Introduction
There is no more unfortunate division of chapters in the Bible than occurs here. The conversation between the Captain and his lieutenant is cut in twain, and the revelation of the warrior in chap. v is without any perceptible result. But the new chapter should commence at Joshua 5:13, and the first verse of chap. vi should be in a parenthesis. Then it will clearly appear that the revelation of the Captain of the Lord’s host is an introduction to the history of the conquest of Jericho.
1. Now Jericho was straitly shut up Heb, shutting (the gates) and firmly shut up. The active participle may describe the act of the people within, and the passive that of the besiegers without. Or the sense may be: Jericho closed her gates, and fastened them up with bolts and bars. Both expressions also indicate the continuance of this condition, which is further explained by the words
None went out, and none came in The city was effectually blockaded. On Jericho see note at Joshua 2:1.
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