The Battle of Jericho was the first battle of the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. The battle is described in the Book of Joshua chapter 5:13-6:27.

Spying on Jericho

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Before crossing into the land west of the River Jordan, Joshua sent two spies to look over the land. The king of Jericho heard that two Israelites spies were within his city and ordered them to be brought out to him. The woman the spies were staying with was named Rahab and she protected them by hiding the two men on her roof. Safely escaping the city the two returned to Joshua and reported that the "whole land was melting with fear".

The battle

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After crossing the Jordan, Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan where they laid siege to the city of Jericho. The Lord spoke to Joshua telling him to march around the city once every day for six days with the seven priests carrying trumpets in front of the ark. On the seventh day they were to march around the city seven times and the priests were to blow their trumpets. This Joshua did and commanded his people not to give a warcry until he told them to do so. On the seventh day after marching around the city the seventh time the priests sounded their trumpets and Joshua ordered the people to shout. The walls of the city collapsed and the Israelites were able to charge straight into the city. The city was completely destroyed except for Rahab because she had hid the two spies sent by Joshua. She and all her family were spared. After this Joshua burned the remains of the city and cursed any man who would rebuild the city of Jericho at the cost of his firstborn son.

Aftermath

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With the fall of Jericho came the Israelites' first victory in their conquest. As a result of the battle, Joshua's fame spread throughout Canaan. Joshua then sent an expedition against Ai west of Jericho. For over 400 years Jericho lay in ruins until Heil of Bethel rebuilt the city. The city was rebuilt at the cost of Heil's firstborn son Abiram and was fortified at the cost of his second son Segub.

Battles of the Canaanites | Tanakh events