Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

Guest (Male): We interrupt this program to bring you a special report. We take you now to Brink Chetley.

Brink Chetley: Invasion in the Holy Land. This is Brink Chetley in the Kids Radio Old Testament Action Newsroom, where we've been following an incredible story unfolding in the Middle East circa 1406 BC. The people of Israel are apparently getting ready to invade the land of Canaan, specifically the Canaanite stronghold of Jericho.

Ace reporter Lucy Cunningham-Schultz is at the scene. Lucy, exactly where are you right now?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Well, Brink, our camp is situated near the town of Shittim, just a few miles away from the Jordan River. To our west, beyond the river, lies the city of Jericho.

Brink Chetley: Why are the Israelites invading Canaan?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Brink, the voice you hear behind me is that of the leader of the Israelites, a man named Joshua. He is talking with his commanders. I'll get closer and see if he can answer your question.

Joshua: Understand we cannot move before the spies return. Until then, tell the people to devote themselves to prayer.

Guest (Male): Yes, sir.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Joshua! Joshua! Lucy Cunningham-Schultz, Old Testament Action News. Just a few questions, sir, if I may.

Joshua: If they are quick.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Thank you. First off, why Canaan?

Joshua: This is the land the Lord our God promised our nation's father Abraham more than 680 years ago.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: So, since your ancestors settled here, you feel you have the territorial right to reclaim the land?

Joshua: No, not just the territorial right, but the divine right given to us by God to take possession of the entire country.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: I see. Now, what is your—

Joshua: Please, I must join my people in prayer.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Yes, of course. Well, there you have it, Brink. The Israelites are claiming the land by divine right.

Brink Chetley: So this is a holy conquest.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: It would appear so.

Brink Chetley: Lucy, what kind of man is Joshua?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: He takes the leadership of his people very seriously. He publicly proclaims that he draws his strength and courage from God, and he fully intends to take this land as soon as he hears from his spies.

Brink Chetley: Thank you, Lucy. We'll check back with you later.

Well, the spies you heard Lucy and Joshua mention a few moments ago are part of a fantastic report by Old Testament Action News correspondent Lawrence Hodges, who broke this story in the first place. Three days ago, Joshua sent two men to scope out Jericho and the surrounding land. Lawrence was in Jericho on assignment when the spies arrived. For obvious security reasons, we could not air the report until we were assured of Lawrence's and the spies' safety. But we now bring it to you uncut and in its entirety.

Lawrence Hodges: It's evening now in Jericho, and I'm in one of the most popular places in town: Rahab's Inn. Its owner, Rahab, is here with me.

Rahab: Hello. Welcome. My inn is yours.

Lawrence Hodges: Rahab, why is your place so— What in the world is that?

Guest (Male): Rahab! Rahab! The King's soldiers, they're coming! Lock the door, quickly!

Rahab: What is it?

Guest (Male): The King's guards are coming for you!

Mattias: What? We must leave at once.

Guest (Male): They're on horseback. You're on foot. You'll never get away.

Salman: Then what do we do?

Rahab: Go up to the roof. It's lined with stalks of flax. Hide under them.

Mattias: And trap ourselves?

Rahab: I will take care of the King's soldiers.

Salman: How?

Rahab: I simply will. You must trust me.

Salman: Why should we?

Rahab: Because you have no choice.

Commander: Open up in the name of the King!

Rahab: Well, what will it be? Will you sacrifice yourselves?

Mattias: All right. The roof.

Rahab: Through that door and stay quiet. As for the rest of you, not a word.

Commander: Open this door in the name of the King!

Rahab: Mamdouh! Why all the racket? You know my door is always open to you.

Commander: Never mind that. We're on the King's business, looking for spies.

Rahab: Spies?

Commander: That's right. Sent here by the Hebrews to discover the best way to attack us.

Rahab: So that's why they behaved so strangely.

Commander: Then you've seen them?

