The correct answer is D. Jericho. Explanation of the Correct Answer

1. Historical Context: The Book of Joshua in the Old Testament details the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua after the death of Moses. One of the first major battles that Joshua led was against the city of Jericho.
2. The Siege of Jericho: According to Joshua 6, the Israelites were commanded by God to march around the city of Jericho once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, they were to march around it seven times. After this, the priests blew their trumpets, and the people shouted. The walls of Jericho miraculously fell down, allowing the Israelites to enter and conquer the city. This event is significant as it demonstrates God's power and the importance of faith and obedience in the Israelites' journey.
3. Significance of the Victory: The victory at Jericho is often seen as a pivotal moment in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. It set the tone for subsequent battles and established Joshua's leadership. The fall of Jericho is also a testament to the Israelites' reliance on divine assistance rather than military might.

Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect

• A. Ai: The city of Ai was the second city that Joshua and the Israelites attacked after Jericho. Although it was a significant battle, it was not the first victory. The defeat at Ai initially occurred due to Achan's sin, which led to a subsequent strategy that resulted in a successful conquest of Ai later on.
• B. Gibeon: The Gibeonites deceived the Israelites into making a treaty with them. This event occurred after the victories at Jericho and Ai. The battle involving Gibeon was significant, particularly when God intervened to help the Israelites during a battle against the Amorite kings, but it was not a direct conquest of a city like Jericho.
• C. Gilgal: Gilgal was a camp established by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River, and it served as a base for operations during the conquest of Canaan. However, it was not a city that was conquered; rather, it was a strategic location for the Israelites.

Summary of Key Points

• First Victory: Joshua's first victory was over Jericho, marking a significant moment in the conquest of Canaan.
• Divine Intervention: The fall of Jericho was a miraculous event that showcased God's power and the importance of faith.
• Subsequent Battles: The victories at Ai and the treaty with Gibeon occurred after the conquest of Jericho, highlighting the sequential nature of the events in the Book of Joshua.
• Leadership Establishment: The victory at Jericho established Joshua's leadership and set the stage for the Israelites' further conquests in Canaan.

This thorough understanding of the events surrounding Joshua's first victory will help reinforce your knowledge of the Book of Joshua and the significance of these early battles in the history of the Israelites.