JERICHO
Jericho holds immense historical importance, particularly concerning the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan. Under Joshua’s leadership and through divine intervention, the Israelites captured Jericho, marking their first significant victory in the Promised Land (Josh 6). This triumph was accomplished by following God’s unique battle strategy, which involved marching around the city for seven days and shouting in unison, causing Jericho’s walls to collapse.
Joshua allocated Jericho to the tribe of Benjamin (Josh 18:21). Positioned about twelve kilometers west of the Jordan River and twenty-seven kilometers east of Jerusalem, Jericho’s strategic location made it a crucial city in biblical times.
A Cursed Yet Redeemed City
Jericho bore a curse pronounced by Joshua, declaring that anyone who attempted to rebuild the city would do so at the cost of their firstborn and youngest son (Josh 6:26). This curse was fulfilled during King Ahab’s reign when Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho at the expense of his two sons (1 Kgs 16:34).
Despite its cursed beginnings, Jericho underwent a miraculous transformation. The city’s spring water was initially foul, rendering the land sterile. In response to the inhabitants’ plea, the prophet Elisha threw salt into the spring, purifying the water by God’s power (2 Kgs 2:19-22). This miracle restored the land’s fertility, turning Jericho into a flourishing city known for its palm forests, balsam groves, rose gardens, and dates. Consequently, Jericho earned the title “City of Palms” (Deut 34:3; Judg 1:16) and later “City of Perfumes.”
Jericho in the New Testament
Jericho continued to hold significance during Jesus’ time. The city was a major taxation center, home to Zacchaeus, a wealthy overseer of tax collectors. Its prosperity made it a key location for travelers, including Jews from Galilee who, avoiding Samaria due to enmity with the Samaritans, often chose the Jericho route to reach Jerusalem.
Jesus frequently traveled through Jericho, performing miracles and imparting valuable lessons. Notable events associated with Jesus and Jericho include:
1. Path to Jerusalem: As Joshua led the Israelites through Jericho to the Promised Land, Jesus also traveled through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem, where He would ultimately offer Himself as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
2. Healing the Blind: Jesus healed Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, in Jericho, showcasing His compassion and divine power (Mt 20:29-34; Mk 10:46-52; Lk 18:35-43).
3. Conversion of Zacchaeus: Jesus called Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, down from a sycamore tree and dined at his house. This encounter led to Zacchaeus’ repentance and transformation (Lk 19:1-10).
4. Parable of the Ten Gold Coins: While in Jericho, Jesus told the parable of the ten gold coins, teaching about stewardship and accountability (Lk 19:11-27).
REFLECTION
Jericho’s transformation from a cursed city to a flourishing, fertile land is a powerful testament to God’s ability to redeem and restore. Just as Jericho was the gateway to the Promised Land for the Israelites, it also served as a significant stop for Jesus on His journey to Jerusalem, where He fulfilled His mission of salvation.
For Christians, Jericho represents the journey of faith and redemption. The crossing of the Jordan River symbolizes baptism, through which we are cleansed and enter into a new life in Christ. As we journey with Jesus, He heals our spiritual blindness, as He did for Bartimaeus, and calls us to repentance and transformation, as seen in Zacchaeus’ life.
Jericho teaches us that no matter how cursed or broken our past may be, God’s grace and power can redeem and restore us. We are invited to follow Jesus, allowing Him to heal our spiritual ailments and lead us to the heavenly Jerusalem. As we reflect on the miracles and teachings associated with Jericho, let us be encouraged to trust in God’s redemptive power and walk faithfully with Him, knowing that He can turn our curses into blessings and our barrenness into fruitfulness.