Question XIV. How was Jericho stormed?

At the first assault of Jericho, and at the seventh circuit, at last “came the highest day, and the ineluctable fate” — truly a “fate”: that terrible judgment which the Lord had pronounced against the wicked nation of the Canaanites and the city of Jericho (Genesis 15, and above, v. 2). And since, as was also said above (q. 2), on that seventh day — the seventh circuit of that day, but of all the days [together] the thirteenth circuit — was completed, Joshua gave threefold commands. First: that the people should shout (v. 16). Secondly: that the city should be an anathema (v. 17). Thirdly: that, according to the pacts and agreements above (ch. 2), Rahab the harlot, with her own, should be safe (ibid., and v. 22). At once the commanded shout and clamor followed (v. 20). The walls of the city fell; and it was taken (ibid.); and what had been commanded concerning the anathema was carried into execution (vv. 21, 24). Rahab was saved (vv. 23 & 25). But whether those precepts were given here [for the first time], and indeed now for the first time — it will be disputed below (q. 13 & 14).