Jericho in the Bible
The first city conquered in the Promised Land, whose walls fell at God's command.
Jericho holds a unique place in biblical history as the first Canaanite city conquered by Joshua and the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land.
Modern Location
Modern Jericho (Tell es-Sultan), West Bank — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth
Key Biblical Events
- 1Spies sent to Jericho; Rahab hides them (Joshua 2)
- 2The walls of Jericho fall (Joshua 6)
- 3Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan near Jericho (2 Kings 2)
- 4Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus near Jericho (Mark 10:46)
- 5Jesus visits Zacchaeus in Jericho (Luke 19:1-10)
Key KJV Scriptures
"So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets... and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city."
"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days."
"And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house."
Spiritual Significance
Jericho demonstrates that God fights for His people when they trust and obey. The impossible task of breaching fortified walls was accomplished not by military might but by faith-filled obedience to God's unusual instructions.
Why Jericho Matters
Jericho holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 5 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Joshua, Rahab, Zacchaeus linked to its story — Jericho is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
What makes Jericho especially significant is that its story spans both Testaments. The 3 key scriptures connected to this location trace a thread from the Old Testament promises through to their New Testament fulfillment. Jericho demonstrates that God fights for His people when they trust and obey. The impossible task of breaching fortified walls was accomplished not by military might but by faith-filled obedience to God's unusual instructions.
For today's believer, studying Jericho is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Jericho, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Joshua encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the walls of Jericho really fall?
The Bible records that the walls fell after the Israelites marched around the city for seven days and shouted (Joshua 6:20). Archaeological excavations have found evidence of collapsed walls at ancient Jericho.
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Related Bible Locations
Jerusalem
The holy city — center of worship, prophecy, and salvation history.
Jordan River
The river Israel crossed into the Promised Land and where Jesus was baptized.
Ai
The city Israel failed to conquer because of Achan's sin — then defeated after repentance.
Ai
City where Israel's overconfidence led to defeat — then victory after repentance.
Ai
The small Canaanite city whose conquest taught Israel the cost of disobedience.
Miracles at Jericho
Every miracle in Scripture tied to Jericho.
The Walls of Jericho Fall
Israel marched around Jericho for seven days and the walls fell flat at a shout.
Read the miracleParting of the Jordan
The Jordan River stood up in a heap so Israel crossed into the promised land on dry ground.
Read the miracleElijah Taken Up by a Chariot of Fire
A chariot and horses of fire parted Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Read the miracleWhere to go next
Finished reading about Jericho? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
- Explore the full Bible locations mapEvery place in Scripture, by region.Continue
- See where this fits on the Bible timelineFrom creation to the early church.Continue
- Meet the people of the BibleProfiles with verses for every major figure.Continue
- Test yourself with a Bible quizFree quizzes — every answer cites a verse.Continue
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Walls of Jericho Fall
Israel marched around Jericho for seven days and the walls fell flat at a shout.
Rahab and the Battle of Jericho
Joshua 2; 6:1-25 • Conquest & Judges
Rahab in the Bible
The Redeemed Harlot
Parting of the Jordan
The Jordan River stood up in a heap so Israel crossed into the promised land on
Walls of Jericho Quiz
Seven days, seven priests, and a great shout (Joshua 6).
Joshua 6 Quiz — The Fall of Jericho
Seven days, seven times — walls that fell by faith and obedience.