Berean Study Bible The Walls of JerichoJericho stood as a fortified city in the Jordan Valley, guarding an important approach into Canaan. Its gates were secured and its inhabitants were confined behind its defenses as Israel encamped nearby. News of Israel’s crossing of the Jordan and the Lord’s earlier victories had reached the city, leaving its people fearful of what would follow. Neh 7:3 “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot.”… because of the Israelites. Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel had entered the land by God’s power, not by ordinary military strength. Jericho understood that the nation approaching its walls was accompanied by the God who had brought them out of Egypt and defeated their enemies east of the Jordan. Jos 5:1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan… No one went out and no one came in. Jericho had ceased normal activity and sealed itself against any threat from outside. No one was permitted to leave or enter, making the city appear secure against siege and assault. Its closed gates would make the Lord’s coming victory unmistakably His work rather than the result of Israel’s military ability. Neh 13:19 When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates… And the LORD said to Joshua, God continued to lead Israel through Joshua, confirming him as Moses’ appointed successor and directing the conquest of the land. Jos 8:1 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid… “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, Before Israel acted, God declared the outcome certain. Jericho, a strongly fortified city guarding the entrance to the central hill country, would become the first major victory in Israel’s occupation of Canaan. Deu 2:24 Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley.… along with its king Jericho’s ruler and government would fall with the city. No earthly authority or military power could resist the judgment God had decreed. Jos 12:9 the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai,… and its mighty men of valor. Jericho possessed capable and experienced warriors, yet Israel’s victory would not rest on conventional strength or siegecraft. The fall of the city would show that the land was being given to Israel by God. 2Ch 14:8 Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah… March around the city Jericho’s strong walls and defenses made a direct assault seem unlikely. God commanded a course of action that required Israel to depend on His power rather than ordinary military tactics. The daily procession publicly declared that the city belonged to the Lord. Psa 48:12-13 March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers,… with all the men of war, Israel’s fighting force took part in the march, showing that the whole nation was united under Joshua’s leadership and God’s command. Experienced soldiers were required to submit to a plan that gave no immediate opportunity for combat. Jos 8:3 So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai.… circling the city one time. The single circuit each day demanded order, restraint, and patience. Israel could see Jericho’s defenses but was not to act according to what appeared possible by human strength. Psa 55:10-11 Day and night they encircle the walls, while… Do this for six days. For six days, the people repeated the command without visible results. Their obedience prepared them for the seventh day, when God would bring down the city and give Israel the victory He had promised. Exo 16:26 For six days you may gather, but on the seventh day… Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Seven marked the completeness of God’s appointed plan. The priests led the procession with shofars before the ark, showing that Israel’s victory would come from the Lord’s presence and command, not military strength. 1Ch 15:24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai…… Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, After six days of a single daily circuit, Israel was to complete seven circuits on the seventh day. Their obedience required patience, order, and trust as the Lord prepared to bring down Jericho’s defenses. Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had… while the priests blow the horns. The shofars sounded throughout the march as a public declaration that the Lord was acting against Jericho. The priests’ role and the ark’s presence made clear that this was God’s battle, carried out according to His instruction. Num 10:8-10 The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets.… And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn The shofar marked a decisive moment in the Lord’s instructions for Jericho. After seven days of marching, the prolonged blast would signal that God was about to act against the city. Exo 19:13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned… and you hear its sound, Israel was to wait for the appointed signal rather than act by human strategy. Their advance depended on careful obedience to the command God had given through Joshua. Exo 19:16 On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder… have all the people give a mighty shout. The united shout expressed Israel’s response of faith as the entire nation participated in the moment of victory. Jericho would not fall through military force alone, but by the power of God. 1Sa 4:5 When the ark of the covenant of the LORD entered the camp… Then the wall of the city will collapse Jericho’s strong defenses could not withstand the Lord’s judgment. The sudden collapse demonstrated that He was giving the city into Israel’s hand, just as He had promised. Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had… and all your people will charge straight into the city.” With the walls fallen, the Israelites would enter directly from every side. Their victory fulfilled the beginning of God’s promise to give them the land of Canaan. Num 13:30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said,… So Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests Joshua, Moses’ appointed successor, led Israel in obedience to the Lord’s command. By calling the priests, he prepared the nation to act according to God’s instruction rather than ordinary military practice. 