Bible Places A to Z Lesson 7
Original Jericho First mention – Numbers 22:1 Hebrew name thought to come from a Canaanite name meaning “fragrant”; Arabic name has same meaning Another possible origin from “moon” – Jericho was an early center for moon worship Possibly the oldest continuously occupied city in the world
Jericho City Place of a natural spring later known as Elisha’s spring Earliest homes were circular about 16’ across City itself seems to have taken on an oval shape; population growing to 3,000 City walls contructed 12’ high and 6’ thick Internal tower built, used for worship?
Biblical Jericho Spied out by scouts, Joshua himself Conquered by Joshua & Israelites in 7 days All items in city accursed [Joshua 6:17] Rahab and family saved alive City burned and cursed by Joshua [6:24,26] Check out 1 Kings 16:34 Included in territory assigned to tribe of Benjamin
NT Jericho Short distance SE of ancient city Flourishing trade town famous for its palm trees Popular with politicians – Herod’s palace Visited by Jesus on His last trip to Jerusalem Mt 20:29-34 – He gave sight to 2 blind men Lk 19:2-10 – He brought salvation to the house of Zacchaeus