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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Joshua 6:1–5. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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. It did shut up, and it was shut up (so it is in the margin); it did shut up itself, being strongly fortified both by art and nature, and it was shut up by the obstinacy and resolution of the inhabitants, who agreed never to surrender nor so much as sound a parley; none went out as deserters or to treat of peace, nor were any admitted in to offer peace. Thus were they infatuated, and their hearts hardened to their own destruction - the miserable case and character of all those that strengthen themselves against the Almighty, Job 15:25.
II.God resolves Israel shall be its master, and that quickly, The captain of the Lord's host, here called Jehovah, taking notice how strongly Jericho was fortified and how strictly guarded, and knowing Joshua's thoughts and cares about reducing it, and perhaps his fears of a disgrace there and of stumbling at the threshold, gave him here all the assurance he could desire of success (Jos 6:2): See, I have given into thy hand Jericho. Not, "I will do it, but, I have done it; it is all thy own, as sure as if it were already in thy possession." It was designed that this city, being the first-fruits of Canaan, should be entirely devoted to God, and that neither Joshua nor Israel should ever be one mite the richer for it, and yet it is here said to be given into their hand; for we must reckon that most our own which we have an opportunity of honouring God with and employing in his service. Now.
1.The captain of the Lord's host gives directions how the city should be besieged. No trenches are to be opened, no batteries erected, nor battering rams drawn up, nor any military preparations made; but the ark of God must be carried by the priests round the city once a day for six days together, and seven times the seventh day, attended by the men of war in silence, the priests all the while blowing with trumpets of rams' horns, Jos 6:3, Jos 6:4. This was all they were to do.
2.He assures them that on the seventh day before night they should, without fail, be masters of the town. Upon a signal given, they must all shout, and immediately the wall should fall down, which would not only expose the inhabitants, but so dispirit them that they would not be able to make any resistance, Jos 6:5. God appointed this way,
(1.)To magnify his own power, that he might be exalted in his own strength (Psa 21:13), not in the strength of instruments. God would hereby yet further make bare his own almighty arm for the encouragement of Israel and the terror and confusion of the Canaanites.
(2.)To put an honour upon his ark, the instituted token of his presence, and to give a reason for the laws by which the people were obliged to look upon it with the most profound veneration and respect. When, long after this, the ark was brought into the camp without orders from God, it was looked upon as a profanation of it, and the people paid dearly for their presumption, Sa1 4:3, etc. but now that it was done by the divine appointment it was an honour to the ark of God, and a great encouragement to the faith of Israel.
(3.)It was likewise to put honour upon the priests, who were appointed upon this occasion to carry the ark and sound the trumpets. Ordinarily the priests were excused from war, but that this privilege, with other honours and powers that the law had given them, might not be grudged them, in this service they are principally employed, and so the people are made sensible what blessings they were to the public and how well worthy of all the advantages conferred upon them.
(4.)It was to try the faith, obedience, and patience, of the people, to try whether they would observe a precept which to human policy seemed foolish to obey and believe a promise which in human probability seemed impossible to be performed. They were also proved whether they could patiently bear the reproaches of their enemies and patiently wait for the salvation of the Lord. Thus by faith, not by force, the walls of Jericho fell down.
(5.)It was to encourage the hope of Israel with reference to the remaining difficulties that were before them. That suggestion of the evil spies that Canaan could never be conquered because the cities were walled up to heaven (Deu 1:28) would by this be for ever silenced. The strongest and highest walls cannot hold out against Omnipotence; they needed not to fight, and therefore needed not to fear, because God fought for them.
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Summary
Joshua 6:1 powerfully introduces the formidable challenge facing the Israelites at the threshold of their conquest of Canaan, depicting Jericho as a city hermetically sealed due to the pervasive fear of the approaching Israelite army. This verse immediately establishes the human impossibility of taking the city by conventional military means, thereby setting the stage for God's miraculous and unconventional intervention, which would profoundly underscore His sovereignty and power in fulfilling His ancient promises to His people.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the immediate narrative bridge from the Israelites' preparations for conquest to the execution of God's unique strategy for taking Jericho. Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, the Israelites have been encamped at Gilgal, where they observed the Passover and renewed their covenant through circumcision, as detailed in Joshua 5:2-12. Crucially, the preceding verses in Joshua 5 describe Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army (Joshua 5:13-15), who reveals that the ground is holy and that the battle truly belongs to the Lord. Thus, Joshua 6:1 shifts the focus from Israel's spiritual readiness to the immense physical obstacle of Jericho, emphasizing its impregnability to highlight that the ensuing victory will be undeniably a divine act, not a human military triumph.
