Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in.
1. Now Jericho was straitly shut up, etc Jericho is said to be shut up, because the gates were not opened: as in time of war cities are guarded with more than usual care. It is added, by way of emphasis, that they were sealed, or locked up, The Septuagint has συγκεκλεισμένη καὶ ὠχυρωμένη, “completely closed and made sure, by being barred or barricaded.” — Ed.
We have here a contest between God and the men of Jericho, and their different resolutions, upon which it is easy to say whose word shall prevail. I. Jericho resolves Israel shall not be its master, Jos 6:1. It was straitly shut up, because of the children of Israel.
Commenting on Joshua 6:1-5
Now Jericho was straitly shut up, because of the children of Israel,.... Or "it shut up", or "was shutting, and was shut up" (u); that is, the king and the inhabitants shut it up within; the Targum says with iron doors, and bars of brass, and it was blocked up without by the children of Israel: none went out and none came in; none of...