Xanthe Hancox

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

Six hundred years before Ahab’s time, Joshua pronounced a solemn oath. He said, “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)

But why would God have a curse on the rebuilding of Jericho's walls?

Jericho stood at the border of Canaan. It was the first city that the Israelites encountered and defeated. But, as we know Joshua 6, they didn't take it by their own power. God showed them that he would fight for them, that he was giving them the land—that they could trust him.

Joshua pronounced the curse upon Jericho precisely because of this. The question was—were the people of Israel going to rely upon God or would they trust in human strength?

But Ahab did not trust God. An unprotected Jericho was something that he could not tolerate. Jericho, as a gateway to his kingdom, had to be rebuilt and become a fortress again. Ahab would only feel safe when Jericho was surrounded by thick, high and strong walls.

Many people view the Bible the way Ahab did. They think that they can safely ignore God’s Word, use their own judgement, and everything will be just fine.

It's noteworthy that Hiel continued to rebuild Jericho's walls even after Abiram, his firstborn, was struck down. You would think that the death of his firstborn would bring Joshua's curse to mind and stop him in his tracks. But it didn't, he was hardened in his sin.

This morning, how seriously do you take God’s Word? Do you trust him?

Prayer: Lord, we live in a world that tells us that the Bible is nothing more than fairytales and legends, and that there is no truth in your warning or promises. Forgive me for the times I have not taken your Word seriously. Help me to trust you today.  Amen