1Ch 15:11-12 David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar… and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant The ark represented the Lord’s covenant presence among His people. Its place in the procession showed that Israel’s advance against Jericho depended on God, who had promised them the land. Num 10:33-36 So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain… and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns Seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns marked the completeness of the Lord’s plan. The horns would accompany the march around Jericho and signal that the coming victory would be accomplished by God’s power. 1Ch 15:24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai…… in front of the ark of the LORD.” The priests went before the ark as Israel followed the order God had established. The procession placed the Lord at the center of the campaign and called the people to trust His command as they faced the fortified city. 1Ch 16:4-6 David appointed some of the Levites to minister… And he told the people, Joshua, Moses’ successor, gave the Israelites the Lord’s instructions as they prepared to take Jericho. His leadership was marked by careful obedience to God’s command. Jos 3:5 Then Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves,… “Advance and march around the city, Jericho stood near the Jordan Valley as the first major Canaanite stronghold Israel faced after entering the land. The march was not a conventional military tactic but the means God appointed for its conquest. Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had… with the armed troops going ahead Israel’s soldiers took their place at the front, prepared for battle, while the nation followed the order God had established. Num 32:17 But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead… of the ark of the LORD.” The ark, representing the Lord’s covenant presence among His people, was central to the procession. Jericho would fall by God’s power, not by Israel’s military strength. Num 10:33-36 So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain… After Joshua had spoken to the people, Joshua carried out the Lord’s command by directing Israel in the ordered procession around Jericho. Like Moses before him, he served as God’s appointed leader, communicating divine instruction to the nation and guiding them in obedience. Jos 1:10-11 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people:… seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns Seven priests led the procession with seven shofars, marking the completeness of the Lord’s arrangement. The horns were used in Israel’s worship and in times of war, joining the nation’s military action to its dependence on God. Lev 25:9-10 Then you are to sound the horn far and wide on the tenth day… before the LORD The priests moved in the presence of the Lord, represented among Israel by the ark of the covenant. The march around Jericho was not merely a military maneuver but an act conducted under God’s authority. Deu 16:16 Three times a year all your men appear before the LORD… advanced and blew the horns, Their continual trumpet blasts announced the Lord’s presence and signaled that He was acting for His people. Israel did not attack according to ordinary battlefield methods but followed the pattern God had given. Num 10:5-7 When you sound short blasts, the camps on the east side… and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them. The ark accompanied the procession as the visible sign of God’s covenant presence with Israel. Its place among the people assured them that the victory over Jericho would come from the Lord. Num 10:33-36 So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain… While the horns continued to sound, While the priests’ horns continued to sound, Israel marched around Jericho in worshipful obedience to God’s command. The procession showed that the city would fall by the Lord’s power, not by ordinary military force. Exo 19:19 And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder,… the armed troops marched ahead of the priests who blew the horns, The armed troops marched ahead of the priests who blew the horns, prepared for battle yet advancing under God’s direction. Israel’s army did not lead independently; the priests and the Ark remained central, demonstrating that victory depended on the Lord’s presence and promise. Num 31:6 And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle,… and the rear guard followed the ark. The Ark of the Covenant stood within the protected procession, representing God’s dwelling among His people and His leadership of Israel. The ordered march demonstrated unity, reverence, and careful obedience as the nation waited for God to act. Num 10:25 Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out… But Joshua had commanded the people: Joshua carried out the instructions the Lord had given for Jericho, directing Israel with the authority entrusted to him as Moses’ successor. Deu 31:7-8 Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him… “Do not give a battle cry or let your voice be heard; Israel was not to rely on the usual sounds of warfare to threaten Jericho or stir their own courage. Their silence set this march apart from an ordinary military assault. Exo 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” do not let one word come out of your mouth The people were required to exercise complete restraint as they marched around the city. Their obedience showed trust in God’s plan despite its unusual character. Psa 39:1 For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.… until the day I tell you to shout. The command required patience through the six days of marching. The people were to wait for Joshua’s signal, given according to God’s appointed time. Hab 2:3 For the vision awaits an appointed time;… Then you are to shout!” On the seventh day, Israel’s shout would accompany the priests’ trumpet blast, and the Lord would bring down Jericho’s walls. The victory would belong to God, not to Israel’s military strength. Jdg 7:20-22 The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars.… So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, Joshua followed the Lord’s command, placing the Ark at the center of Israel’s procession. Its presence showed that the coming victory belonged to the Lord, not to Israel’s military strength. Num 10:33-36 So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain… circling it once. The people made no attack and gave Jericho no opportunity for battle. Their single circuit marked the first day of a deliberate pattern of obedience that would continue until God’s appointed time. Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had… And the people returned to the camp After completing the circuit, Israel withdrew in order and waited outside the city. The army remained under Joshua’s command and under the restrictions God had given. Jos 4:19 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up… and spent the night there. Each night of waiting required patience and trust as Israel prepared to repeat the Lord’s instructions the next day. Gen 28:11-16 On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there… Joshua got up early the next morning, Joshua acted promptly to carry out the Lord’s instructions for the seventh day of the march around Jericho. His early rising reflects the steady obedience and disciplined leadership that guided Israel during the conquest. Jos 3:1 Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim… and the priests took the ark of the LORD. The priests again carried the Ark before the people, demonstrating that Israel’s success depended on the presence and power of the Lord rather than military strength. As Jericho faced judgment, the Ark led the procession as a visible reminder that God was directing the events. 1Ki 8:3 When all the elders of Israel had arrived,… And the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns Seven priests bore the horns before the ark, following the order God had given Joshua. The number seven marks the completeness of the Lord’s command, while the priests’ role underscored the holiness of the occasion. 1Ch 15:24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai…… kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD The ark, the sign of God’s covenant presence with Israel, remained at the center of the procession as the priests led the way before it. 1Ch 15:25-28 So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders… and blowing the horns. Their steady trumpet blasts announced that the Lord Himself was directing the siege of Jericho. 2Ch 13:12-14 Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head,… The armed troops went in front of them Israel’s soldiers took their assigned position, prepared for battle but dependent upon God’s instruction rather than ordinary military strategy. Num 32:17-22 But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead… and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, The rear guard completed the ordered procession, guarding the people as the ark passed through the city’s perimeter. Num 10:25 Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out… while the horns kept sounding. The unbroken sound accompanied the march and reminded Israel and Jericho alike that the Lord’s appointed time for judgment was drawing near. 2Ch 29:25-28 Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD… So on the second day Israel continued exactly as the LORD had commanded, showing steady obedience despite no visible change in Jericho’s defenses. Num 7:18 On the second day Nethanel son of Zuar, the leader… they marched around the city once The silent procession displayed dependence on God rather than military strength and kept the people focused on His appointed plan. Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had… and returned to the camp. Each day ended without an assault, requiring patience as Israel waited for God’s promised victory. Jos 10:15 Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal. They did this for six days. The repeated marches tested the nation’s faith and prepared for the decisive work God would accomplish on the seventh day. Exo 24:16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai.… Then on the seventh day, The seventh day marked the appointed completion of Israel’s divinely ordered period of waiting and obedience. Gen 2:2-3 And by the seventh day God had finished the work;… they got up at dawn They rose at dawn so that the work could begin early and the entire command could be carried out without delay. Mrk 1:35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark,… and marched around the city seven times As the priests blew their trumpets, the people maintained the order God had established and marched around the city seven times. What appeared militarily ineffective displayed Israel’s dependence on the Lord rather than siege tactics or human strength. Lev 14:7 Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed… in the same manner. For six days they had followed the same pattern, and on this day they continued in disciplined obedience until God’s instruction was complete. Num 2:34 So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses;… That was the only day they circled the city seven times. The extended procession set this day apart as the moment when God would bring down Jericho and give the city into Israel’s hands. Jos 10:13-14 So the sun stood still and the moon stopped… After the seventh time around, Israel completed the seven circuits commanded for the seventh day, marking the appointed moment for Jericho’s judgment. The repeated sevens underscored the completeness of God’s purpose and the careful obedience required of His people. 2Ki 5:14 So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan… the priests blew the horns, The ram’s horns sounded as the signal that God’s promised victory was at hand. Israel had not assaulted the city by ordinary military means; the outcome depended on the Lord’s power. Num 10:8-10 The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets.… and Joshua commanded the people, Joshua carried out the instructions he had received, directing the nation at the decisive moment. His leadership kept Israel united in obedience as they faced the fortified city. Jos 1:10-11 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people:… “Shout! The people’s shout followed the trumpet blast and expressed their trust in God before the walls fell. Their response completed the command they had been given. Psa 47:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.