MPV Commentary

Joshua's Curse Fulfilled upon Hiel the Builder of Jericho.

In his days, Hiel from Bethel rebuilt Jericho (see Joshua 6:26). The curse pronounced by Joshua took effect on Hiel's family. However, it is unclear whether Hiel lost all his sons in rapid succession or if they died at specific times during the construction process - when laying the foundation with his oldest son present, and when completing the work with his youngest son there.

Some commentators suggest that unexpected difficulties delayed the completion of the project until Hiel's old age, when he finished building the gates in the presence of his youngest son. Nevertheless, the curse was fulfilled more than 500 years after it was spoken. The fact that Jericho remained inhabited after Joshua's time (Judges 3:13; 2 Samuel 10:5) has led some to believe that Hiel attempted to restore the walls that had been miraculously destroyed. This event likely took place within Israelite territory, and Hiel's unopposed actions demonstrate how far the people of Israel had strayed from respecting God's word.