Topical Encyclopedia The siege of Jericho is one of the most iconic events in the biblical narrative, marking a pivotal moment in the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 2 and 6, and serves as a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His covenant people.Historical Context Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, was strategically located in the Jordan Valley. It was a fortified city, known for its strong walls, which made it a significant military target for the Israelites as they entered Canaan. The conquest of Jericho was crucial for establishing a foothold in the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Biblical Account The narrative begins with Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, sending two spies to scout the city of Jericho (Joshua 2:1). The spies were sheltered by Rahab, a prostitute, who recognized the power of the God of Israel and sought protection for her family in exchange for her assistance. Rahab's faith and actions are later commended in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). The siege itself is described in Joshua 6. God instructed Joshua on a unique strategy for taking the city. 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. At the sound of a long blast, the people were to shout, and the walls of Jericho would collapse (Joshua 6:3-5). The Israelites followed God's instructions precisely. On the seventh day, after the seventh circuit and the trumpet blast, the people shouted, and the walls fell flat, allowing the Israelites to take the city (Joshua 6:20). The city was devoted to destruction, and only Rahab and her family were spared, as promised by the spies (Joshua 6:17, 22-25). Theological Significance The fall of Jericho is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His commands. The unconventional method of warfare highlights that the victory was not by human might or strategy but by divine intervention. This event reinforced the Israelites' faith in God's promises and His ability to deliver them against formidable foes. The destruction of Jericho also served as a warning to the inhabitants of Canaan about the impending judgment and the holiness of God. The complete destruction of the city, including its inhabitants and possessions, was a fulfillment of God's command to eliminate the idolatrous influences from the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). Archaeological Insights Archaeological excavations at the site of ancient Jericho have provided evidence of a city with formidable walls, consistent with the biblical description. While there is debate among scholars regarding the exact timing and nature of the destruction layers, many conservative scholars affirm that the archaeological findings support the biblical account of a sudden and catastrophic collapse of the city's defenses. Legacy The siege of Jericho is remembered as a testament to faith and obedience. It is often cited in sermons and teachings as an example of trusting in God's plan, even when it defies human logic. The account of Jericho continues to inspire believers to rely on God's strength and to act in faith, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 6:2-20And the LORD said to Joshua, See, I have given into your hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The Old Testament and Archeology Extracts No. vii. The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Branch Davidians? | GotQuestions.org Who was Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz? | GotQuestions.org Siege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Siege by Rezin, King of Syria, and Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of Israel Siege: An offer of Peace Must be Made to the City Before Beginning A Siege: Conducted by Erecting Embankments Parallel to the Walls of the Besieged City Siege: Distress of the Inhabitants During A Sieges: Being Against Round About Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Helped by Allies Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Ambush Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Assault Sieges: Cities Invested by Inhabitants of, Exhorted to be Courageous Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Demanded Terms of Peace Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Famine Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Pestilence Sieges: Cities Invested by Repaired and Newly Fortified Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by Sometimes Used Ambushes or Sorties Sieges: Cities Invested by Supplied With Water Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by The Inhabitants of, Cut off Beforehand Supplies of Water Sieges: Cities Invested by Walls of, Defended by the Inhabitants Sieges: Cities Invested by Were Strictly Shut Up Sieges: Cities of Israel in Galilee Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Broken Down Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Destroyed by Fire Sieges: Cities Taken by Given up to Pillage Sieges: Cities Taken by Inhabitants of, often Put to the Sword Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Called After the Name of the Captor Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Sown With Salt Sieges: Compassing About With Armies Sieges: Extreme Difficulty of Taking Cities By, Alluded To Sieges: Fenced Cities Invested By Sieges: Great Noise and Tumult of, Alluded To Sieges: Often Lasted for a Long Time Sieges: Setting in Array Against Sieges: The Jews Forbidden to Cut Down Fruit Trees for the Purpose of Sieges: The Omnipresence of God Sieges: Those Engaged in Built Forts and Mounts Sieges: Those Engaged in Called Upon the City to Surrender Sieges: Those Engaged in Cast Arrows and Other Missiles Into the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Cut off all Supplies Sieges: Those Engaged in Dug a Trench Round the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Employed Battering Rams Against the Walls Sieges: Those Engaged in Frequently Laid Ambushes Sieges: Those Engaged in Invested the City on Every Side Sieges: Those Engaged in Often Suffered Much During Sieges: Threatened As a Punishment Sieges: Zion in Her Affliction Related Terms Battering-rams (2 Occurrences) Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |
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