Historical & Cultural Context
Jericho was one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, strategically located at a key crossroads in the fertile Jordan Valley. Its position made it a crucial gateway to the central highlands of Canaan. Archaeological evidence suggests it was heavily fortified, likely possessing a formidable double-wall system, making it a seemingly impenetrable stronghold. The practice of "straitly shutting up" a city was a common and desperate defensive measure in ancient warfare when facing an overwhelming or greatly feared enemy. The inhabitants of Jericho would have been acutely aware of the Israelites' journey from Egypt, their miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, and their recent decisive victories over Sihon and Og east of the Jordan (Numbers 21:21-35). Rahab's testimony in Joshua 2:9-11 explicitly confirms the widespread fear and demoralization that had gripped the Canaanite peoples, leading Jericho to adopt this extreme measure of isolation.
Key Themes
Joshua 6:1 introduces and reinforces several crucial themes that permeate the narrative of the conquest and beyond. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Sovereignty versus Human Security. Jericho's reliance on its seemingly impenetrable walls and complete isolation demonstrates a human attempt to secure itself against a perceived threat, contrasting sharply with God's ultimate control over all circumstances. Secondly, the verse establishes the Impossibility Factor, presenting an insurmountable human obstacle that serves to magnify God's power and unconventional methods. By making Jericho humanly unconquerable, God ensures that the ensuing victory will be undeniably His, reinforcing the overarching theme of God Fighting for His People. Lastly, it subtly foreshadows the theme of Obedience to Divine Command, as Israel's role in the coming battle will not be conventional warfare but faithful adherence to God's unique and seemingly illogical instructions.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This proper noun, H3405, refers to the ancient city itself. Its name is thought to derive from a root meaning "its month" (perhaps referencing a lunar deity or a month-long festival) or "fragrant" (due to the presence of balsam trees in the region). The city's very name, regardless of its precise etymology, signifies a specific, tangible, and historically significant place, setting the stage for a real, physical confrontation.
The Hebrew verb סָגַר (çâgar), H5462, meaning "to shut up," "to close," or "to bar," is intensified by the adverbial phrase "straitly" (also derived from the same root). This emphasizes the absolute and rigid nature of Jericho's closure. It conveys a sense of total lockdown, indicating that the city was not merely closed but hermetically sealed, reflecting both the inhabitants' profound apprehension and their desperate attempt to secure themselves against the perceived threat of the Israelite advance. The phrase underscores the city's isolation and the complete cessation of normal movement.
The verb יָצָא (yâtsâʼ), H3318, means "to go out," "to come forth," or "to depart." Its use here, paired with "came in," highlights the absolute cessation of all movement. No one could exit the city, implying no escape, no foraging, and no communication with outside allies. This detail further stresses the city's complete isolation and the inhabitants' desperate, fear-driven measures.
Verse Breakdown
"¶ Now Jericho was straitly shut up"
This opening clause immediately establishes the physical state of the city. The use of "straitly shut up" paints a vivid picture of a city under maximum security, its gates barred and its defenses fully activated. This was not a partial closure but a complete lockdown, signaling the inhabitants' extreme fear and their belief that their only hope lay in their formidable fortifications.
"because of the children of Israel"
This crucial phrase provides the direct motivation for Jericho's drastic defensive posture. The city's inhabitants were not merely preparing for a general siege; they were reacting specifically to the presence and formidable reputation of the Israelite army, whose God had miraculously delivered them from Egypt and granted them victories over other powerful kingdoms. Their fear stemmed directly from the widespread reports of God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel.
"none went out, and none came in"
This final clause reiterates and emphasizes the absolute nature of the lockdown. It highlights the complete cessation of all traffic and communication with the outside world. This total isolation meant no one could escape the city, nor could any reinforcements or supplies enter. This detail further underscores the desperate situation of Jericho and sets the stage for a confrontation where conventional military tactics would be rendered useless, making God's impending intervention all the more remarkable.
