Joshua 6:10

KJV

And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall [any] word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} had commanded {H6680} the people {H5971}, saying {H559}, Ye shall not shout {H7321}, nor make any noise {H8085} with your voice {H6963}, neither shall any word {H1697} proceed {H3318} out of your mouth {H6310}, until the day {H3117} I bid {H559} you shout {H7321}; then shall ye shout {H7321}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua gave this order to the people: "Don't shout, don't let your voice be heard, don't let a single word out of your mouth until the day I tell you to shout; then you will shout."

Berean Standard Bible

But Joshua had commanded the people: “Do not give a battle cry or let your voice be heard; do not let one word come out of your mouth until the day I tell you to shout. Then you are to shout!”

American Standard Version

And Joshua commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor let your voice be heard, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:10 records Joshua's precise and stringent command to the Israelite army during their silent marches around Jericho. This command forbade any shouting, noise, or verbal utterance from the people until a specific, divinely appointed moment on the seventh day. This enforced silence was crucial, underscoring that the impending victory over Jericho would be achieved not through conventional military might or human strategy, but solely through God's supernatural intervention, demanding absolute obedience and faith from His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:10 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Israel's conquest of Jericho, immediately following God's unconventional instructions to Joshua in [Joshua 6:1-5](/joshua/6-1 "Joshua 6:1-5 - God's Instructions for Jericho"). The preceding chapter, [Joshua 5](/joshua/5 "Joshua 5 - Preparations for Conquest"), details the circumcision of the new generation, the celebration of Passover, and Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the Lord's army, all serving to consecrate the people and affirm divine leadership before the first major battle in Canaan. This specific command for silence, therefore, sets the stage for the unique, divinely orchestrated siege described in [Joshua 6:6-16](/joshua/6-6 "Joshua 6:6-16 - The March Around Jericho"), culminating in the miraculous collapse of the walls in [Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Fall of Jericho"). It highlights the stark contrast between human military norms and God's sovereign, often counter-intuitive, methods of warfare.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho was an ancient, heavily fortified Canaanite city, strategically located at a key entry point into central Canaan. Its formidable defenses would have presented a significant challenge to any conventional army. In ancient warfare, shouts and war cries were common psychological tactics used to intimidate the enemy and rally one's own troops. Joshua's command for absolute silence directly subverted these established military practices. This counter-cultural instruction emphasized that the battle was not to be won by human strength, noise, or tactical ingenuity, but by divine power. The silence also served as a powerful demonstration of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, their Warrior God, who fought for them in ways unparalleled by other nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. First and foremost is **Obedience to Divine Command**, demonstrating that God's people achieve victory not through their own strength or wisdom, but by meticulously following His specific, often unusual, instructions, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience"). Second, it highlights **Discipline and Restraint**, as a large multitude maintaining absolute silence for days required immense self-control and trust. This prevented premature action, murmuring, or fear-driven shouts, ensuring that the focus remained on God's plan and timing. Third, the command underscores **Faith Over Human Strength**, as the victory at Jericho was designed to be a clear demonstration of God's power, not human military prowess. The silence emphasized reliance on God's supernatural intervention, echoing principles found in [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power"). Finally, it reinforces **God's Sovereignty in Battle**, making it unequivocally clear that the battle belonged to the Lord, and human effort was secondary to His appointed signal and action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shout (Hebrew, _rua'_):** This verb (רוּעַ) typically refers to a loud noise, often a war cry, a shout of triumph, or a blast of a trumpet. Its prohibition here is significant, as a war cry was a standard element of ancient military engagement. By forbidding it, God was dismantling conventional warfare tactics and asserting that this victory would not be achieved through human intimidation or power, but through divine intervention. The eventual command to "shout" on the seventh day transforms this common military act into a sacred, divinely ordained signal for God's power to be unleashed.
* **Noise (Hebrew, _qol_):** The noun (קוֹל) is broad, meaning "voice," "sound," or "noise." Its inclusion alongside "shout" and "word" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the command for silence. It's not just about refraining from a war cry, but from any sound or vocalization whatsoever. This implies a profound, almost reverent stillness, a disciplined waiting that sets the stage for a miraculous act of God. It signifies a complete cessation of human activity and expression in anticipation of divine action.
* **Word (Hebrew, _davar_):** This noun (דָּבָר) means "word," "thing," "matter," or "affair." The phrase "neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth" is the most absolute part of the command. It goes beyond just loud noises or shouts to include even quiet conversation or murmuring. This enforced verbal restraint prevented any human strategizing, complaining, or expressions of doubt, ensuring that the Israelites' focus remained entirely on God's instructions and timing, fostering a spirit of complete dependence and trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua had commanded the people, saying":** This opening phrase establishes Joshua's authority as the leader chosen by God, echoing the divine commission given to him in [Joshua 1](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Charge to Joshua"). His command is not arbitrary but flows directly from the specific instructions God had given him for the conquest of Jericho. The people's obedience to Joshua was therefore an act of obedience to God Himself.
* **"Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall [any] word proceed out of your mouth":** This triple negative emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of the silence required. It is a complete prohibition of all vocal expression—from the loud war cry ("shout") to any general sound ("noise with your voice") and even private conversation or murmuring ("any word proceed out of your mouth"). This enforced quietness served multiple purposes: preventing premature action, fostering discipline, building suspense, and most importantly, ensuring that the focus was entirely on God's plan and not on human efforts or anxieties.
* **"until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout":** This clause provides the precise timing and signal for the cessation of silence and the unleashing of the collective shout. It highlights God's perfect timing and sovereign control over the battle. The shout was not a spontaneous act of human will but a divinely appointed signal, a collective act of faith and obedience that would trigger God's miraculous intervention. This specific instruction transforms a common military action into a sacred act of worship and trust.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is evident in the multiple prohibitions against sound ("not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth"), which powerfully emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of the commanded silence. This sustained quietness creates an atmosphere of solemn anticipation and heightened tension. **Antithesis** is central to the verse's structure, contrasting the prolonged period of absolute silence ("Ye shall not shout... until the day I bid you shout") with the climactic, divinely commanded shout ("then shall ye shout"). This stark contrast highlights the dramatic shift from human restraint to divine activation, underscoring that the power for victory resides not in human noise but in God's timing and command. Furthermore, the silence itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing Israel's complete obedience, disciplined faith, and humble reliance on God's unique methods, while the eventual shout symbolizes the unleashing of God's irresistible power in response to their faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:10 is a powerful testament to the principle that God's ways are often counter-intuitive to human logic, yet perfectly effective. It teaches that true victory comes not from human strength, cleverness, or conventional methods, but from absolute obedience and patient trust in God's specific instructions and timing. The enforced silence cultivated a deep dependence on God, reminding Israel that the battle was His, and He alone would bring down the walls. This passage underscores the importance of spiritual discipline, particularly in restraining the tongue and waiting on the Lord, allowing Him to work in His sovereign way and at His appointed time.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 11:30](/hebrews/11-30 "Hebrews 11:30 - By Faith the Walls of Jericho Fell")
* [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Quietness and Trust Shall Be Your Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's command for silence at Jericho offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating life's challenges. In a world saturated with noise, immediate gratification, and the pressure to "do something," this passage calls us to embrace moments of disciplined quietness and patient waiting on God. It reminds us that our greatest victories often stem not from our own clamor or frantic efforts, but from humbly submitting to God's unconventional methods and trusting His perfect timing. There are times when God calls us to restrain our voices—to pause before speaking, to listen more than we talk, to wait for His clear direction rather than rushing ahead with our own plans. This spiritual discipline builds faith, prevents impulsive mistakes, and creates space for God to reveal His power in ways we could never orchestrate. It challenges us to ask: Are we truly relying on God's strength, or are we still trying to make noise in our own power?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jerichos" in your life might God be asking you to approach with disciplined silence and patient waiting, rather than immediate action or human strategizing?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to restrain your "shout" or "word" and simply wait on God's timing?**
* **How might practicing more silence and listening to God's voice cultivate deeper trust and obedience in your daily walk?**
* **What does this account teach you about the nature of God's power and His desire for His people to rely fully on Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command silence during the march around Jericho?**