Rahab: Yes, they were here earlier. Dirty spies! If I had known, I would have thrown them out in the street.

Commander: Where are they now?

Rahab: They left at dusk as the city gates were about to close. That wasn't very long ago. If you hurry, you can catch up with them.

Commander: Well, what are you waiting for?

Rahab: Perhaps I should search your house just to make certain they didn't stay.

Commander: Go ahead if you want, if you feel you can afford the time. I was under the impression that the King wanted spies caught immediately.

Mount up! And tell the gatekeeper to seal the gates as soon as we leave. That way, in case we don't find them, they'll be trapped here until we return. Then we will search your house, Rahab, and you won't like it.

Rahab: Windbag.

Guest (Male): They're gone, Rahab.

Rahab: Keep watch. I'm going up on the roof.

Lawrence Hodges: This is Lawrence Hodges for Old Testament Action News on the scene of an incredible development in Jericho. I'm following Rahab up onto the roof to see if we can hear—

Rahab: Mattias! Salman!

Mattias: Yes?

Salman: Yes?

Rahab: All right, they are gone. You can come out.

Mattias: Thank you for your kindness.

Salman: What kindness? You heard the commander. The gates are sealed. We're trapped.

Rahab: Perhaps. Whatever the case, you may sleep here tonight.

Mattias: Why are you doing this?

Rahab: Because the Lord your God is God, and He is on the side of your people.

Salman: You know our God?

Rahab: We have heard of His mighty deeds, and because of them, everyone in the land is melting in fear.

Mattias: That still doesn't answer the question. Why are you doing this?

Rahab: I know your people will conquer and rule this land. So I beg for this one thing. Swear to me by the sacred name of your God that when Jericho is conquered, my family and I will be spared.

Salman: Rahab—

Rahab: It's only fair after all I have done for you.

Salman: We swear. Our lives for your life. If you will not tell what we are doing, we will spare you and your family.

Rahab: Thank you, my lords. And now, I have a way for you to escape.

Salman: Escape?

Rahab: Over here. Help me move these bundles of flax. My house is part of the city walls. There are certain advantages to such an arrangement.

Mattias: A window. But we are still very high up. How are we supposed to get out?

Rahab: With this.

Mattias: A scarlet rope.

Rahab: Long enough to reach the ground. Go. Tell your leader of my kindness.

Salman: We will, Rahab. But understand, when we attack, we cannot be responsible for you or your family if you leave this house. If anyone goes outside, his blood will be on his own head.

Rahab: I understand, Salman.

Mattias: And know this. When we enter the land, we will not be bound by the oath we've made unless this rope is hanging from this window.

Rahab: But what if someone sees it?

Mattias: Now it is your turn to trust in the Lord.

Rahab: I agree. Now go. And what of you?

Lawrence Hodges: Me?

Rahab: Yes, you must go with them.

Lawrence Hodges: Well, I—

Rahab: Yes, no delay! Come! Come!

Lawrence Hodges: Well, all right, but watch out for the transmitter! Watch out for the—

Brink Chetley: This is Brink Chetley again in the Old Testament Action Newsroom. Lawrence Hodges' incredible transmission ended there, and we're expecting him and the spies to return at any moment. In the meantime, let's turn to our resident expert on Middle East affairs, Hassan Ben-Sober, for his assessment of this remarkable report.

Hassan, what about this spy business?

Hassan Ben-Sober: Well, Brink, you must remember that Joshua was Moses' protégé, and Moses also sent out spies to the Promised Land 40 years earlier. In fact, Joshua was one of the spies that Moses sent. It is very interesting to me—

Brink Chetley: I'm terribly sorry, Hassan, but I need to cut in. We're receiving a report from Lucy Cunningham-Schultz at the Israelite camp. Lucy?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Yes, Brink, the spies have returned! They rode into camp just a few moments ago.

