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!

Forrest D. Moyer, 1974