Jericho
Jericho is a city near the Jordan, opposite the plains of Moab.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
Jericho is a city located near the Jordan River, frequently mentioned as a geographical reference point for the plains of Moab where the Israelites camped before entering Canaan. The plains of Moab are described as being 'by Jordan near Jericho' (Numbers 22:1; Numbers 26:3; Numbers 26:63; Numbers 31:12; Numbers 33:48; Numbers 33:50; Numbers 35:1; Numbers 36:13). It is also identified as 'the city of palm trees' (Deuteronomy 34:3) and is the target of the Israelite spies sent by Joshua (Joshua 2:1).
- Location relative to Jordan
- by Jordan near Jericho (Numbers 22:1; Numbers 26:3; Numbers 26:63; Numbers 31:12; Numbers 33:48; Numbers 33:50; Numbers 35:1; Numbers 36:13)
- Also called
- the city of palm trees (Deuteronomy 34:3)
- Mountain opposite
- mount Nebo in the land of Moab is over against Jericho (Deuteronomy 32:49)
- Spies sent to
- Joshua sent two men from Shittim to spy secretly on Jericho (Joshua 2:1)
- King of Jericho
- the king of Jericho was told of the spies and sent to Rahab (Joshua 2:2-3)
- Crossing point
- the people passed over right against Jericho (Joshua 3:16)
Lore & Background
Jericho serves as a consistent geographical marker for the Israelites' encampment in the plains of Moab. After departing from the mountains of Abarim, they pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho (Numbers 33:48). It is from this location that the Lord spoke to Moses regarding the division of the land and the cities of refuge (Numbers 33:50; Numbers 35:1). The two and a half tribes received their inheritance on this side Jordan near Jericho eastward (Numbers 34:15). Jericho is also the destination of the spies sent by Joshua from Shittim (Joshua 2:1). The king of Jericho learned of their presence and demanded their surrender from Rahab (Joshua 2:2-3). Later, when the Israelites crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off and the people passed over right against Jericho (Joshua 3:16). Moses viewed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, which is over against Jericho (Deuteronomy 32:49), and he went up from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, over against Jericho, where the Lord showed him the land (Deuteronomy 34:1). The valley of Jericho is described as the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees (Deuteronomy 34:3).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Jericho primarily as a geographical landmark rather than a fully described city. It is consistently used to locate the plains of Moab, where the Israelites camped and received divine instructions (Numbers 22:1; Numbers 26:3; Numbers 26:63; Numbers 31:12; Numbers 33:48; Numbers 33:50; Numbers 35:1; Numbers 36:13). The city is also the point opposite which the Israelites crossed the Jordan (Joshua 3:16). Jericho is identified as 'the city of palm trees' (Deuteronomy 34:3), suggesting a fertile oasis. It is the target of the Israelite reconnaissance mission (Joshua 2:1), and its king is mentioned as an active opponent who sought to capture the spies (Joshua 2:2-3). The mountain from which Moses viewed the land is described as being 'over against Jericho' (Deuteronomy 32:49; Deuteronomy 34:1), reinforcing Jericho's role as a key reference point for the Israelites' final preparations before entering Canaan. No details about the city's walls, conquest, or destruction are given in these passages.
Did You Know?
- Jericho is called 'the city of palm trees' in Deuteronomy 34:3.
- The plains of Moab are repeatedly described as being 'by Jordan near Jericho' (Numbers 22:1; Numbers 26:3; Numbers 26:63; Numbers 31:12; Numbers 33:48; Numbers 33:50; Numbers 35:1; Numbers 36:13).
- Mount Nebo, from which Moses viewed Canaan, is said to be 'over against Jericho' (Deuteronomy 32:49).
- The Israelites crossed the Jordan River 'right against Jericho' (Joshua 3:16).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jericho?
Jericho is not a person but an ancient city situated by the Jordan River, serving as a major geographical marker in the biblical narrative. It functioned as the entry point into Canaan from the plains of Moab where the Israelites camped.
What are Jericho's powers or role?
Its role is primarily strategic and symbolic rather than involving supernatural powers or character abilities. As the city of palm trees, it represented the first significant challenge for Joshua’s spies and army upon approaching the Promised Land.
How does Jericho's story end?
While the provided texts focus on the spying and crossing, the full scriptural account concludes with the city’s walls collapsing and its subsequent destruction. This event solidified Jericho as a symbol of divine conquest during the Israelite campaign.
Why is Jericho important in scripture?
Jericho is vital as the first target for Joshua’s spies and the initial barrier to entering Canaan from Moab. Its capture signified divine favor and secured the Israelite claim to the land promised by God.
Where is Jericho located relative to other landmarks?
Biblical texts consistently place Jericho near the Jordan River, specifically opposite Mount Nebo in the land of Moab where the people camped. This location makes it a central reference point for the plains of Moab mentioned throughout Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Elsewhere in the Figures of Scripture universe
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