Brink Chetley: Lucy, do you see—

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: They're talking with Joshua and the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel. I'm getting closer to see if I can pick up what they're saying. Excuse me. Pardon me. Excuse me.

Salman: We stayed with a woman named Rahab. She saved us from the King and we have pledged protection for her when we invade the city.

Joshua: Then you think it is good to do so?

Salman: Yes, Joshua. God has surely given us this land.

Joshua: And what do the leaders of the 12 tribes think?

Guest (Male): We await your orders, Joshua. We have pledged to follow you as we did Moses.

Joshua: Then tell the people to prepare themselves, for within three days we will cross the Jordan and go in to possess the land which the Lord our God has given us.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: You heard it, Brink! The invasion is a go!

Brink Chetley: Lucy, is Lawrence with you?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: No, Brink, I didn't see him come back with the spies either. Let me see if I can— Excuse me. Mattias! Salman!

Mattias: Yes, mate, what is it?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: I believe you met with a friend of mine at Rahab's, Lawrence?

Salman: A short fellow?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: That's him. He was supposed to come back with you. Where is he?

Salman: He didn't come. At the last moment, he decided to remain in the city.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Remain?

Mattias: Yes. I hope he is inside Rahab's house when we attack. Otherwise—

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Yes, thank you. Well, Brink, Lawrence must have stayed to continue reporting to us from inside the city. We can only hope that he's still all right.

Brink Chetley: Yes. Thank you, Lucy. Well, on that rather somber note, we need to break for station identification. Old Testament Action News will return right after this.

Chris: Now on the Adventures in Odyssey Club, Connie has a proposal for Whit.

Connie Kendall: How can I help?

John Avery Whittaker: By hiring someone else. I was actually thinking the new manager would, if she takes the job. What do you say?

Connie Kendall: Me? This seems like it would be a fun place to work.

Penny: I heard you were hiring and I'm very interested.

Guest (Female): I'm here to apply for the job.

Penny: Connie?

Chris: New manager Connie has her first big decision to make on the Adventures in Odyssey Club. Don't miss it.

Brink Chetley: This is Brink Chetley with you once again from the Old Testament Action Newsroom. The Israelite invasion of Canaan is proceeding apace. Three days ago, the Hebrews left their camp at Shittim and are now ensconced near the banks of the Jordan River, poised to attack Jericho. For insight into the military aspect of the situation, let's turn once again to Middle East expert Hassan Ben-Sober. Hassan, why Jericho?

Hassan Ben-Sober: It is the key to the whole region. If Jericho falls, the whole land will be theirs. But Joshua and the Israelites have their work cut out for them.

Brink Chetley: How so?

Hassan Ben-Sober: Jericho is a nearly impenetrable fortress. Walls six and a half feet thick linked together 30-foot battlements that tower into the sky. An assault from any side will be very costly. And the Hebrews have an even bigger logistical problem.

Brink Chetley: Bigger?

Hassan Ben-Sober: Crossing the Jordan River. There are no bridges there, and building boats big enough to haul an army the size and strength needed to capture Jericho will take a great deal of time. If I were Joshua—

Brink Chetley: I'm sorry, Hassan, but we're receiving an on-the-spot report from Lucy Cunningham-Schultz. Lucy, are you there?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: I am, Brink! The Israelites are getting ready to move. Commanders have been issuing instructions all morning to the people.

Brink Chetley: What sort of instructions?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: They're telling them when they see the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant, follow it, but don't go near it. Stay about a thousand yards behind it.

Brink Chetley: Peculiar.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Not when you think of the incredible power contained in the Ark. It— Oh, wait. Joshua is about to speak.

Joshua: People of Israel, hear the words of the Lord. Today you will know for certain that God lives among you, and that He will drive out the people who live in this land you will soon possess. Now watch as the Ark of God, who is Lord of the whole earth, leads you across the river.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Brink, the priests carrying the Ark are moving toward the water. They're stepping down into the river and— No!

