Segub is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the rebuilding of the ancient city of Jericho. He is identified as the son of Hiel the Bethelite, who undertook the reconstruction of Jericho during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. The account of Segub and his family is found in 1 Kings 16:34.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Segub is closely tied to the fulfillment of a prophetic curse pronounced by Joshua, the leader of Israel, after the original destruction of Jericho. In Joshua 6:26, Joshua declared, "Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundations, and at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates."

Centuries later, during the reign of Ahab, Hiel of Bethel decided to rebuild Jericho, and the curse came to fruition. 1 Kings 16:34 (BSB) states, "In Ahab’s days, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn, he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest, he set up its gates, according to the word of the LORD spoken through Joshua son of Nun."

Theological Significance

The account of Segub and his brother Abiram serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of God's word and the consequences of defying divine pronouncements. The fulfillment of Joshua's curse through the deaths of Hiel's sons underscores the belief in the inerrancy and immutability of God's declarations. It illustrates the principle that God's warnings and promises, whether of blessing or judgment, are to be taken with utmost seriousness.

Historical and Cultural Context

The rebuilding of Jericho by Hiel during Ahab's reign is set against a backdrop of widespread apostasy and idolatry in Israel. Ahab, influenced by his wife Jezebel, promoted the worship of Baal, leading the nation further away from the covenantal faithfulness required by Yahweh. The decision to rebuild Jericho, despite the known curse, reflects the spiritual decline and disregard for God's commands prevalent in that era.

Lessons and Reflections

The account of Segub invites reflection on the importance of obedience to God's word and the consequences of ignoring divine warnings. It serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of defiance and the reality of divine justice. For believers, it is a call to trust in the reliability of God's promises and to live in accordance with His revealed will, recognizing that His words are both true and binding.1 Kings 16:34
In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.
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Why did Joshua curse Jericho in Joshua 6:26? | GotQuestions.org

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