Joshua 6:26
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 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Joshua, we see Joshua issuing a solemn curse upon anyone who dares to rebuild the city of Jericho. The city of Jericho held great significance in ancient Israelite history. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land. The curse that Joshua pronounces is a warning to future generations to remember the power and authority of God. By invoking this curse, Joshua is emphasizing the importance of respecting God's will and not defying His commands. The curse serves as a deterrent to prevent the rebuilding of Jericho, a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. It is a powerful statement that reinforces the belief in the supremacy of God and the consequences of going against His divine plan. The severe nature of the curse underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites viewed their relationship with God and their commitment to following His laws. The verse serves as a lesson in obedience, faith, and the consequences of defying God's will.
Theological Overview
Joshua's adjuration of the Israelites in regards to the city of Jericho reveals a solemn and serious warning against anyone who would dare to rebuild the cursed city. The act of laying the foundation in one's firstborn and setting up the gates in the youngest son is a symbolic representation of the severe consequences that would befall the individual who disobeys God's command. This verse highlights the importance of obedience and respect for divine authority, as well as the consequence of going against God's will. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the concept of divine punishment and the significance of honoring God's decrees. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of being mindful of God's commands in all aspects of life.
Joshua 6:26 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Joshua charged them with an oath at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before Jehovah, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: with the loss of his first-born shall he lay the foundation thereof, and with the loss of his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.
World English Bible
Joshua commanded them with an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed is the man before Yahweh, who rises up and builds this city Jericho. With the loss of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.”
Douay-Rheims
Cursed be the man before the Lord, that shall raise up and build the city of Jericho. In his firstborn may he lay the foundation thereof, and in the last of his children set up its gates.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Ioshua sware at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before ye Lord, that riseth vp, and buildeth this citie Iericho: hee shall lay the foundation thereof in his eldest sonne, and in his yongest sonne shall hee set vp the gates of it.