Brink Chetley: Lucy, what is it?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: They're still on dry land. But they should be in the river by now! I— Look! Look, the water's separating! The river is backing up! Just as it did with Moses.

Joshua: And now, go forward into the victory of the Lord!

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: This is unbelievable, Brink! We're actually crossing through the river on dry ground. It's yet another incredible confirmation that God has picked Joshua as Moses' replacement.

Brink Chetley: I'm sorry, Lucy, but we're going to have to cut away from this remarkable miracle for a moment. We're receiving a transmission from Lawrence Hodges. Lawrence, where are you?

Lawrence Hodges: Lawrence Hodges coming to you live from the throne room of the King of Jericho. The King is talking with his advisors and they don't appear to be very happy. I'm going to get closer.

King of Jericho: All of my wise men are cowards!

Advisor: Your Majesty, please. Have you not heard of the miraculous things that have happened to the Israelites? How their God has given them victory over their enemies and protected them? Why, even now, they receive bread from heaven to feed them!

King of Jericho: Fairy tales! You're all a bunch of quivering children. Have you forgotten that it is harvest time? The river is at flood stage. The Israelites cannot attack us if they cannot get here, and they won't get here because they can't cross the river!

Messenger: Majesty! Majesty!

King of Jericho: What is it?

Messenger: I have just returned from the Jordan. The waters have bunched up at the city of Adam in the region of Zarethan!

King of Jericho: What?

Messenger: The flow to the Salt Sea is completely cut off. The Israelites are crossing over on dry ground!

King of Jericho: You are lying to me!

Messenger: I swear, it is all true!

Advisor: Sire, we must act immediately. Sue for peace now, we beg you!

King of Jericho: Sue for peace? Surrender without a fight? Never! Seal the city! Prepare for a siege! Double the guard on the walls and fortify the battlements. No mere band of roving Hebrews will conquer the fortress of Jericho.

Brink Chetley: Don't try to get him back. It would appear that we've lost our hookup to Lawrence Hodges. Hassan Ben-Sober, what about the tactical situation? Who really has the advantage here?

Hassan Ben-Sober: Well, Brink, the reality of this situation is Jericho is quite safe and secure. Once shut up as it is now, it is impossible for an army to breach its walls and battlements.

Brink Chetley: You say impossible. Can you clarify that for us?

Hassan Ben-Sober: Jericho has withstood the attacks of armies much bigger, better equipped, and better trained than the Israelites. In my opinion, it would be a miracle if the Israeli army survives even its first assault.

Brink Chetley: Well, we'll soon find out, for it seems the army is on the move. Let's go back to Lucy Cunningham-Schultz on the scene. Lucy, what's happening out there?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Well, Brink, we're across the river now and there's a real sense of purpose in the camp. This is due not only to the miraculous river crossing, but also to the fact that for the last 40 years, the Israelites have awakened to manna, bread from heaven, which has been the bulk of their diet. This morning, the manna stopped.

Brink Chetley: Stopped?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Completely. Some think it's a sign from God of their ultimate victory, but at the very least, it means that these people must now depend on the land for food. And to get the food, they have to have the land.

Brink Chetley: Lucy, have you been able to talk to Joshua yet to get an idea of the Israeli battle strategy?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: No, I haven't, Brink, but I understand that Joshua is going to speak momentarily. I can tell you that I don't see a lot of swords or armaments around, and that— Oh, wait. Here's Joshua.

Joshua: God's chosen, hear how the Lord God will give you the city of Jericho.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: This is it, Brink.

Joshua: The priests with the Ark will lead you, and seven priests with trumpets will walk in front of them. But you must not yell or give out a war cry or raise your voices or say a word until I tell you. Then you can shout. Sound the trumpets! Forward!

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: This is it, Brink! We're marching to Jericho.

Brink Chetley: Hassan, what does this mean? Are the Israelites trying to sneak up on the city?

Hassan Ben-Sober: That isn't likely since they've blown the trumpets so loudly. Also, it is very foolhardy to attack with such limited armaments.

