"בימיו בנה חיאל בית האלי את יריחה" – למה נכתב פסוק זה במקום שנכתב? [מתוך המדור: לפשוטו ולסדרו של מקרא]

The historical note, "In his time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho," appears disconnected from the surrounding accounts of Ahab and Elijah. Various explanations have been proposed to address this puzzling inclusion-ranging from midrashic to interpretive and critical approaches. This article argues that the verse serves as a preliminary comment akin to "And Ham was the father of Canaan." It prepares the reader for the subsequent chapters, in which Jericho emerges as a significant site for prophets and"sons of prophets." Anticipating questions about the apparent violation of Joshua's curse, "Cursed is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city Jericho" ( Joshua 6:26),the verse clarifies that Hiel has already incurred the curse. Henceforth, the habitation of Jericho becomes permissible.