John Calvin Commentary Hebrews 11:30

"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days." — Hebrews 11:30 (ASV)

By faith the walls of Jericho fell, etc. As he had taught us before that the yoke of bondage was broken apart by faith, so now he tells us that by the same faith the people gained possession of the promised land. For at their first entrance, the city Jericho stood in their way. Since it was fortified and almost impregnable, it impeded any further progress, and they had no means to assail it. The Lord commanded all the men of war to go around it once every day, and on the seventh day seven times. It appeared to be a childish and ridiculous work; yet they obeyed the divine command. Nor did they do so in vain, for success followed according to the promise. It is evident that the walls did not fall through the shout of men or the sound of trumpets, but because the people believed that the Lord would do what he had promised.

We may also apply this event for our benefit and instruction. For it is only by faith that we can be freed from the tyranny of the Devil and be brought to liberty. And it is by the same faith that we can put our enemies to flight and that all the strongholds of hell can be demolished.