Literary Devices
Joshua 6:1 employs several powerful Literary Devices. The verse utilizes Foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the unconventional nature of the coming battle. By emphasizing Jericho's impregnability, it sets up the expectation that only a supernatural intervention could lead to its fall, thus foreshadowing God's unique and miraculous strategy. There is also a strong element of Irony present; the very measures taken by Jericho for its security – its complete closure and reliance on its walls – inadvertently prepare it for its unique destruction. The city's self-imposed isolation ensures that all its inhabitants are contained within, making the subsequent divine judgment comprehensive. Furthermore, the description "straitly shut up" and "none went out, and none came in" can be seen as a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme fear and the absolute nature of the city's defenses, thereby magnifying the scale of the human challenge and the magnitude of God's impending triumph.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joshua 6:1 powerfully illustrates the universal human tendency to seek security in self-reliance and physical defenses rather than in divine power. Jericho's impenetrable walls and complete closure represent the "strongholds" we often erect in our lives – whether physical, emotional, or spiritual – believing they can protect us from perceived threats or allow us to control our circumstances. Yet, this verse subtly reveals that such human efforts, no matter how formidable, are ultimately futile against the sovereign will of God. It sets the stage for a profound theological truth: where human strength reaches its limit, divine power is perfectly poised to manifest. The "impossibility factor" of Jericho was not a hindrance to God's plan but a necessary precondition to demonstrate His unique glory and to teach Israel that their victories would come through faith and obedience, not military might. This narrative underscores that true security and deliverance are found only in God's intervention and our faithful response to His commands.
Reflection and Application
Joshua 6:1 serves as a profound reminder that our spiritual journeys are often marked by "walled cities"—seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stand between us and the fulfillment of God's promises. Just as Jericho was an impenetrable barrier to the Israelites entering their promised land, we too encounter challenges that appear formidable, whether they are personal struggles, relational conflicts, financial difficulties, or spiritual strongholds. This verse encourages us to recognize that when human efforts and conventional defenses prove insufficient, it is precisely then that God often steps in with His divine and unconventional solutions. Our response should not be despair or reliance on our own limited strength, but rather a posture of faith and obedience, trusting that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. True security comes not from self-imposed isolation or physical barriers, but from placing our trust in God's omnipotence and His unique, often surprising, plans. It calls us to surrender our "Jerichos" to Him, believing that He specializes in doing the impossible.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Jericho considered so important to the Israelites' conquest?
Jericho was strategically vital because it was the first major city encountered after crossing the Jordan River, serving as a gateway to the central highlands of Canaan. Its capture was essential for establishing a foothold in the Promised Land and for dividing the northern and southern Canaanite kingdoms, preventing them from forming a unified resistance against Israel. Its fall also served as a powerful sign to both the Israelites and the Canaanites that God was indeed fighting for Israel.
What does "straitly shut up" imply about the city's state and its inhabitants' mindset?
The phrase "straitly shut up" (KJV) or "tightly shut up" (NIV) implies a complete and absolute lockdown. It means the city's gates were not just closed but sealed, with no one permitted to enter or leave. This reflects the extreme fear and desperation of Jericho's inhabitants, who were aware of the Israelites' miraculous journey and victories, as confirmed by Rahab's testimony in Joshua 2:9-11. They believed their only hope for survival lay in their formidable fortifications and complete isolation, cutting themselves off from the outside world entirely.
How did the people of Jericho know about the children of Israel and their God?
The fame of the Israelites' God and His mighty acts had spread throughout the region. Rahab's testimony in Joshua 2:9-11 explicitly states, "For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." This indicates that news of God's miraculous interventions and Israel's subsequent victories had instilled widespread terror among the Canaanites, prompting cities like Jericho to take extreme defensive measures.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joshua 6:1, with its depiction of an impregnable Jericho, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "walled city" that humanity faces: the stronghold of sin and death, which no human effort can breach. Just as Jericho was "straitly shut up" against Israel, humanity was shut out from God's presence by the formidable barrier of sin, with no one able to "go out" from its dominion or "come in" to true life. However, this verse points forward to the Lord Jesus Christ, the true Commander of the Lord's Army (Joshua 5:13-15), who came to dismantle the ultimate spiritual strongholds. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ accomplished what was humanly impossible. He broke down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:14), triumphing over principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15). The fall of Jericho, brought about by God's unconventional strategy and Israel's obedient faith, serves as a magnificent type of Christ's victory over sin and death, opening the way for all who believe to enter the true Promised Land – the eternal kingdom of God, where we have bold access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). He is the one who ultimately "shuts up" the power of death and "opens" the gates of righteousness for His people (Revelation 1:18).