The Bible Says
Joshua 6:26-27 Meaning

Joshua 6:26-27, the Canaanites hear of the Israelites’ victory.

In the previous passage, Joshua remembered the vow to the Jericho woman, Rahab, when she saved the two Israelite spies who infiltrated the city in preparation for the battle. Joshua commanded the spies who went to Jericho to bring Rahab and her family out of the city before they destroyed it. Then, the Israelites burned the city but saved the metal treasures so they could use them in worship ceremonies to God (Joshua 6:22-25).

Here in Joshua 6:26-27, Joshua pronounces a curse against anyone attempting to rebuild Jericho. He made them take an oath at that time, saying: Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises and builds this city of Jericho (v. 26).

The statement cursed before the LORD means the person would fall under divine punishment. Joshua urged the Israelites to make a solemn utterance intended to request God to inflict harm on anyone attempting to rebuild Jericho. This was the curse, which was upon the offspring of the man who might attempt to raise the city again: With the loss of his firstborn, he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son, he shall set up its gates. Since the city was devoted to God, it was to remain void after its demolition.

The book of 1 Kings tells us this curse was fulfilled centuries later, “In his days, Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub” (1 Kings 16:34). It happened just as Joshua said, because he was God’s spokesman. So, the LORD was with Joshua (v. 27).

Earlier in the book, the LORD reassured Joshua of His constant presence: “Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). Later, God promised to magnify Joshua by confirming his position as Israel’s leader (Joshua 3:7). He fulfilled His word through the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground. At that time, He exalted Joshua in the sight of all the Israelites. When the spiritual authority of Elijah would later pass to Elisha, it was also confirmed by the parting of the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:14).The Israelites esteemed Joshua highly and followed his leadership (Joshua 4:14). In our passage, God’s presence with the Israelite leader guaranteed his success, and his fame was in all the land.

That Joshua’s fame was in all the land means reports of the destruction of Jericho spread throughout Canaan. The Canaanites heard that the mighty Jericho had fallen to the Israelites, and that it was Joshua who led his people as a devout servant of their God. This likely spread fear into the hearts of some of the Canaanite kings, as well as provoking them to prepare for their turn against God’s people (Joshua 2:11, 7:2-5, 9:1-2)

Joshua faithfully followed the LORD’s instructions regarding conquering the city of Jericho. Although the city was secure, the Israelites could enter it by obeying God’s seemingly peculiar commands. They marched silently around Jericho once per day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day. On the seventh circuit and at the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted, and the walls of Jericho collapsed. Once inside, they destroyed the city.

Israel’s victory demonstrates the power of the LORD to perform miracles. He is the great warrior who never loses His strength. The first battle for the inheritance of the Promised Land was concluded.