Topical Encyclopedia The Walls of Jericho are a significant element in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Joshua, chapters 5 and 6. Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, was a fortified city in the land of Canaan, strategically located near the Jordan River. The account of the fall of Jericho's walls is a pivotal event in the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, Moses' successor.Biblical Account According to the biblical narrative, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. The Lord instructed Joshua on how to conquer the city, emphasizing that the victory would be achieved through divine intervention rather than military might. 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 on the trumpets, the people were to shout loudly, and the walls of Jericho would collapse. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event 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 city of Jericho has been the subject of extensive archaeological study. Excavations have revealed evidence of ancient fortifications, including walls that date back to various periods. While some scholars debate the exact timing and nature of the destruction of Jericho's walls, the biblical account remains a cornerstone of faith for many believers, illustrating God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. Theological Significance The fall of Jericho's walls is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience and faith. The Israelites' victory was not due to their own strength or strategy but was a direct result of their faithfulness to God's instructions. This event serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the necessity of trusting in God's plan, even when it defies human logic. The account also highlights the role of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The Ark's central place in the procession around Jericho underscores the belief that it is God who leads and fights for His people. Rahab and the Spies An integral part of the Jericho narrative is the account of Rahab, a Canaanite woman who hid the Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the city. In return for her protection, the spies promised to spare her and her family when the city was conquered. Rahab's faith and actions are commended in the New Testament, where she is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:31 and is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5. Symbolism and Legacy The Walls of Jericho symbolize the barriers and challenges that believers may face in their spiritual journey. The miraculous collapse of these walls serves as an encouragement to trust in God's power to overcome obstacles. The account of Jericho has inspired countless sermons, hymns, and teachings, emphasizing themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. In summary, the Walls of Jericho represent a key moment in biblical history, illustrating the triumph of faith and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The narrative continues to resonate with believers, offering lessons on the importance of trust and obedience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Topical Bible Verses Joshua 6:20So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. Topicalbible.org Joshua 6:1-27 Luke 18:31 Library A Cloud of Witnesses. Hebrews xi. 28-31 The Siege of Jericho The Form and Spirit of Religion The Three Walls of the Romanists. A Nation that was Born in a Day. How Jericho was Captured. The Healing of the Waters The Last Agony Nisibene Hymns. Hymn i. O God of Mercies who Didst Refresh Noah ... Resources Where was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Who was Artaxerxes 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 |
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