What instruments did the priests sound to cause the destruction of Jericho?

The fall of Jericho is one of the most dramatic stories in the Bible, with its crescendo revolving around the sound of trumpets. These aren’t just any trumpets though; they were ram’s horn trumpets, known as “shofars”. Culturally, shofars have been used in Judaism for millennia, particularly during religious ceremonies and significant events, and they symbolize powerful calls to worship or alerts to the community.

On day seven of their walking marathons around the city, the Israelites blew their trumpets after making multiple rounds. This act was not random or whimsical; it deepened their communal faith and united them in purpose. They believed that sound had a spiritual power, and this echoed traditions where vibrant proclamations were connected to divine interventions.

Interestingly, archaeological studies suggest that Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, possibly making this event one of humanity's earliest documented collapses of fortified walls—both historically and literally! The number seven, steeped in biblical significance (think of the seven days of creation), adds layers of intentionality, representing completeness and divine perfection.

So when you think about the story of Jericho, it’s not just about big walls tumbling down, but about the collective faith, history, and divine timing that led a whole people to such a monumental moment. The trumpets not only marked the end of some walls but also the beginning of the Israelites' journey into the land they called home—a rhythmic and powerful chorus indeed!