Jericho is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds immense significance in the Bible, featuring prominently in several key events:
Biblical Events at Jericho:
The Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6): This is arguably the most famous event associated with Jericho. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land, Jericho was the first major city they encountered. It was heavily fortified. God commanded Joshua to have his army march around the city once a day for six days, with the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant and blowing trumpets (shofars). On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, and upon a long blast of the trumpets and a shout from the people, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapsed, allowing the Israelites to conquer the city. This event demonstrated God's power, his faithfulness to his promises, and the importance of obedience to his commands.
Rahab and the Spies (Joshua 2): Before the Israelite army approached Jericho, Joshua sent two spies to scout out the land. They were sheltered by Rahab, a woman of Jericho, who hid them from the king's men. Rahab confessed her belief in the God of Israel and helped the spies escape. In return, she and her family were spared when Jericho was later conquered. This story highlights themes of faith, courage, and God's grace extending even to those outside of Israel. Rahab is also significant as she is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), illustrating God's inclusive plan.
Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2): Jericho plays a role in the narrative of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. As Elijah's ministry was coming to an end, he and Elisha journeyed from Gilgal to Bethel and then to Jericho. In Jericho, the "sons of the prophets" (a group of prophetic disciples) recognized that Elijah would be taken away. After leaving Jericho and crossing the Jordan River, Elijah was miraculously taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha inherited his prophetic mantle. This event underscores the continuity of God's prophetic work and the transfer of spiritual leadership.
Healing of the Water Supply (2 Kings 2:19-22): After Elijah's ascension, Elisha returned to Jericho. The people of the city complained that the water supply was bad and causing miscarriages and barrenness. Elisha asked for a new bowl with salt, went to the spring, threw the salt into it, and declared, "Thus says the Lord, 'I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall occur because of it.'" The water was healed from that day forward. This miracle demonstrates God's care for the well-being of his people and the power of his prophets to bring healing and restoration.
Jesus Healing the Blind Men (Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43): In the New Testament, Jericho is the location of one of Jesus' miracles where he healed blind men. As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, blind men (Bartimaeus is named in Mark and Matthew mentions two) cried out to him for mercy. Despite the crowd's attempts to silence them, Jesus stopped and healed their blindness, restoring their sight. This miracle highlights Jesus' compassion, his power over physical ailments, and the importance of faith in receiving his healing.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus passed through Jericho and encountered Zacchaeus, a wealthy and notorious tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus over the crowd. Jesus called Zacchaeus down and declared that he would stay at his house. This encounter led to Zacchaeus' repentance and his commitment to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay those he had cheated. This story illustrates Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost and the transformative power of encountering him.
Significance of Jericho in the Bible:
Symbol of the Entry into the Promised Land: The fall of Jericho marks the initial and crucial step in the Israelites' conquest and inheritance of the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship with God in their own land.
Demonstration of God's Power and Faithfulness: The miraculous collapse of the walls underscores God's ability to intervene in human affairs and his unwavering faithfulness to his promises to his people. It taught the Israelites to trust in his power rather than their own military might.
Importance of Obedience: The detailed instructions given to Joshua regarding the siege of Jericho emphasize the importance of obedience to God's specific commands in order to experience his blessings and victory.
God's Grace and Inclusion: The story of Rahab demonstrates that God's grace and salvation are not limited to the nation of Israel but extend to those who fear him and act in faith, regardless of their background.
Site of Prophetic Ministry: Jericho served as a location for the ministries of both Elijah and Elisha, highlighting God's ongoing communication and work through his prophets.
Location of Healing and Restoration: The miracles performed by Elisha (healing the water) and Jesus (healing the blind men) in Jericho showcase God's compassion and power to bring physical and spiritual healing and restoration.
Transformation and Salvation: The encounter with Zacchaeus exemplifies Jesus' mission to seek out and save the lost, and the transformative impact of encountering Christ on an individual's life, leading to repentance and a change of heart.
In summary, Jericho is far more than just an ancient city in the Bible. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's power, faithfulness, grace, and transformative presence in the lives of individuals and the nation of Israel. The events that transpired in Jericho are foundational to understanding the unfolding narrative of redemption in the Old and New Testaments.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness after his baptism by John in the Jordan River, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days.
Mount of Temptation
The exact geographical location of this wilderness is not definitively specified in the Bible. However, by the 4th century, Christian tradition began to associate this event with the Mount of Temptation, also known as Jebel Quruntul in Arabic, which overlooks the city of Jericho in the West Bank.
Here's what we know:
Biblical Description: The Gospels describe a "wilderness" or "desert" setting.Mark mentions he was "among the wild beasts."Matthew and Luke detail three specific temptations: turning stones into bread, jumping from the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem, and worshipping Satan for dominion over all the kingdoms of the world from a high mountain.
Traditional Identification: Since at least the 4th century, the Mount of Temptation near Jericho has been the widely accepted traditional location for these events. This identification was notably supported by Empress Helena during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Proximity to Jordan River: Jericho is relatively close to the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized, making the nearby desert and mountains a plausible setting for his subsequent withdrawal and temptation.
"High Mountain":The Gospel accounts mention the devil taking Jesus to a "very high mountain" to show him all the kingdoms of the world. The Mount of Temptation, while not exceptionally high compared to other mountains in the region, is a prominent peak overlooking a vast area, potentially fitting this description in the context of the narrative.
Monastery of the Temptation (Qarantal Monastery): Today, the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation clings dramatically to the cliffs of the Mount of Temptation.The earliest structures of a monastery at this site date back to the 6th century, built above a cave traditionally believed to be where Jesus spent his forty days of fasting and prayer. The current monastery was largely constructed in 1895, incorporating earlier structures. It serves as a significant pilgrimage destination commemorating this pivotal event in Jesus' life.
Therefore, while the Bible itself refers to a "wilderness," the strong and long-standing tradition, supported by the presence of the Monastery of the Temptation, identifies the Mount of Temptation near Jericho as the location where Jesus was tempted by Satan for 40 days. The name "Quarantania" associated with the mountain and the monastery even derives from the Latin word for forty, referencing the duration of Jesus' fast.