… For the LORD has given you the city! Jericho was already assured to Israel because God had decreed it. The city’s fall demonstrated that the conquest of Canaan rested on the Lord’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. Jos 8:1 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid… Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Jericho was the first Canaanite city conquered after Israel entered the land, and its destruction marked it as herem, something devoted wholly to God, often through complete destruction. No plunder was to be taken for personal use. The city’s judgment reflected the corruption and idolatry of Canaan and protected Israel from adopting its practices. Deu 7:2 and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you… Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, Rahab and her household were spared because she had turned from Jericho’s gods and identified herself with the God of Israel. Though she was a Canaanite and an unlikely recipient of mercy, her faith led her to protect the Israelite spies and seek refuge under the LORD’s protection. Jos 2:12-13 Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD… because she hid the spies we sent. Rahab risked her life by concealing the men Joshua had sent to survey Jericho. Her actions showed that her allegiance had shifted from her own city to Israel’s God, and Joshua kept the promise made to her before the city fell. Jos 2:4-6 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them.… But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, Jericho and all within it belonged to the Lord as the firstfruits of Israel’s conquest in Canaan. Its valuables were reserved for the Lord’s treasury, while the city itself was devoted to destruction (Hebrew: herem), signifying total consecration to God and divine judgment. Israel was not to treat the spoils as personal gain. Deu 13:17 Nothing devoted to destruction shall cling to your hands,… lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. Taking what God had claimed would place the offender under the same judgment appointed for Jericho. God’s command was not optional, and disobedience would make the guilty person liable to destruction. Deu 7:26 And you must not bring any detestable thing into your house,… If you take any of these, The prohibition anticipated the temptation to seize valuable possessions after the city fell. Israel’s victory came from the Lord, and the people were to trust Him rather than enrich themselves through what He had forbidden. Jos 7:20 “It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned… you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction Sin against God’s command would not remain a private matter. Because Israel stood before God as a covenant people, the disobedience of one could bring guilt and judgment upon the whole camp. Jos 7:12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand… and bring disaster upon it. The warning was fulfilled when Achan took devoted items from Jericho. His sin led to Israel’s defeat at Ai and brought judgment upon his household, showing the seriousness of rebellion against God’s clear command. Jos 7:25 “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua.… For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron Unlike ordinary battle spoil, the valuable metals taken from Jericho were not to be claimed by the soldiers. As the first city conquered in Canaan, Jericho’s wealth belonged wholly to the LORD. Silver, gold, bronze, and iron were valuable resources used for practical purposes and for sacred service. 1Ch 29:2 Now with all my ability I have made provision… are holy to the LORD; These items were set apart from common use because they belonged to God. Israel’s victory came by His power, and the dedication of Jericho’s wealth acknowledged His rightful claim over both the city and its riches. Exo 28:36 You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it… they must go into His treasury.” The metals were to be placed among the resources reserved for the worship and service of the LORD. Israel was not permitted to profit personally from Jericho’s fall, but was required to obey God’s command concerning what had been devoted to Him. 1Ki 7:51 So all the work that King Solomon had performed…… So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. Rams’ horns were used in Israel to signal sacred assemblies and military action. At Joshua’s command, the people responded exactly as the Lord had instructed, marking the decisive moment in the assault on Jericho. Psa 98:6 With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy… When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, Israel acted together in confident obedience to God’s promise. Their shout accompanied the sounding of the horns and publicly acknowledged that the battle belonged to the Lord. 2Ch 15:14 They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice… and the wall collapsed. Jericho’s fortifications fell by God’s power, opening the city to Israel without a conventional siege. The event confirmed the Lord’s faithfulness to His promise to give Canaan to His people. Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had… Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. With the defenses removed, the Israelites entered directly from every side and took Jericho. This first victory in Canaan established that the land would be received through obedience to God rather than military strength alone. Jos 8:19 They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it… With the edge of the sword Israel carried out the judgment God had commanded against Jericho after the city fell. Deu 20:13 When the LORD your God has delivered it into your hand… they devoted to destruction Jericho was placed under the ban (Hebrew herem, to consecrate or set apart for God, often through complete destruction), set apart wholly for God’s judgment, so that its people and possessions would not become Israel’s spoil. Deu 7:2 and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you… everything in the city— Nothing was spared from the condemned city. Deu 20:16 However, in the cities of the nations that the LORD your God… man and woman, young and old, The judgment extended to the entire population of Jericho, whose long-standing wickedness had brought divine judgment upon the city. Deu 2:34 At that time we captured all his cities… oxen, sheep, and donkeys. Even the livestock was destroyed, leaving Israel dependent on what God provided rather than enriching themselves from Jericho. 