JERICHO

This was the first city captured by Joshua (see Josh. 6:2-20); Jericho is one of the oldest cities on earth.

This photograph shows vegetation in present-day Jericho. Anciently it was a walled city in the valley of the Jordan River, 825 feet below sea level. It is a rich agricultural area where date palms and citrus groves flourish. In the background is the traditional Mount of Temptation (Matt. 4:1-11).

Significant Events:
Near this place, Joshua and the children of Israel first crossed the Jordan River, entering into the promised land (Josh. 2:1-3; 3:14-16). The Lord miraculously caused the walls to fall down before the Israelite forces (Josh. 6; see also Heb. 11:30). Joshua placed a curse on the city (Josh. 6:26), which was fulfilled (1 Kgs. 16:34). Elisha healed the waters of Jericho (2 Kgs. 2:18-22). The Savior passed through here on his last visit to Jerusalem, healing the blind Bartimaeus and abiding with Zacchaeus, the publican (Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43; 19:1-10). The road to Jericho from Jerusalem was featured in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). (See Bible Dictionary, “Jericho.”)