Brink Chetley: Then what is their plan?

Hassan Ben-Sober: At this point, it's anyone's guess.

Brink Chetley: Well, I— Yes, immediately. I've just received word that we've reestablished contact with Lawrence Hodges inside Rahab's house. Let's go to him now. Lawrence?

Lawrence Hodges: This is Lawrence Hodges. The city is shut up tight. The mood here is tense, as you would expect.

Guest (Male): The Israelites are coming, Rahab! We'll all be killed!

Rahab: Listen to me, everyone. There is nothing to be afraid of.

Guest (Male): Why? Because you tied a scarlet rope out of your window?

Rahab: No, because I trust the word of the Israelites and their God. We will be saved.

Guest (Male): They're taking position in front of the city. No, wait.

Rahab: What is it?

Guest (Male): Well, they should be stopping, but they're not. They're marching around the city.

Guest (Female): They're surrounding us!

Guest (Male): No, they're not positioning for attack. They're just marching. Looks like we didn't need your help after all, Rahab.

Rahab: Perhaps. Perhaps. But the scarlet rope stays just the same.

Brink Chetley: Well, this is very unusual. Lucy? Lucy, are you there?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Yes, Brink.

Brink Chetley: What's going on?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Well, I haven't been able to talk to Joshua. From what I understand, marching is all the Israelites are going to do, for now.

Brink Chetley: A remarkable development to say the least.

Hassan Ben-Sober: It's a ridiculous development if they expect to win.

Brink Chetley: Well, we'll be back with the story as it unfolds right after this.

Chris: A mysterious phone call and a new nemesis? Emily Jones and Matthew Parker are on the case.

Emily Jones: I just need to find out who this person is.

Matthew Parker: Sounds like a real mystery.

Chris: It all starts with a phone caller threatening to blackmail Jones and Parker's friend, Jeremy. But this new nemesis won't stop there. Can Emily and Matthew figure out who this blackmailer is before it's too late? Solve the mystery with them by reading Jones and Parker Case Files: The Nemesis. It's the second book in the series with 16 new stories full of fun, faith, and intrigue. It's a great way for kids ages 8 to 12 to sharpen their detective skills while learning important values. Inspect clues, examine the evidence, and try to guess whodunit.

Matthew Parker: This is going to be harder than I thought, Mr. Whittaker.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, stop saying that, Priscilla. Relax. We're going to have a blast.

Chris: For more, go to AdventuresInOdyssey.com/JonesAndParker. That's AdventuresInOdyssey.com/JonesAndParker.

Want to contact us about the episode you're hearing? Visit our website at AdventuresInOdyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY with a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.

Brink Chetley: This is Brink Chetley once again. The siege at Jericho is now in its seventh day. But perhaps "siege" isn't the right word, for during the past six days, nothing much has really happened. The army of Israel has simply blown trumpets and marched around the city one time, once a day. Today, though, a change. Early this morning, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, made this speech.

Joshua: Hear, O Israel. This day will the Lord God deliver the city into your hands. Today, march around the walls not once, but seven times. Sound the trumpets!

Brink Chetley: And so the Israelites have been circling the city all morning. Old Testament Action News correspondent Lucy Cunningham-Schultz has been with them the whole time. Lucy, what can you tell us?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Well, Brink, we've almost completed our sixth trip around the city, and the people are definitely expecting something to happen. We've just started our seventh lap, Brink.

Brink Chetley: Lucy, aside from the trumpets, the people have remained curiously silent throughout these marches.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Joshua's orders, Brink. Keep quiet until he gives the word.

Brink Chetley: Any idea of what will happen then?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: No, but Joshua has promised them that God will work wonders this day, so it's anybody's guess.

Brink Chetley: Thank you, Lucy. We've also reestablished contact with our man inside Jericho, Lawrence Hodges. Lawrence, how are things inside the city?

