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closer to the water’s edge. Jarez and Zogor were now both watching from their perch in the rocks. This would be a great day for them! The king always awarded the bearer of good news with some bestowment or another. They would become great men in Jericho.
    “I tell you our gods are the greatest in the universe!” boasted Zogor, who was now preparing his mount for the quick return to Jericho. “They have chosen to smile upon us this day.”
    “Then pray to them, Zogor,” said Jarez, grimly surveying the scene. “For the river is opening up for the enemy to cross!”

    Chronicles of the Host
    First Conquest
    What a delightful day when God’s people set foot on God’s holy land after such a long time! The Host sang praises of joyous celebration to the Lord, while the enemy scattered like frightened sheep as the Ark of God, carried by the Levites, was carried into Canaan. Khasis tried to rally the host that was with him, and they regrouped at Jericho where, like the humans, they waited behind the strong walls for the coming battle. As for Joshua, the burden of leadership drove him to his knees and he sought the Most High God’s counsel in how best to besiege Jericho’s proud defense.
    It was a new day in Israel, a new strategy—a new deliverance, a new beginning. And nothing better illustrated this newness in all things than the cessation of the manna. After 40 years’ provision of manna raining down every day from Heaven, it suddenly stopped. It seemed that God’s provision in Canaan was to be something new…something different…something requiring a greater faith….
    Joshua commanded his men to stay behind. They had been scouting the city of Jericho for the last hour, discussing the best point of attack, trying to pinpoint possible weaknesses. One even suggested they could use Rahab to help them gain entry. However it was to happen, the city had to be taken. Jericho, though small, was a strategic point of conquest and could not simply be bypassed. It had to be destroyed. To leave an entrenched enemy behind was only inviting trouble later on.
    Joshua went on ahead of the men, and looked at the silhouette of the city against the sun setting in the western sky behind it. Proud and impregnable, its walls seemed to taunt Israel, daring the Hebrews to assail them and feel their sting. True, the reputation of Israel had preceded them in the land and cast a terror throughout the region. But Jericho was a formidable foe—and the first real test of Joshua’s leadership in engaging the enemy on his own soil.
    Joshua began to pray silently to the Lord. How was he to lead his untested people against this warlike, godless nation? How were they to breach the walls? He understood that God was with him, but how was he to orchestrate the attack? All of these thoughts exploded in Joshua’s head as he looked upon Jericho in the twilight evening. Then something else caught his eye. Standing right in front of him was a large man—a warrior—with a sword drawn!

    “How are we to conduct a war against humans if the Lord continues to step in and assist them?” asked Kara. “It is hardly fair!”
    Rugio, who along with Kara and Pellecus had been given the task of keeping Jericho intact, growled at Kara. “You sniveling fool,” he said. “The Lord has never been fair in this war. He always will side with the humans!”
    “That’s not entirely true,” piped in Pellecus. “Yes, the Lord interferes from time to time. But for the most part He respects only men who cry out to Him…who seek Him earnestly…men of faith like Joshua.”
    “Joshua,” muttered Rugio. “How I hate that man! First there was Moses, who humbled Kara’s pharaoh, and now Joshua, who is on the brink of shattering Jericho.” He added in great frustration, “When shall these Hebrews stop producing men of faith and become like the rest of the nations?”
    “Soon, I suspect,” said Pellecus. “When they have established themselves in the land, they