Topical Bible: Jericho: Plain of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Plain of Jericho is a significant geographical and historical area in biblical narratives, particularly in the Old Testament. This fertile plain is located in the Jordan Valley, near the ancient city of Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. The region is characterized by its rich soil and abundant water supply, making it an ideal location for agriculture and settlement.

Biblical Significance

The Plain of Jericho is most famously associated with the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they encamped in the plains near Jericho, preparing for their first major battle in the Promised Land. The miraculous fall of Jericho's walls, as described in Joshua 6, marks a pivotal moment in Israelite history. The Lord instructed Joshua and the Israelites to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls collapsed after the people shouted and the priests blew their trumpets: "When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city" (Joshua 6:20).

Geographical Context

The Plain of Jericho is situated approximately 825 feet below sea level, making it one of the lowest regions on earth. It is bordered by the Jordan River to the east and the Judean hills to the west. The climate is arid, but the presence of natural springs and the proximity to the Jordan River have historically provided ample water for irrigation. This has allowed the plain to support a variety of crops, including dates, figs, and balsam, contributing to its reputation as a "city of palm trees" (Deuteronomy 34:3).

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered evidence of ancient settlements dating back to the Neolithic period. The city of Jericho itself has been a focal point of archaeological study, revealing layers of occupation and destruction that align with biblical accounts. The strategic location of the Plain of Jericho made it a valuable asset for controlling trade routes and access to the interior of Canaan.

Cultural and Theological Themes

The events at Jericho underscore themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. The Israelites' victory is attributed to their adherence to God's commands and their reliance on His power rather than military might. The destruction of Jericho also serves as a warning against idolatry and disobedience, as seen in the subsequent account of Achan's sin and its consequences for Israel (Joshua 7).

In summary, the Plain of Jericho holds a prominent place in biblical history as the site of a miraculous victory that demonstrated God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to deliver His people. The region's fertile land and strategic location have made it a significant area throughout history, both in biblical times and beyond.

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2 Kings 25:5
And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.
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Jeremiah 52:8
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him.
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Library

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
... Strabo speaks like things, "Jericho is a plain surrounded with mountains, which
in some places bend to it after the manner of a theatre. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 46 the country of.htm

How Vespasian Upon Hearing of Some Commotions in Gall, Made Haste ...
... Haste To Finish The Jewish War. A Description Of. Jericho, And Of The Great
Plain; With An Account Besides Of The Lake Asphaltitis. ...
/.../chapter 8 how vespasian upon.htm

The Last Journey to Jerusalem.
... It was the time of the Passover Feast at Jerusalem, and as they crossed at the Fords
of Jordan and went over the Jericho plain they must have joined some of ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiii the last journey.htm

A Sight of Judea
... goodness of the soil," yet had its mountainous part, its plain, and vale: and that,
not only towards Lydda, and the great sea, but towards Jericho and Jordan. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 9 a sight of.htm

The Siege of Jericho
... I think that is quite plain in the story, if you will read it carefully, though ... He
gives us enough light for the moment, He says, 'March round Jericho; and be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the siege of jericho.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... The water of these springs, distributed by aqueducts, gave, under a tropical sky,
unsurpassed fertility to the rich soil along the plain' of Jericho, which is ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm

The Law of the Sabbath-Day Explained. The Eight Days' Procession ...
... It is more to the point, if you be confuted on plain matters [2961] by the ... They,
however, who on the Sabbath carried the ark round Jericho, did it with impunity ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxi the law of the.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... to Jehovah, whose true character as one who loves all mankind was first appreciated
by the inspired prophets of a much later From the plain of Jericho two or ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

John Shows a Logical Order
... and the crowds of pilgrims, who then thronged the thoroughfares, along the winding
route that led through the mountain passes from the plain of Jericho up to ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/john shows a logical order.htm

The Healing of the Waters
... At the time that the cities of the plain were destroyed, the region round about ... Before
them had stood the walls of Jericho, a heathen stronghold, the center of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 18 the healing of.htm