ONLINE BIBLE STUDY GUIDE - JERICHO

Some varied activities for a Bible Study Group.

Reading Aloud

Portrait of a Woman      Click for information

for 'MURDER AT JERICHO' page

First, silently read Josephus: Antiquities 15:3-4 (click on image at right for text). Make a note of the central dramatic moments in the story. Get a sense of the characters involved, and what they were like:

• the duplicity of Herod
• the reactions of Aristobulus, his sister Mariamme and his mother Alexandra.

Now read the story aloud, entering into its drama and ambiguity - Josephus was trying to portray Herod in a favorable light, but he had an uphill battle.

Topic for Discussion 
for 'JOSHUA IN JERICHO' page

The Bible text says that the walls (of Jericho) fell down flat when the people shouted and the priests blew their trumpets (see Joshua in Jericho).

Archaeology suggests the walls toppled during an earthquake.

How do you reconcile these two statements?

Research Area

Find out more about the people who lived in the palaces at Jericho - the tragic young Aristobulus, beautiful Mariamme, mad bad King Herod. 

You will find part of their story in Jericho - Resources, and more by clicking on the woman's image above, which has an extract from Josephus' Antiquities of the Jews. 

                                      OR

Read the full story of Joshua in the Book of Joshua - he's a complex, multi-skilled man.

Warfare in ancient times

Research methods of warfare in the period of Exodus. Find information on·    

• the types of weapons used at the time - what did Joshua's army fight with?
• different methods of transport - how did the Hebrew tribes move around?
• the different types of fighting - the Canaanites were more sophisticated in warfare than the Hebrews
• the topographic layout of Jericho. You might like to present your information visually, using maps and drawings.

Bible Archaeology has useful information

Personal Enquiry

 Read Mark 10:46-52 (see Jericho - Resources). It tells the story of Jesus and the blind beggar in Jericho.

Each of us is blind in one way or another. We cannot see Jesus, standing in front of us with an outstretched hand.

How can you respond to him?

Writing Prompt - for 'JESUS IN JERICHO' page

'My name is Zaccaeus and I am an Accountant with the Roman Taxation Authorities (RTA).

People say I'm a leech and a thief, which is a bit unfair. Someone has to do it. I can't help it when the taxes go up. The Romans can get very nasty with people if they don't get the money they expect.

The way I see it, I'm just collecting the taxes to protect the people of Jericho. But I'm still unpopular with practically everyone. I try not to let it worry me, just to keep on doing my job.

But last week something happened to make me think........'

Complete this story.

 JERICHO RESOURCES has material for these activities

Reconstruction of an Ancient Village                            Click for information