The king has ordered us

to fall back to the inner walls.

What is to become of them?

They are to be sacrificed.

For Baal?

For the king. Now fall back.



[FOOT FALLING]

I charge you with the task

of going to Rahab

and ensuring the safety of her

and all who are

in the house with her.

We must honor the oath we make.



She was not in her bed

and perhaps fled to the safety

of the king's court.

Our soldiers

have left the walls.

Perhaps we should as well.

No, Father, you stay here.

I will go get my sister

and return.

I beg you to be here

when I return.

We will, my daughter.





[PEOPLE CRYING]

[YELLS]





You are here.

They would not

open the gate for me.

They will for you.

I will not go through

that gate and nor will you.

We must.

The king has abandoned

the outer city.

We will all be at the whim

of the Israelites.

Yes, we will.

And that is why

we must go back to the inn.

They will protect us.

They will deliver us

from this evil city.

If you do not believe,

feel my heart.

It beats calm.

I have no fear of death.

The only fear I have is my fear

of what will happen to you

should you not return with me.

But the king, he will...

The king will die this day,

as will all his soldiers,

all his priests,

and all the evil men

and women who hide

behind those walls.

[DOOR OPENS]

Will you come with me?

Be with our family

and have faith.





Men, do not fret.

March with the knowledge

God is with us.

Feel his power flow through you.



KING OF JERICHO:

What word?

They continue to march

around the walls.

Six times thus far.

Do our men remain

on the ramparts?

Yes, my king.

They carry no ladders,

no grappling hooks.

They are fools to think they

can get past Jericho's walls.

They make this king laugh

at their delusions of victory.

[LAUGHS]

[SLURPS]



Steady.

Be ready, men.

These walls will fall.

Sound the trumpets!

Shout, men!

[CLAMORING]

Stomp your feet!

[ROARING, STOMPING]



[THUNDER RUMBLES]



Ah, the famous Rahab scurries

through the filth

with the rest of us.

I wish no fight with you.

I wish for that.

Take it and go.

And that.

I cannot give you this necklace.



[CROWD ROARING, STOMPING]

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

[CROWD CONTINUES ROARING,

STOMPING]

[THUNDER RUMBLING CONTINUOUSLY]



[CROWD CONTINUES ROARING,

STOMPING]

[WALLS CRUMBLING]

[SCREAMS]

[YELLING]

[SCREAMS]



Now into the city

and destroy all those

who resist.

And remember, take nothing.

[YELLING]



[SCREAMS]

[CLANGING]



Remove yourself from the city

and do not look back.

Go!





Perhaps her family yet lives.

[SCREAMS]

[GRUNTING]



[THUDS]

[GRUNTING]

[CLANGING]

[CLATTERS]

[SCREAMS]





My soldiers failed me.

My walls failed me.

My god failed me.

Now, now I am king

of a pile of stones.

And you mock my worthless god,

mock me.

That, that will not happen.

You will die today,

but take solace

in the knowledge

that you will go to your death

after witnessing the power

of the Lord God.

I do not need the aid of Baal

to dispatch a worm such as you.

I will slay you and any

of your men

who dare face me.



[CLANGS]

[THUDS]

[CLANGING]

[THUDS]

[FIRE CRACKLING]



The battle is over.

We no longer need

to guard the inn.

It is time

to retrieve her family

and return to camp.

Welcome, brothers.

We are here to take you safely

out of Jericho.

We will honor Rahab's memory

by staying true

to the vow we made to her.

RAHAB: Am I to be just a

memory to you, Salmon?

Bless you and the Lord

for protecting my family.

Now we will go where you go,

if you will have us.

Yes, come with us,

but you must not take

any of your possessions

with you.

Nothing?

What will we do

with no gold or silver?

We will thrive

with the Israelites

without the sin-stained money

from Jericho.

JOSHUA: There will be more battles

ahead and struggles to overcome.

Our faith will continue

to be tested.

We must persevere

until the evil is driven out

of this land

and we can live in peace.

We will tell the generations

to come our story,

so they will be strong

and fight against evil

and injustice.

We will tell them tales

of the fall of Jericho.