10 Interesting Facts About Jericho in the Bible

Jericho is one of the oldest and most famous cities in the Bible. Often called the “City of Palm Trees,” it’s the setting for many important stories of faith, judgment, and grace. From Joshua to Jesus, Jericho shows God’s power and mercy in action. Here are 10 interesting facts, with full Scripture references included.

1. Jericho Was the First City Conquered in the Promised Land

When Israel entered Canaan, God gave Joshua instructions to conquer Jericho. The people marched around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls fell.

Joshua 6:20 (KJV): So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets... and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Joshua 6:2 (KJV): And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.

2. Jericho’s Walls Fell by Faith, Not Force

No battering rams, swords, or towers were needed—just obedience and faith. God made the impossible happen.

Hebrews 11:30 (KJV): By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV): For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.

3. Rahab Was Saved Through Her Faith and Courage

Rahab hid the two Israelite spies and asked to be spared. Her faith led to salvation for her whole family.

Joshua 2:9 (KJV): And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land... for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

Joshua 6:25 (KJV): And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father’s household, and all that she had...

James 2:25 (KJV): Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

4. Jericho Was Cursed After Its Fall

Joshua warned that anyone who rebuilt the city would do so at a terrible cost.

Joshua 6:26 (KJV): Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho...

1 Kings 16:34 (KJV): In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn...

5. Elisha Healed Jericho’s Bitter Water

After the city was rebuilt, its water was bad. Elisha healed the spring using salt.

2 Kings 2:21 (KJV): And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters...

2 Kings 2:22 (KJV): So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.

6. Jesus Healed Blind Men Near Jericho

Jericho was part of Jesus’ ministry route. As He passed through, He healed blind men who cried out in faith.

Matthew 20:30–34 (KJV): And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side... cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.

Luke 18:42–43 (KJV): And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight...

7. Zacchaeus Met Jesus in Jericho

Zacchaeus, a tax collector, was eager to see Jesus. He climbed a tree and ended up hosting the Lord in his home.

Luke 19:3–5 (KJV): And he sought to see Jesus who he was... and he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree... Jesus looked up, and said... to day I must abide at thy house.

Luke 19:9 (KJV): And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house...

8. Jericho Was Known as the City of Palm Trees

Jericho was a beautiful and fruitful oasis in the desert. Palm trees and fresh springs made it an ideal place to live and rest.

Deuteronomy 34:3 (KJV): ...the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

Judges 1:16 (KJV): And the children of the Kenite... went and dwelt with the people in the south of Arad in the wilderness.

9. Jericho Sat Along a Major Travel Route

Jericho was located on the road between Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley, making it a key location for travelers, including in Jesus’ parables.

Luke 10:30 (KJV): A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves...

Mark 10:46 (KJV): And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples...

10. Jericho Is One of the Oldest Cities on Earth

While not mentioned in the Bible directly, archaeological evidence supports that Jericho is one of the earliest known settlements. This aligns with its importance in the biblical timeline.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (KJV): The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be... and there is no new thing under the sun.

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