Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Siege: Jericho►

Jump to:Nave's •Library •Subtopics •Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Siege of Jericho is one of the most iconic events in the Old Testament, marking a pivotal moment in the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 5 and 6, and is a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His covenant people.

Historical Context

The siege took place after the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. Jericho was a fortified city, strategically located near the Jordan River, and served as a gateway to the central highlands of Canaan. Its conquest was crucial for the Israelites to establish a foothold in the land promised to them by God.

Divine Strategy

The strategy for the siege was divinely ordained and unconventional. The Lord instructed Joshua on how to capture the city, emphasizing faith and obedience over military might. According toJoshua 6:2-5 , the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. 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."

Execution of the Siege

The Israelites followed the Lord's instructions precisely. For six days, they marched around the city once each day, with the Ark of the Covenant leading the procession, accompanied by seven priests blowing trumpets made from rams' horns. On the seventh day, they circled the city seven times. At Joshua's command, the people shouted, and the walls of Jericho miraculously collapsed, allowing the Israelites to take the city with ease (Joshua 6:20).

The Role of Rahab

An important aspect of the Jericho narrative is the role of Rahab, a Canaanite woman who lived in the city. Rahab had previously sheltered two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the city. In return for her protection, the spies promised to spare her and her family during the conquest. Rahab's faith in the God of Israel and her actions led to her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogy inMatthew 1:5.

Theological Significance

The fall of Jericho is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. It underscores the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands. The event also serves as a reminder of God's judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites and His provision for His chosen people.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations at the site of ancient Jericho have sparked considerable debate among scholars. Some findings suggest evidence of a sudden destruction that aligns with the biblical account, while others propose different timelines. Despite these debates, the biblical narrative remains a foundational account of faith and divine intervention.

The Siege of Jericho continues to be a profound example of God's miraculous power and the faithfulness required of His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 6:1
Now Jericho was straightly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

TheSiege ofJericho
... THE BOOK OF JOSHUA THESIEGE OFJERICHO. 'And Joshua had commanded the people, saying,
Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, ......

HowJericho was Captured.
... So God commanded Joshua to laysiege toJericho in a very strange way. He said that
seven priests, each having a trumpet, were to go before the ark....

The Law of the Sabbath-Day Explained. The Eight Days' Procession...
... and instability for contradictions in His commandments, such as that He forbade
work to be done on Sabbath-days, and yet at thesiege ofJericho ordered the...

That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the...
... fortified all the places round about Jerusalem, and erected citadels atJericho
and Adida... He also attacked Caphatabira, and laidsiege to it, for it had a very...

Antigonus Besieges those that were in Masada, whom Herod Frees...
... By this he moved the army, and attempted to get them off thesiege; but Herod... joined
itself to him] to bring corn, and wine, and oil, and cattle toJericho....

How the King of Babylon Took Jerusalem and Burnt the Temple and...
... of Babylon, to whom Nebuchadnezzar committed the care of thesiege, for he... to pursue
after Zedekiah, and overtook him not far fromJericho, and encompassed him...

'As Sodom'
... Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains ofJericho;
and all... him the piling of the mounds, and the erection on them ofsiege-towers...

The End
... the way toward the plain.5. And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king,
and overtook him in the plains ofJericho: and all... Thesiege was a blockade....

When Hyrcanus who was Alexander's Heir, Receded from his Claim to...
... asiege], but followed him at his heels; he was also obliged to make haste in his
attempt, by the death of Mithridates, of which he was informed aboutJericho....

Concerning the Successors of Judas, who were Jonathan and Simon...
... so he retired presently to one of the fortresses that were aboutJericho, which
was... 4. So he laidsiege to the fortress, and was superior to Ptolemy in other...