Jericho!

Forrest D. Moyer

(1974)

On a plain near Jordan river

Once a stately city stood.

Fortress walls and towers kept vigil

O’er the massive gates of wood.

Jericho! Jericho! Stately city! Jericho!

God had said to Israel’s people,

“Canaan’s land will be your home.

But you’ll have to cross the river

Near the fortress Jericho.”

Jericho! Jericho! Fortress city! Jericho!

Two men came to see the city —

Spies from Joshua and so

They were hunted by the soldiers

Of the careful Jericho.

Jericho! Jericho! Careful city! Jericho!

Harlot Rahab knew God’s purpose;

Hid the spies ‘neath piles of hay.

Sent the soldiers searching for them

Out from her another way.

Jericho! Jericho! Searching city! Jericho!

Israel crossed the river Jordan

Into Canaan — “Onward go!”

Saw the towering walls before them

Of the city — Jericho!

Jericho! Jericho! Mighty city! Jericho!

Hebrews marched around the city;

Seven days their footsteps go

Circling ‘round the walls and towers

Of the city — Jericho!

Jericho! Jericho! Fearful city! Jericho!

Rams’ horns blow with people shouting;

Thund’rous rumblings overthrow

Crumbling walls and screaming people

Of the city — Jericho!

Jericho! Jericho! Crumbling city! Jericho!

Walls and houses, towers and timbers

Crashing down on helpless souls;

People running, crying, dying

In the bloody Jericho!

Jericho! Jericho! Bloody city! Jericho!

Cord of scarlet from a window

Hangs to signify the home

Of the helpful harlot Rahab;

“Save her from the coming doom!”

Jericho! Jericho! O Doomed city! Jericho!

O ye king and men of valor!

God hath brought you down so low!

Now the proud and mighty city

is the fallen Jericho!

Jericho! Jericho! Fallen city! Jericho!

Let your eyes be set on Canaan!

God can conquer every foe!

If you doubt his power and presence,

Sift the dust of Jericho!

Jericho! Jericho! Vanished city! Jericho!