1Sa 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote… Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua sent these men into Jericho before Israel crossed the Jordan to assess the city and its defenses. Their return confirmed both Jericho’s vulnerability and the fear that had fallen on its people. Jos 2:23-24 Then the two men started back, came down from the hill… “Go into the house of the prostitute Rahab had sheltered the spies and helped them escape from her home on the city wall. Though she had been part of Jericho’s corrupt society, she believed that the Lord had given the land to Israel. Jos 2:1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies… and bring out the woman and all who are with her, Rahab’s protection extended to the relatives she had gathered into her house. Israel’s victory over Jericho would not erase Joshua’s responsibility to preserve those promised safety. Jos 2:18-19 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied… just as you promised her.” The spies had pledged that Rahab and her household would be spared if they remained in her house during the attack. Joshua ensured that their oath was honored. Jos 2:12-14 Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD… So the young spies went in The two men Joshua had sent to Jericho returned to fulfill the oath they had made to Rahab before the city fell. Jos 2:1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies… and brought out Rahab, Rahab had trusted the God of Israel and protected His messengers at great personal risk. Jos 2:18-19 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied… her father and mother and brothers, and all who belonged to her. Everyone who had gathered in Rahab’s house under the sign of the scarlet cord was spared from Jericho’s destruction. Jos 2:13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother,… They brought out her whole family The rescue demonstrated that the promise made to Rahab was fully honored. Gen 19:15-16 At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying,… and settled them outside the camp of Israel. Rahab and her family were kept apart temporarily as foreigners entering Israel’s community, later becoming part of the people of Israel. Lev 13:46 As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean.… Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it. Jericho, placed under God’s ban, was completely destroyed after its capture. Its fall marked the beginning of Israel’s conquest in Canaan and displayed God’s judgment against the city’s longstanding wickedness. The destruction also warned the surrounding peoples that Israel’s victories came from the LORD, not from military strength alone. Deu 13:16 And you are to gather all its plunder in the public square… However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house. Unlike the rest of Jericho’s possessions, these metals were set apart for the LORD. As the first city taken in the land, its wealth belonged to Him rather than to the soldiers. The valuables were placed in the tabernacle treasury for sacred use, recognizing God as the giver of victory and the true owner of Israel’s inheritance. 1Ki 7:51 So all the work that King Solomon had performed…… And Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, Joshua honored the pledge made by the spies. Rahab’s former life did not prevent her from receiving mercy when she turned from Jericho’s gods and recognized the Lord’s authority. Heb 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed… with her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Her deliverance included those gathered under her roof, just as the spies had promised. Her faith brought protection to her family in the destruction of the city. Exo 12:21-23 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel… because she hid the men Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. By protecting the spies, Rahab openly identified with Israel’s God and people, risking her life against the king of Jericho. 1Ki 18:4 for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD… So she has lived among the Israelites to this day. Rahab and her household were received into Israel and remained among them. Her preservation showed that God’s covenant people included those who trusted Him, regardless of their former nation or past. Mat 1:5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab,… At that time Joshua invoked this solemn oath: After Jericho’s destruction, Joshua declared a binding curse over the site. As Israel’s leader, he spoke under the authority of the LORD, marking the ruined city as a permanent witness to God’s judgment against Canaanite wickedness. Num 5:21-22 and the priest shall have the woman swear… “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho; No Israelite was to restore Jericho as a fortified city. Its ruins were to remain, not because the land was unusable, but because God had set Jericho apart for destruction as the first city taken in the conquest. 1Ki 16:34 In Ahab’s days, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho.… at the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundations; The man who began rebuilding would lose his eldest son, the heir through whom his family name and inheritance would ordinarily continue. 2Ki 3:27 So he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him,… at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.” Completing the city’s defenses would bring the loss of his youngest son as well, leaving the rebuilder’s household devastated from firstborn to last. Joshua’s warning was fulfilled generations later when Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho and lost his sons during its construction. 1Sa 16:11-13 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons”… So the LORD was with Joshua, God’s presence confirmed Joshua’s leadership after the fall of Jericho. Israel’s victories came not from superior strength or strategy but from the LORD’s faithfulness to His promise to lead His people into Canaan. As Moses had been sustained by God’s presence, Joshua was enabled to carry out the conquest entrusted to him, foreshadowing Christ, Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” Jos 3:7 Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin… and his fame spread throughout the land. The surrounding Canaanite peoples learned of Jericho’s destruction and recognized that Israel’s God was fighting for them. Joshua’s growing reputation reflected the LORD’s power at work through him and increased the fear already reported among the inhabitants of the land. 2Ch 26:8 The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah,… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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