Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.
Now Jericho was straitly shut up, х Wi-Yªriychow (H3405) cogeret (H5462) uwmcugeret (H5462)]. And Jericho had shut its gates, and was fast shut up; where the Qal seems to refer to the closing of the gates, and Pual as intens. to their being fastened with bolts and bars. [The Septuagint has: Kai Ierichoo sungkekleismenee kai oochuroomenee, and Jericho was shut together (i:e., closely shut up) and fortified. Hence, the Vulgate, Jericho autem clausa erat atque munita.] This verse is a parenthesis, introduced to prepare the way for the directions given by the Captain of the Lord's host.