Joshua 6:26
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 6:26
26 And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.
Chapter Context
Joshua 6 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, wisdom, redemption. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 6:26
26 And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.
Analysis
Joshua adjured them (וַיַּשְׁבַּע, vayashba)—This solemn oath formula invoked God's name as witness and enforcer. Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho—Jericho's ruins were to remain a perpetual testimony to God's judgment, like Sodom (Deuteronomy 29:23). Rebuilding would defy divine decree.
He shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates—This prophetic curse precisely fulfilled 500 years later when Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho, losing his sons Abiram and Segub (1 Kings 16:34). The Hebrew syntax suggests the sons' deaths would bracket the construction, which occurred exactly. This demonstrates Scripture's supernatural foreknowledge and the deadly seriousness of despising God's judgments.
Historical Context
Jericho remained ruins for approximately five centuries until Hiel's ill-fated rebuilding during Ahab's reign (874-853 BC). The site was used for temporary settlements but not fortified. This curse distinguished Jericho from other conquered cities like Ai, which were rebuilt. Joshua pronounced this oath circa 1406 BC, likely at the ruins before Israel's assembled tribes.
Reflection
- What does the curse's precise fulfillment centuries later teach about God's sovereign control over history and human choices?
- How should believers today view 'rebuilding' what God has judged—returning to condemned sins or compromised ministries?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Kings 16:34, Acts 19:13
- Parallel theme: Matthew 26:63