Old Testament
Joshua 6:26
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At that time, Joshua made the people take an oath, saying, "Cursed before the LORD is anyone who rebuilds this city of Jericho. He will lay its foundation at the cost of his firstborn son, and he will set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son."
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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.
What Joshua 6:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who attempts to rebuild the city of Jericho after its destruction. He emphasizes that such an act will come at a great personal cost, specifically the lives of their children. This curse serves as a warning to the Israelites about the seriousness of God's judgment and the importance of obeying His commands. Jericho was a symbol of God's victory over Israel's enemies, and rebuilding it would signify a rejection of that victory. The curse highlights the consequences of disobedience and the need to respect God's will. It also reflects the deep connection between the land and the people, as the fate of the city is tied to the lives of the builder's children. This verse underscores the importance of honoring God's decrees and the severe repercussions that can arise from disregarding them.
How to apply Joshua 6:26 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of honoring commitments and respecting God's commands. In our lives, we should be cautious about the choices we make, understanding that our actions can have significant consequences, not just for ourselves but for those we love.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:1–27)
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Joshua
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Joshua 6:26
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 6:26 mean?
Joshua 6:26 means that Joshua declared a curse on anyone who would try to rebuild Jericho after its destruction. He warned that such an act would come at a great personal cost, specifically the lives of their children, emphasizing the seriousness of disobeying God's commands.
What is the significance of the curse in Joshua 6:26?
The curse in Joshua 6:26 signifies the importance of obeying God's will and the consequences of disobedience. It serves as a warning to the Israelites about the repercussions of rebuilding Jericho, which represented God's victory over their enemies.
What does the phrase 'lay its foundation at the cost of his firstborn son' mean?
The phrase 'lay its foundation at the cost of his firstborn son' means that anyone who rebuilds Jericho would face severe consequences, losing their firstborn child as a result of their actions. This highlights the gravity of defying God's decree.
How does Joshua 6:26 relate to the theme of obedience?
Joshua 6:26 relates to the theme of obedience by illustrating the severe consequences that can arise from disobeying God's commands. It serves as a reminder that our actions can have significant impacts, not just on ourselves but also on our loved ones.
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