Joshua 6:26
“At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: ‘Cursed before the Lord is the one who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho: ‘At the cost of his firstborn son he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.'”
Joshua 6:26 Meaning
Joshua 6:26 talks about the destruction of the city of Jericho and the curse that Joshua pronounced upon anyone who would try to rebuild it. It serves as a warning and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God’s judgments.
Joshua 6:26 Commentary and Explanation
Joshua 6:26 is a poignant verse in the book of Joshua, and it carries significant lessons and spiritual insights for us. It recounts the destruction of Jericho, a well-fortified city that stood as a formidable obstacle in the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land. As we read into this verse and its context, we can uncover profound truths that resonate with our faith journey.
In this verse, we encounter Joshua’s solemn declaration, “Cursed before the LORD is the one who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho.” The reason for this curse is rooted in the events that transpired before. Jericho was the first city the Israelites encountered upon crossing the Jordan River. God gave Joshua specific instructions on how to conquer it, which included marching around the city walls for seven days, blowing trumpets, and shouting, causing the walls to collapse (Joshua 6:1-20). These instructions were a test of faith and obedience.
The significance of Jericho’s destruction reaches beyond its physical walls. It symbolizes the power of God and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It demonstrates that when we follow God’s instructions faithfully, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, He will bring down the walls that hinder our progress.
The curse placed upon anyone who tries to rebuild Jericho serves as a lasting reminder of God’s judgment and the consequences of disobedience. We must consider the broader context of the Bible, such as the story of Achan’s sin in Joshua 7, which occurred shortly after the fall of Jericho. Achan’s disobedience to God’s command resulted in defeat for Israel at the hands of a much smaller foe. This serves as a reminder that God takes disobedience seriously and that there are consequences for our actions.
Moreover, we can draw a parallel between Jericho and the spiritual strongholds in our lives. Just as Jericho represented an obstacle to the Israelites, we all face personal strongholds, whether they be sin, addiction, fear, or doubt. Joshua 6:26 reminds us that these strongholds should not be rebuilt once God has torn them down through His power. We must not return to our old sinful ways but instead strive to live in accordance with God’s Word (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Additionally, this verse points to the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness and the lessons we’ve learned in our spiritual journey. In times of struggle and doubt, we can recall the “Jerichos” in our lives that God has brought down, recognizing His power and love. Just as God’s instructions were specific and unique for the battle of Jericho, we must seek His guidance and obey His commands in our own battles.
Joshua 6:26 serves as a lasting testament to God’s power, faithfulness, and the consequences of disobedience. It reminds us to trust in His guidance, to avoid rebuilding the strongholds of sin in our lives, and to always remember His faithfulness in our journey of faith. Just as Jericho fell before the Israelites, our obstacles can be overcome when we follow God’s lead with unwavering faith and obedience.
Also Read: Joshua 17 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Joshua 6:26
Before the walls of Jericho fell, God instructed Joshua to march around the city once for six consecutive days with the Ark of the Covenant and the army, following the blowing of trumpets. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times and at the seventh time, the priests blew their trumpets, the people shouted, and the walls came crashing down (Joshua 6:1-20).
Following the conquest, Joshua pronounced the curse on anyone who would try to rebuild Jericho. It served as a clear warning against defying God’s command and as a testimony to the mighty power of God displayed during the conquest.
Bible Study on Joshua 6:26
This verse highlights several important aspects that we can learn from:
First, it teaches us about the seriousness of God’s commands. The Lord had given clear instructions for the destruction of Jericho, and anyone who would try to rebuild it would face the consequences of their disobedience. It reminds us that God expects obedience from His people and disobedience carries severe consequences.
Second, it demonstrates the power and faithfulness of God. The destruction of the impenetrable walls of Jericho was a miracle that showcased God’s strength and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. It encourages us to trust in God’s power and to have faith that He will fulfill His promises in our lives.
Third, it serves as a warning against rebellion and idolatry. Jericho was a city associated with idolatry and the worship of false gods. The destruction of Jericho and the curse upon it reminds us of the dangers of embracing sinful practices and turning away from the Lord. It calls us to remain faithful to God and to reject anything that goes against His commands.
Lastly, it reveals the justice of God. The curse pronounced by Joshua upon anyone who would try to rebuild Jericho demonstrates that God’s judgment will eventually come upon the wicked. It reminds us that God is just and that He will hold each person accountable for their actions.
Biblical Translations of Joshua 6:26
Joshua 6:26 King James Version (KJV)
“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.”
Joshua 6:26 English Standard Version (ESV)
“Joshua laid an oath on them at that time, saying, ‘Cursed before the Lord be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. ‘At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.'”
Joshua 6:26 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, ‘Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; 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.'”
Joshua 6:26 New King James Version (NKJV)
“Then Joshua charged them at that time, saying, ‘Cursed be the man before the Lord who rises up and builds this city Jericho; he shall lay its foundation with his firstborn, and with his youngest he shall set up its gates.'”
Joshua 6:26 New Living Translation (NLT)
“Then Joshua warned the people, ‘Cursed is anyone who tries to rebuild this town of Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn son, he will lay its foundation. At the cost of his youngest son, he will set up its gates.'”
Joshua 6:26 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
“At that time Joshua imposed this curse: ‘The man who undertake[s] the rebuilding of this city, Jericho, is cursed before the Lord. He will lay its foundation at the cost of his firstborn; he will set up its gates at the cost of his youngest.'”
Final Thoughts
Joshua 6:26 is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God’s judgments. It serves as a warning against rebellion, idolatry, and the severity of the consequences that can follow.
It also reminds us of the power and faithfulness of God and encourages us to trust in Him and to obey His commands. May we learn from this verse and strive to live in obedience to God, trusting in His promises and relying on His strength.