Topical Encyclopedia The city of Jericho, often referred to as the "City of Palms," holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly due to the miraculous event involving its walls as described in the Book of Joshua. Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and is located in the Jordan Valley, near the Jordan River.Biblical Account: The most notable biblical account of Jericho's walls is found in the Book of Joshua. After the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness, Jericho was the first city they encountered upon entering the Promised Land. The city was known for its formidable walls, which were considered impregnable. In Joshua 6, the Lord gave Joshua specific instructions on how to conquer Jericho. The Israelites were to march around the city once a day for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, and the priests were to blow the trumpets. Joshua 6:5 states, "And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, each man straight ahead." The Israelites followed these divine instructions precisely. On the seventh day, after the seventh circuit and the sounding of the trumpets, the people shouted, and the walls of Jericho miraculously collapsed. This allowed the Israelites to take the city with ease, as described in Joshua 6:20 : "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it." Archaeological and Historical Context: The account of Jericho's walls has been a subject of much archaeological interest. Excavations at the site of ancient Jericho, known as Tell es-Sultan, have revealed evidence of a fortified city with substantial walls. However, the dating and interpretation of these findings have been debated among archaeologists. Some evidence suggests that the city was indeed destroyed around the time traditionally associated with the Israelite conquest, while other interpretations propose different timelines. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the fall of Jericho's walls is seen as a testament to God's power and faithfulness. It underscores the importance of obedience to divine instructions and the belief that God fights for His people. The event is often cited as an example of faith in action, as the Israelites trusted in God's promise despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacle presented by the city's defenses. The account of Jericho's walls also serves as a prelude to the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, symbolizing the beginning of their establishment in the land promised to their forefathers. It highlights the theme of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises, which are recurrent throughout the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 2:15Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was on the town wall, and she dwelled on the wall. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 6:1 Library The Healing of the Waters Joshua The Shout of Faith Joshua's Conquest. A Cloud of Witnesses. The Form and Spirit of Religion Rahab's Faith Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ... A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. The King --Continued. Resources What is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nehemiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms Mother-of-pearl (1 Occurrence) Cause-of-fear-on-every-side (1 Occurrence) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) |
    |