Answer: God commanded silence for several profound reasons. Firstly, it was a test of absolute obedience and faith, requiring the Israelites to trust God's unconventional strategy rather than relying on human military tactics or their own understanding. Secondly, it prevented murmuring, complaining, or expressions of fear, which could have undermined morale or diverted focus from God's plan. Thirdly, the silence built dramatic tension and suspense, emphasizing that the victory would be a supernatural act of God, not a result of human noise or effort. It made it unequivocally clear that the battle belonged to the Lord, and the eventual shout was a signal for His power to be unleashed, not a source of power itself. This unique method ensured that God alone received the glory for the miraculous fall of Jericho, as highlighted in [Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Walls Fall").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 6:10, with its emphasis on disciplined silence, obedience, and a climactic, divinely appointed shout, powerfully foreshadows aspects of Christ's work and the spiritual warfare of the New Covenant. Just as Israel's victory at Jericho came through humble obedience to God's counter-intuitive command, so too does salvation come through faith in Christ's seemingly foolish act of sacrifice on the cross, a concept Paul explores in [1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Foolishness of the Cross"). Jesus Himself embodied ultimate obedience, humbling Himself and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). His period of silence before His accusers ([Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus Before Pilate")) and in the tomb can be seen as a profound, disciplined waiting before the ultimate "shout" of resurrection power. The "shout" at Jericho, signaling God's intervention, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the triumphant "shout" of the gospel, which brings down the spiritual walls of sin and death, and in the "shout" of the archangel that will accompany Christ's glorious return ([1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Return")). The spiritual battle we face is not won by human clamor or might, but by standing firm in the quiet obedience of faith, trusting in the power of the resurrected Christ, who has already secured the victory over all spiritual strongholds ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 12:19

He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

Isaiah 42:2

He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

Luke 24:49

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

2 Samuel 5:23

And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; [but] fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

2 Samuel 5:24

And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Acts 1:7

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.