The title "King of Jericho" refers to the monarch who ruled the ancient city of Jericho during the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, as recorded in the Old Testament. Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, is notably mentioned in the Book of Joshua as the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership after crossing the Jordan River.

Biblical Account:

The most prominent mention of the King of Jericho is found in the Book of Joshua. According to Joshua 2:1, Joshua sent two spies from Shittim to scout the land, especially Jericho. The spies entered the house of Rahab, a prostitute, who hid them from the king's men. The king of Jericho, upon learning of the spies' presence, sent a message to Rahab, demanding that she bring out the men who had come to her house. Rahab, however, protected the spies and misled the king's messengers, allowing the spies to escape and report back to Joshua.

In Joshua 6, the narrative continues with the famous account of the Battle of Jericho. The Israelites, following God's specific instructions, marched around the city once a day for six days with the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times, and upon the priests' blowing of the trumpets, the people shouted, and the walls of Jericho collapsed. Joshua 6:20 states, "So when the people heard the sound of the ram’s horn, they shouted with a loud shout. And the wall collapsed; the people advanced into the city, each man straight ahead, and they captured the city."

The fall of Jericho marked a significant victory for the Israelites, and the city was devoted to destruction as an offering to the Lord. Joshua 6:21 records, "At the edge of the sword they utterly destroyed everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, ox, sheep, and donkey."

Historical and Theological Significance:

The King of Jericho, though not named in the biblical text, represents the opposition faced by the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. The account of Jericho's fall is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscores the theme of divine intervention and the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Theologically, the account of Jericho serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the necessity of faith. The Israelites' victory was not achieved through conventional military might but through adherence to God's unconventional strategy, highlighting the principle that success comes through reliance on divine guidance rather than human strength.

Archaeological Insights:

Jericho has been the subject of extensive archaeological study, with excavations revealing evidence of a fortified city that aligns with the biblical description. While debates continue regarding the exact timing and nature of the city's destruction, the archaeological findings provide a backdrop for understanding the historical context of the biblical narrative.

In summary, the King of Jericho is a figure emblematic of the Canaanite resistance to Israelite settlement, and his defeat signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. The account of Jericho remains a foundational account of faith, obedience, and divine victory in the biblical tradition.