Joshua's curse was a solemn decree pronounced against anyone who would attempt to rebuild the city of Jericho after its destruction. The curse explicitly outlined severe consequences for those who defied this command.
The Specific Terms of the Curse
Following the conquest and destruction of Jericho, Joshua declared a powerful and enduring curse. His words made it clear that rebuilding the city would come at an immense personal cost to the individual undertaking the task. The curse was directed at "the man that rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho," and it specified the loss of his sons at critical stages of the rebuilding process.
The conditions of the curse were as follows:
| Stage of Rebuilding | Consequence for the Rebuilder |
|---|---|
| Laying the foundation | The cost of his firstborn son |
| Setting up its gates | The cost of his youngest son |
In essence, the curse stated: "Cursed before the Lord be the man that rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates." This pronouncement served as a strong deterrent against any future attempts to restore Jericho, linking the very act of its reconstruction to profound personal tragedy and the loss of one's children.