Lawrence Hodges: Well, Brink, I'm still inside Rahab's house, and as you can hear, where there was once fear, there is now laughter.

Guest (Male): Oh, oh, they're going around again!

Guest (Female): Ooh, I'm so scared!

Guest (Male): If they keep on doing this, they're going to get dizzy.

Lawrence Hodges: Up until this morning, the mood here could best be described as boredom. When the multiple marches started, the people became curious at the change, but still not worried. It seems no one is taking the army of Israel seriously anymore.

Brink Chetley: What about Rahab?

Lawrence Hodges: She's the only one who has shown any concern, Brink.

Brink Chetley: Then she still has the scarlet rope tied to the window.

Lawrence Hodges: Yes, and she's still insisting that her family stay inside with her. You have to admire her faith, but right now, it really seems pointless.

Brink Chetley: Thank you, Lawrence. Hassan, what's your take on this?

Hassan Ben-Sober: The Israelites are employing a truly strange battle strategy. It doesn't fit any coherent tactical plan I know of.

Brink Chetley: Well, is that bad?

Hassan Ben-Sober: It is if they are serious about occupying this country. Then again, we have seen great miracles from this people. Who knows what will happen?

Brink Chetley: Well, apparently Israel is now completing its seventh lap around the city. Lucy, any change?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Not so far, Brink. Joshua's rising.

Joshua: And now, O Israel, let the trumpet sound! Shout with a mighty voice, for the Lord God has given you the city!

Brink Chetley: Nothing seems to be happening. Lucy! Lucy, are you there? Lawrence! Lawrence Hodges! Lawrence, Lucy, can you hear me?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Brink! Brink, are you there?

Brink Chetley: Yes, Lucy, what's happening?

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: The walls of Jericho! They've collapsed! Completely! There's almost nothing left of them.

Joshua: And now, take the city and destroy it! Destroy it all!

Brink Chetley: Lawrence! Lawrence, are you still there?

Lawrence Hodges: Yes, Brink! I don't know how, but Rahab's house is still standing, even though it was connected to the city wall! The Israelites are destroying everyone and everything. Oh, wait, wait! We're under the protection of Joshua! This is the house of Rahab!

Salman: It is true! It is true! These are the ones who helped us. They have our protection.

Mattias: What he said! What he said!

Lawrence Hodges: Lucy! Over here!

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Lawrence! Lawrence, are you two all right?

Lawrence Hodges: Yes, Brink, we're just fine.

Salman: Joshua!

Joshua: Yes, Salman?

Salman: This is the woman who helped us.

Joshua: Yes. Rahab, this is Joshua.

Rahab: My lord.

Joshua: We have kept our word to you, Rahab. You and your family shall live. Your faith has saved you.

Rahab: Praise be to the God of Israel.

Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: I think that sums up all our feelings right now, Brink. Back to you.

Brink Chetley: Thank you, Lucy. Well, it seems that a woman's faith and a man's courage have gotten the nation of Israel off to a good start. For Lawrence Hodges, Lucy Cunningham-Schultz, and Hassan Ben-Sober, this is Old Testament Action News from Kids Radio here at Whit's End. I'm Brink Chetley. Good day.

Chris: In Hebrews 11, there's a list of Hall of Famers when it comes to faith. It contains men like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, and other great Hebrew leaders. But did you know that the only woman listed by name was not a Hebrew? Verse 30 says, "It was by faith that Rahab welcomed the spies and was not killed with those who refused to obey God." That's right. The Rahab of today's story is one of the greatest examples of faith in the Bible. In fact, her faith was so great, Matthew 1:5 tells us that she ended up as a direct ancestor of Jesus. Just goes to show you what belief in God can do.

And that's all for now. If you want to write to us, we'd surely love to hear from you. Just send your card or letter to: Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to: Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called "Siege at Jericho". That address again is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995.

Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. "Siege at Jericho" was written and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Mark Drury, and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.