Bible Dictionaries

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

Jericho

(1) Ancient Chanaanite city, near Jerusalem, north of the Dead Sea, taken and destroyed by Josue in a famous battle after the passage of the Jordan (Josue 6). When restored by Achab (3Kings 16) the Israelites settled there. In Deuteronomy 34:3, and Judges 1:16; 3:13 it is called the City of Palm Trees.

(2) The ancient city had entirely disappeared when Herod founded a new Jericho, where he died. Through this city Jesus passed on His last journey to Jerusalem; at its gates He cured two blind men (Matthew 20) and met the publican Zacheus (Luke 19).