The Curse of Jericho
Defying God
In Ahab’s time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He laid its foundations at the cost of his firstborn son Abiram, and he set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the Lord spoken by Joshua son of Nun.
(1 Kings 16:34, NIV)
The rebuilding of Jericho’s walls during Ahab’s reign was yet another of defiance against God. It represented...
1. the reversal of what God had accomplished during the time of Joshua. (The walls were torn down; now they are being put back up.)
2. the symbolic removal of God from Israel. (Jericho was where the Israelites had entered the Holy Land all those years before.)
3. the reliance upon one’s own means (in this case, by fortifying a strategic location) instead of relying upon God.
So, in effect, Israel was putting things back the way they were before God showed up, kicking Him out the door, and then barring said door and changing the lock! No wonder there was a “curse of Jericho” in the first place.
Of course, in the end, King Ahab’s plans proved to be but papier-mâché in the face of God’s plans, but that is a story for another day.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the work you have performed in my life. Show me the ways I am undoing Your work in me. Please take permanent abode in my life. I want you to stay, even during those times when I am trying to force You out of the door You came in. Constantly remind me that you are the loving owner of my life and strengthen my faith so that I will rest in your protection. Amen!