Jericho 

During Jesus' first trip to Passover at age thirteen, Jericho was on the route to Jerusalem and was the first overnight stopping place on the way back home to Nazareth. It was at Jericho that Joseph and Mary realized that they had left Jesus behind in Jerusalem. Joseph assumed that Jesus returned in Mary's group with the women as he had done on the way there. Mary assumed Jesus traveled home with Joseph in the men's group because, after his graduation and confirmation ceremonies, Jesus was technically considered a young man of Israel. Mary and Joseph had quite a sleepless night and, in the morning, set out for Jerusalem again. They spent the next few days after arriving in Jerusalem searching the city, only to find Jesus speaking in the temple.

Jesus and his apostles traveled to Jericho to spread the message of God’s love. One of the most memorable events in Jericho involved the healing of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar afflicted since his youth, whose sight was restored by Jesus. This miracle not only symbolized physical healing but also spiritual enlightenment, as Jesus sought to break down the walls of prejudice and self-righteousness that divided people. The apostles did some public work in Jericho and made the discovery that the good news of the kingdom was very comforting to the sick and afflicted. It was in Jericho that Jesus first told the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus' message regarding marriage and the blessedness of children spread all over Jericho. Scores of mothers came to where Jesus lodged, bringing their children for a blessing. This was also where Jesus first taught the parable of the pounds, based upon Archelaus, an actual historical character.

It was at Jericho that six secret spies sent by the Sanhedrin caught up with Jesus and his followers, claiming that they wanted to become disciples. After trying to entrap him, only three returned to report to the chief priests in Jerusalem.

Judas Iscariot was also from Jericho, having moved there as a young boy with his family from Kerioth, a small town in southern Judea. He was the only child of parents who were wealthy but unwise. His father, Simon, was a businessman in Jericho, and Judas worked as his assistant during his youth. This background in commerce and finance likely influenced his later role as the treasurer among Jesus's apostles.

Moreover, Jericho held significant meaning for Jesus because of its biblical association with Joshua, the leader who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Jesus discovered that he had been named for this same Joshua by his parents as they traveled to the Passover in Jerusalem when he was young. This parallel was symbolic, as Jesus aimed to lead people into a new understanding of God’s kingdom. His teachings were well-received in Jericho, and his apostles followed his instructions, fully preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom. Jericho, therefore, became a vital stop in Jesus’ ministry, representing a place of healing, faith, and transformation.

Jericho, known as Tell es-Sultan in ancient times, has long been a focal point for human settlement. Archaeological evidence suggests that Jericho is one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities, with human activity dating back to around 9,000 BCE. This early settlement marks the transition of human society from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities. Jericho’s inhabitants were pioneers in agriculture, domesticating animals, and cultivating crops, which facilitated the growth of an early urban society.

One of the most notable features of ancient Jericho is its protective wall, built around 8,000 BCE. This is considered one of the earliest examples of urban fortification, indicating a highly organized society capable of planning and defense. The biblical significance of Jericho, especially the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, has captured the imagination of generations. According to the Book of Joshua, the city’s walls miraculously fell after the Israelites encircled the city for seven days. While archaeological evidence for this event is debated, it underscores Jericho’s role in the spiritual and military history of the region.

Due to its strategic location in the Jordan Valley, Jericho became a major center for trade and commerce. The city’s proximity to important routes connecting the Mediterranean, Jordan River, and the Arabian Peninsula made it historically an ideal hub for trading goods such as spices, textiles, and precious metals. Jericho’s profuse springs provided a steady water supply, making it an attractive location for settlement and economic activity. The city’s fertile soil allowed for the cultivation of date palms and balsam, products that were highly prized in ancient markets.

During the Roman period, Jericho continued to flourish economically. Herod the Great built lavish palaces and gardens in the area, transforming it into a luxurious retreat for Roman officials and Jewish elites. The city’s prosperity in trade helped solidify its status as a vital urban center, contributing to the region’s wealth and influence.

Culturally, Jericho was a melting pot of influences due to its long history and strategic position. As one of the oldest cities, it witnessed the rise and fall of multiple civilizations, including the Canaanites, Israelites, Romans, Byzantines, and Islamic rulers. These cultures left a lasting imprint on the city, contributing to its rich and diverse heritage. Jericho's ancient walls and archaeological sites, such as Tell es-Sultan and Hisham’s Palace, provide a glimpse into its historical importance and cultural legacy.

In biblical tradition, Jericho is known as the "City of Palm Trees" due to the abundance of palm groves that surround it. These groves became symbolic of the city’s prosperity and natural beauty. The cultural memory of Jericho, tied to its biblical stories and archaeological significance, continues to shape its identity today.

Religiously, Jericho holds a special place in both Jewish and Christian traditions. For Jews, the city is a symbol of divine intervention, as reflected in the miraculous fall of its walls in the Book of Joshua. Jericho also played a role in the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, marking a significant milestone in their religious history.

Jesus talked about Joshua, whose namesake he was, and recited how Joshua and the Israelites had come up to Jerusalem through Jericho. In commenting on the legend of the walls of Jericho falling down, Jesus said: “I am not concerned with such walls of brick and stone; but I would cause the walls of prejudice, self-righteousness, and hate to crumble before this preaching of the Father’s love for all men.”

In Christianity, Jericho is important due to its association with Jesus’ ministry. The story of Bartimaeus’ healing is one of the key events highlighting Jesus' compassion and miraculous powers. Jericho also serves as a metaphor in Jesus’ teachings for breaking down barriers – both physical and spiritual – between people. The city’s religious significance continues to attract pilgrims and visitors interested in retracing the footsteps of biblical figures.

Today, Jericho, known as Tulul Abu el-Alayik (or simply Alayik), is a city in the West Bank under the administrative control of the Palestinian Authority. It has a population of around 18,000 and is part of the Jericho Governorate. Despite the political complexities of the region, modern Jericho retains its historical charm and remains a center for tourism and agriculture. The city’s rich past and archaeological sites, such as Hisham’s Palace and Elisha’s Spring, draw tourists and scholars alike.

Geologically, Jericho is located in the Jordan Valley, one of the lowest regions on earth, sitting about 250 meters (820 feet) below sea level. The city benefits from abundant natural springs, which have supported human settlement for millennia. Elisha’s Spring, named after the biblical prophet, remains one of the most important water sources in the area.

Jericho’s arid climate and fertile land have made it an oasis in the Jordan Valley. The surrounding desert and proximity to the Dead Sea give Jericho a unique ecological profile. Its geological features, combined with its historical and cultural significance, contribute to its reputation as a city of enduring importance.