Topical Bible: Unbelief: People of Jericho

◄ Unbelief: People of Jericho ►

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The city of Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly in the context of unbelief and divine judgment. Located in the Jordan Valley, Jericho was a fortified city that stood as a formidable obstacle to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Jericho is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, chapters 2 and 6. As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River and begin their conquest of Canaan, Joshua sent two spies to scout the land, especially Jericho. The spies entered the city and lodged at the house of Rahab, a prostitute. Rahab, recognizing the power of the God of Israel, hid the spies from the king's men and helped them escape, expressing her faith in the God of Israel and securing a promise for her family's safety (Joshua 2:9-13).

The people of Jericho, however, exemplified unbelief. Despite hearing of the miraculous events that had accompanied the Israelites, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of the Amorite kings, they chose to trust in their fortified walls and military strength rather than seek peace with the God of Israel. Their hearts were hardened, and they did not repent or seek mercy from the God who had demonstrated His power so clearly.

Divine Judgment

The fall of Jericho is a dramatic demonstration of God's judgment against unbelief. The Israelites, following God's specific instructions, marched around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times. At the sound of the trumpet and the people's shout, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the city was taken (Joshua 6:20). The destruction of Jericho was complete, with the exception of Rahab and her family, who were spared due to her faith and actions (Joshua 6:25).

Theological Implications

The account of Jericho serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unbelief and the importance of faith in God's promises. The people of Jericho had ample evidence of God's might and His favor towards Israel, yet they chose to rely on their own defenses. Their unbelief led to their downfall, illustrating the biblical principle that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Furthermore, the account of Rahab highlights the mercy and grace of God towards those who turn to Him in faith, regardless of their past. Rahab's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) underscores the transformative power of faith and God's willingness to redeem those who believe in Him.

Historical and Archaeological Context

Jericho's strategic location and its formidable walls have been subjects of archaeological interest. Excavations have revealed evidence of a city with strong defenses, consistent with the biblical description. While debates continue regarding the exact timing and nature of the city's destruction, the biblical account remains a central narrative in understanding the dynamics of faith and unbelief in the conquest of Canaan.

In summary, the people of Jericho stand as a testament to the peril of unbelief and the certainty of divine judgment, while Rahab's account offers hope and redemption through faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 11:31
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Journey through Perea to Jerusalem
... else why choose the road from Jerusalem to Jericho for the ... Jesus rendered for the
faith of the common people in contrast with the unbelief of the ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/v the journey through perea.htm

Blind Bartimeus
... As our Lord went out of Jericho with his ... be righteous over-much, would imitate the
people here, and ... and misinformation, through ignorance and unbelief, and a ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/blind bartimeus.htm

The Last Agony
... the guard left of the poor of the people, which had ... triumph, when 'by faith the walls
of Jericho fell down ... the king who had cast away his kingdom by unbelief! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the last agony.htm

The Shout of Faith
... Unbelief might well have said, "It would be better not to ... in Hebrews: "By faith the
walls of Jericho fell down ... and he realized that he and his people had "no ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

The Blind Beggar
... he argue thus with himself, "if he is going out of Jericho, so much ... Unbelief might
have said, "He is surrounded by a great multitude of people, he cannot ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blind beggar.htm

The End
... The scene of the first victory, when Jericho fell before unarmed men ... 'Because of
unbelief they were ... of the everlasting truth, that the professing people of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the end.htm

The Ministry in Galilee --The New Lesson
... As the shadow deepened over his own life, and the persistency of the unbelief of
his people appeared more and more ... The last stage, Jericho to Jerusalem: ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv the ministry in galileethe.htm

Entrance into Rest.
... land they conquered every enemy; from Jericho onward, they ... provoked Him to wrath
by my unbelief and disobedience. ... not for me." There are people who continually ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iv entrance into rest.htm

Restraining Prayer: is it Sin?
... consist with a harbouring of sin, and unbelief as to ... it be known that I and Thy people
have found ... was this gave Israel their victory over Jericho: the presence ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter vi restraining prayer is.htm

The Census of Israel
... in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. ... into the promised land because of unbelief;
and these dying away rapidly, the people scarcely maintained ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm