Life Lessons from Hebrews: Jericho and Jephthah

“By Faith”: A Historical, Theological and Typological Exposition of Hebrews 11:30 and 32

1. The Historical Background of Hebrews

The letter to the Hebrews was probably written between 60–70 AD, before the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD by the Roman general Titus. The author refers to the temple service as though it is still functioning (Heb. 8–10), which strongly indicates that the temple was still standing at the time of writing.

1.1 Authorship

The author remains unknown. Early church fathers had various theories:

• Paul the apostle
• Barnabas
• Luke the evangelist
• Apollos

Today many scholars consider Apollos a strong possibility because:

• He was from Alexandria (a centre of learning).
• He was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24).
• Hebrews displays a deep knowledge of the Old Testament in the Greek Septuagint form.
• The style of Hebrews is highly rhetorical and refined Greek.

Important: The early church accepted the book not on the basis of certain authorship, but on the basis of its theological authority and apostolic content.

1.2 Recipients and Context

The letter was probably addressed to Jewish Christians — possibly in Rome (cf. Heb. 13:24: “They of Italy salute you”).

They had probably:

• Come from the synagogue.
• Confessed Christ as Messiah.
• Experienced social and religious rejection.

Their pressure included:

• Social exclusion from synagogues (John 9:22)
• Economic losses (Heb. 10:34)
• Public humiliation and persecution (Heb. 10:32–33)
• Political tension within the Roman Empire

If the letter was written just before 70 AD, there was also growing Jewish nationalist tension that would ultimately lead to the Jewish War (66–70 AD).

The Jewish War (66–70 AD)

The Jewish War was a major uprising of the Jews against the Roman Empire.

What caused it?

1. Heavy taxation by Rome.
2. Religious tension – Roman governors often disregarded the temple and Jewish customs.
3. National and Messianic expectations – Many Jews expected a political Messiah who would drive out Rome.
4. Corruption and violence under Roman officials (especially governor Gessius Florus).

In 66 AD open rebellion broke out in Jerusalem.

How did it unfold?

• Rome sent general Vespasian to suppress the uprising.
• He systematically conquered Galilee.
• When he became emperor in 69 AD, his son Titus took over the campaign.
• In 70 AD Jerusalem was besieged.
• The city fell.
• The temple was destroyed.

Why was it so important?

The destruction of the temple in 70 AD:

• Ended the sacrificial system.
• Radically changed Judaism.
• Solidified the separation between Judaism and Christianity.
• Indirectly confirmed Jesus’ prophecy about the fall of the temple (Matt. 24).

Why is this important for Hebrews?

If Hebrews was written just before 70 AD:

• The temple was still functioning.
• Believers were tempted to return to the old system.
• The author says in effect: Do not go back to a system that is about to disappear.

The irony: Shortly after the letter, the entire temple system would physically fall away.

This makes Hebrews’ message of:

• Christ as better High Priest
• A better covenant
• A heavenly sanctuary

even more powerful.

Their temptation was not to become atheists — but to return to Judaism to avoid persecution.

Therefore Hebrews repeatedly shows:

• Christ is greater than the angels (Heb. 1)
• Greater than Moses (Heb. 3)
• Greater than Joshua (Heb. 4)
• Greater than Aaron (Heb. 5–7)
• The fulfilment of the temple system (Heb. 8–10)

The central message: Do not go back to the shadow when the reality has come.

1.3 Literary Style

Hebrews does not read like a typical letter. It begins without a traditional greeting and opens with an elevated theological prologue:

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners…”

Many scholars describe it as a homily (sermon) that was later sent as a letter.

Features:

• Regular warning passages (Heb. 2:1–4; 6:4–8; 10:26–31)
• Intensive use of Old Testament quotations
• Strong typological exposition of the priesthood and sacrificial system

Chapter 11 serves as the climax of argumentation: If the ancients persevered through faith without seeing the full fulfilment, how much more must we persevere who have already seen Christ?

1.4 Focus of Hebrews

Key themes:

• Christ as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek
• The New Covenant above the Old Covenant
• The heavenly sanctuary above the earthly tabernacle
• Perseverance to the end

Hebrews 10:36 sums it up: “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”

Their problem was not unbelief — it was exhaustion.

Hebrews 11 therefore does not build a theory of faith — it gives examples of persevering faith under pressure.

2. The City of Jericho – Historical and Archaeological Background

2.1 Location

Jericho was situated:

• In the Jordan Valley
• ± 8–10 km west of the Jordan River
• ± 25 km east of Jerusalem
• Near the Dead Sea

It was a strategic military and trade-route crossroads. Anyone entering Canaan from the east had to pass by Jericho.

It was known as the “City of Palm Trees” (Deut. 34:3) because of its fertile oasis environment.

2.2 Age and Archaeology

Jericho is one of the oldest known settlements in the world (inhabited as far back as 8000–9000 BC).

Archaeological excavations by:

• John Garstang (1930s)
• Kathleen Kenyon (1950s)

uncovered extensive fortification structures.

The city had:

• A stone foundation wall
• A mudbrick upper wall
• A sloping embankment (glacis)

This type of fortification made it virtually impregnable by ancient standards.

For the first readers of Hebrews, Jericho was therefore not merely a Bible story — it was a symbol of an impossible fortress.

2.3 Jericho in Redemption History

According to the Book of Joshua chapter 6, the city was:

• Tightly shut
• Fortified with double walls
• Well protected militarily

Houses were even built in or on the wall.

Jericho was:

• The first city in the Promised Land
• Placed under “cherem” (the ban) — completely devoted to God
• A firstfruits victory

This means: God establishes the land through His power, not through Israel’s military ability.

The people had to march. God made it fall.

2.4 Why Jericho Matters for Hebrews

For the Hebrew believers who were weary:

Jericho says:

• Faith works even when there is no visible change.
• God breaks fortresses that people cannot break.
• Perseverance precedes breakthrough.

Just as Israel stood before a physical fortress, they stood before a spiritual and social fortress.

Hebrews therefore uses history not merely as a reminder, but as pastoral encouragement.

3. Hebrews 11:30 — Faith that Brought Down a City

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.”

Here we see:

• A people who obediently marched
• No battering rams
• No military strategy
• The ark at the front
• Priests with trumpets

It was more a worship procession than warfare.

Important principle:

• God gives the promise
• The people obey
• God brings the breakthrough

The most dangerous moment of faith is day six, when nothing has changed.

Here Hebrews focuses on collective faith; an entire people obeying together.

4. Hebrews 11:32 — Faith in Broken and Imperfect Leaders

“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets…”

Now the focus shifts dramatically:

From:

• A people

To:

• Individuals

From:

• A single dramatic victory

To:

• An entire history of struggle, failures and victories

Those mentioned here are:

• Gideon
• Barak
• Samson
• Jephthah
• David
• Samuel

What is striking is that many of these figures were deeply broken.

• Gideon doubted.
• Barak acted hesitantly.
• Samson was morally weak.
• Jephthah made a tragic vow.
• David sinned grievously.

And yet:

“By faith…”

Hebrews 11:32 shows that faith does not require perfection — it requires trust.

“Jephthah” – Who was he?

Scripture background:

• Judges 11–12

Jephthah’s story:

• Son of a harlot (Judges 11:1)
• Rejected by his family (Judges 11:2)
• Driven away, living as an outsider (Judges 11:3)
• Later called as a leader and judge (Judges 11:6)

In other words: Rejection by people does not mean rejection by God.

WHY IS JEPHTHAH MENTIONED IN HEBREWS 11?

Not for his mistakes

• Jephthah made an unwise vow (Judges 11:30–40)
• His story is complex and tragic

But for his faith

• He trusted God for victory
• He acted in dependence on God

Reference:

• Judges 11:29 – “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah…”

In other words: God acknowledges faith, even in imperfect lives.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE REST OF GOD’S WORD

Throughout Scripture we see the same pattern:

Scripture	Principles
Genesis 12:1–3	God calls Abraham
Exodus 3:11–12	God uses Moses
1 Samuel 16:7	God looks at the heart
Romans 8:28	God works all things together for good
2 Corinthians 12:9	Strength in weakness

In other words: God’s grace works through broken people.

IMPACT FOR TODAY’S LIFE

Identity

• Many people today carry the pain of rejection
• Jephthah’s life speaks to:
  • self-doubt
  • shame
  • broken backgrounds

Reference:

• Psalm 27:10 – “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.”

Calling

• Your past does not disqualify you
• God calls people where they are

Reference

• Romans 11:29 – The gifts and calling of God are without repentance

Faith in brokenness

• Faith does not mean being without fault
• It means dependence on God

Reference:

• Hebrews 11:6 – Without faith it is impossible to please God

5. Contrast between Verse 30 and 32

Hebrews 11:30	Hebrews 11:32
A city falls	A history unfolds
Collective faith	Individual faith
Clear, visible victory	Mixed stories of success and failure
Seven days	A lifetime
Perfect obedience	Imperfect people

Verse 30 shows us:

Faith brings dramatic breakthroughs.

Verse 32 shows us:

Faith carries you through an entire lifetime — even with flaws.

6. The “Link”: “By Faith”

Jericho and Jephthah together:

• Jericho = outward and inward obstacles
• Jephthah = the broken person behind the walls

In other words: God does two things simultaneously:

1. He breaks walls
2. He restores people

In other words: Sometimes the walls must fall so that the person can stand.

WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM GOD’S WORD?

• God does not choose the strongest
• He calls the wounded
• He shapes people over time

God’s love:

• Is patient
• Is healing
• Is transforming

Important:

• You do not need to understand everything
• You do not need to be perfect
• You only need to be available

7. Typological Line: From Jericho to Christ

At Jericho:

• Walls fell
• A gate opened
• God brought victory without conventional force

At the cross:

• The veil was torn
• Separation was removed
• Christ conquered through apparent weakness

Just as Jericho opened the gate to Canaan, Christ opens the gate to the Kingdom.

From Egypt → Sinai → Wilderness → Jordan → Jericho → Canaan.

Just as Jericho was the physical gateway to the Promised Land, it was the transition from promise to possession.

The leaders in verse 32 point forward to the true King, the perfect Son who does what they could not fully do.

The Road to the Promised Land

1. Out of Egypt – The Exodus

The Israelites departed from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses (Exodus 12–14). They crossed through the Red Sea — a decisive moment of liberation.

2. Mount Sinai – Covenant

They came to Mount Sinai where God:

• Gave the law
• Made a covenant with Israel

Here Israel was formed as a people.

3. The Wilderness – 40 Years

Because of unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea the people had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 13–14).

The generation of unbelief died. A new generation arose.

4. East of the Jordan

Under Joshua’s leadership they moved north of the Dead Sea and defeated the Amorite kings (Numbers 21).

Their camp was at Shittim, east of the Jordan River.

5. Through the Jordan – Entrance

In the vicinity of Jericho they:

• Crossed through the Jordan River (Joshua 3)
• Set up stones as a memorial
• Renewed the covenant

Jericho was the first fortress — the “gateway” to Canaan. When the walls fell (Joshua 6), the road opened to the interior of Canaan.

Where is this today?

• Canaan lies today mainly within the modern state of Israel.
• Jericho still exists and is located in the modern West Bank, near the Jordan River.
• It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

8. Application for Today

The first readers were:

• Weary
• Under pressure
• Socially isolated

Hebrews 11:30 says: Do not stop marching when nothing is happening.

Hebrews 11:32 says: Do not stop believing when you are not perfect.

Some of us are waiting for walls to fall. Others feel guilty about personal failures.

The text says to both: “By faith…”

Thought to take with us

At Jericho walls fell.
In the time of the judges broken leaders arose.
In David’s time a kingdom came.

And above all:

In Christ the final victory came. Faith is not just for day seven. It is for a lifetime.

May we march when the walls still stand, and keep trusting when our own weakness becomes visible.

“By faith…”

“Faith is not being strong — it is staying.”

At Jericho walls fell.
At Calvary sin fell.
At Jericho God opened a city.
At the cross He opened heaven.

“By faith…”

May we march, even when the walls still stand.

Remember the following:

POINT 1: Faith requires obedience, not understanding

(Hebrews 11:30)

• The people had to walk without explanation
• No weapons, no strategy
• Only God’s word

Application:

• Some walls only fall after our obedience
• Faith sometimes simply means: “Lord, I keep walking”

POINT 2: God’s timing is part of the healing

(“seven days”)

• No instant solution
• Perseverance without visible results

Application:

• Quiet times are not empty times
• God also works when nothing is happening

POINT 3: God uses broken people

(Hebrews 11:32 – Jephthah)

• Jephthah was rejected
• Unfit according to people
• Called according to God

Application:

• Your wound does not disqualify you
• God uses precisely what is broken

POINT 4: God breaks walls and builds people

(Connection between the two texts)

• Jericho: outward obstacles
• Jephthah: inner pain

Truth:

God’s work always has a double purpose: liberation and restoration.

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