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◄ Valleys: Jericho►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The valley of Jericho holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative. Situated in the Jordan Valley, Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and is often referred to as the "City of Palms" (Deuteronomy 34:3). Its strategic location near the Jordan River made it a vital city in ancient times, serving as a gateway to the Promised Land.

Biblical Significance

Jericho is most famously known for the miraculous event of its conquest by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. As recorded in the Book of Joshua, the Israelites, after crossing the Jordan River, encountered Jericho as their first major obstacle in the conquest of Canaan. The Lord instructed Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. The priests were to blow trumpets, and the people were to shout, leading to the miraculous collapse of the city walls (Joshua 6:1-20).

This event is not only a testament to God's power and faithfulness but also serves as a typological foreshadowing of spiritual victory through faith and obedience. The fall of Jericho demonstrated that the conquest of the land was not by human might but by divine intervention.

Geographical Context

The valley of Jericho is characterized by its fertile land, nourished by the nearby springs and the Jordan River. This fertility made it an attractive location for settlement and agriculture. The city's location also made it a critical point of defense and trade, as it controlled access to the central highlands of Canaan.

Historical Context

Archaeological evidence supports the existence of a fortified city at Jericho during the Late Bronze Age, aligning with the biblical timeline of the Israelite conquest. The city's destruction layers and subsequent rebuilding efforts reflect the tumultuous history of the region, which saw various powers vying for control over this strategic location.

Theological Themes

The account of Jericho emphasizes themes of faith, obedience, and divine judgment. The Israelites' victory was contingent upon their adherence to God's specific instructions, highlighting the importance of obedience to divine commands. Furthermore, the destruction of Jericho serves as a sobering reminder of God's judgment against sin and idolatry, as the city was devoted to destruction (Joshua 6:17).

New Testament References

Jericho is also mentioned in the New Testament, notably in the Gospels. It is the setting for the account of Zacchaeus, the tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus and subsequently experienced a transformative encounter with Him (Luke 19:1-10). Additionally, Jericho is the backdrop for the healing of blind Bartimaeus, illustrating Jesus' compassion and power to restore sight (Mark 10:46-52).

In summary, the valley of Jericho is a site of profound biblical events that underscore God's sovereignty, the necessity of faith and obedience, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 34:3
And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, to Zoar.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... Thesevalleys were especially fertile and attractive in the territory later known
as Galilee and... known as Dan, at the foot of Mount Hermon, andJericho, at the...

Joshua's Conquest.
... we have the story of the crossing of the Jordan, fall ofJericho and the... five to
one hundred miles wide and is made up of plains,valleys, plateaus, gorges and...

The Valley of Achor
... would see Hope drawing near to us, we must fix our eyes not onJericho that lies...
mountains the steep way of life has climbed at last throughvalleys of trouble...

A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
... with Judea; for both countries are made up of hills andvalleys, and are... and Emmaus,
and Pella, and Idumea, and Engaddi, and Herodium, andJericho; and after...

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... plain, lying along the western bank of the Jordan, betweenJericho and the... brought
to meekness and humility; the outcasts and harlots asvalleys of humiliation...

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... central chains of the Jud??an mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deepvalleys
on the... Herod [This man was born at Ascalon, bc71, and died atJericho, ad4...

Refutation of the Jews
... Like woodlandvalleys they give shade, and like parks by rivers, like tents... the Amorites
oppose him, and did not the inhabitants ofJericho array themselves...

Effectual Calling
... or the lowest parts of London, from the worst and vilest dens of infamy, as from
Jericho in those... Mercy runneth invalleys, but it goeth not to the mountain top...

The Gospel Refuge.
... You can picture him, with merry heart, making thevalleys through which he hurried
to his... I will go toJericho, the old city of palm-trees; or to Bethlehem, in...

The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah.
... Samaria, along the eastern banks of the Jordan, and by the fords ofJericho.... in view;
westward wound the road to Hebron; behind them lay thevalleys and hills...