THE LORD BRINGS DOWN THE WALLS OF JERICHO

JOSHUA 5–7

The Lord, who had opened the waters of the Jordan River before the advancing army of Israel, carefully orchestrated the attack plan that would bring Canaan under Israelite control. While camped at Gilgal, Joshua received a visit from the “commander of the army of the LORD” (Josh. 5:14). This commander-in-chief directed his field general to advance against Jericho and put the city under a divinely designed siege. The first military objective west of the Jordan River was Jericho, a target selected for a reason.

Numbers and Deuteronomy frequently mention Jericho when orienting their readers geographically. For example, the reader is told that the camp of Israel was located “on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho” (Num. 26:3). The city made such a wonderful landmark because it was a strategic city and would continue to be so for thousands of years.

The long-lived legacy of this site is understood when we consider its unique geographic setting. Jericho had a tropical climate enhanced by an abundant supply of water. The archaeological site of Jericho lies just northwest of the Dead Sea in the dry, hot Jordan Valley about 820 feet below sea level with a lush oasis fed by springs (one of which pumps water at a rate of 1,200 gallons per minute). Given these benefits, many generations of residents called the Jericho region home.

A reminder of Rahab. A female figure attached to the top part of a juglet from Jericho (ca. 1500 BC).
© Dr. James C. Martin. The Amman Archaeological Museum.

Jericho is considered one of the oldest cities in the world, as evidenced by this stone tower dating about 7000 BC.

But abundant water and sunny skies would not have been reason enough for the military installation standing before Israel.3 Jericho was uniquely positioned to control a critical ford across the Jordan River and regulate access into the central hill country of Canaan. This geographic asset provided anyone who ruled over Jericho a substantial source of wealth and military power. The city was built and fortified where it was for a reason, and it would fall at the Lord’s command for that very reason.

Jericho was the gateway that opened up the interior of Canaan, a gateway that kept a watchful eye over the Jordan River. If Israelite soldiers fighting west of the Jordan River were to maintain contact with the tribes settled on the east side of that river, this ford had to remain uncompromised. Further, if the Israelites were to have ready access to the hill country on the roadways linking the interior of Canaan, Jericho could not remain in enemy hands. It did not. This powerful site would soon lie at Israel’s back, neutralized because the Lord had brought down its walls.

Tell es-Sultan (Jericho), with a view looking toward Gilgal.

In human thinking, it would have made sense to preserve and refortify this city-fortress in order to provide military cover for the development of the new Israelite nation. But the Lord had commanded that the city be destroyed, and a curse was placed on anyone who might seek to rebuild the city (Josh. 6:26). The Lord instructed the Israelites to destroy Jericho for a reason.

Joshua had experienced the miraculous escape from Egypt, the faithfulness of the Lord in the wilderness, and crossing the Jordan River on dry ground. He had seen the results of humanity’s unfaithfulness in numerous events during the past forty years. He recognized what others did not grasp: the Lord is guardian, provider, and shield. No military fortress at Jericho or anywhere else could do what the Lord would do for Israel. In fact, trusting the Lord to guard their backs was far more effective. By refusing to rebuild Jericho, Joshua was true to the meaning of his name: yeshua, “the Lord will rescue.”

Throughout its long history, Jericho was an important city that was attacked, destroyed, and rebuilt many times, as evidenced by this destruction level, revealing fallen walls and burn layers.

Jerico and Gilgal