Joshua 6:12

And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.

And Joshua {H3091} rose early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and the priests {H3548} took up {H5375} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}.

The next morning Y'hoshua got up early, and the cohanim took up the ark of ADONAI.

Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of the LORD.

And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of Jehovah.

Commentary

Joshua 6:12 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical account of the Battle of Jericho, immediately following God's specific and unconventional instructions for the city's capture. This verse highlights the prompt obedience of Joshua and the priests, setting the stage for the miraculous events that would unfold.

Context

This verse opens the second day of the miraculous siege of Jericho, immediately following the divine instructions given to Joshua by God Himself. The previous day, the Israelites had marched around the city once, as commanded. Joshua 6:12 shows the continuation of this precise and disciplined execution of God's plan. It highlights the swift and complete obedience of Joshua and the Israelites to the seemingly unconventional battle plan outlined in Joshua 6:3-5, emphasizing their faith in God's unique strategy for the conquest of Canaan.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Faith: Joshua's prompt action, rising "early in the morning," signifies his commitment and readiness to obey God's specific, even unusual, commands without delay. This immediate obedience is a recurring theme throughout the book of Joshua, demonstrating the blessings that follow faithfulness to God's word.
  • Divine Presence and Leadership: The "Ark of the LORD" was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's covenant presence among His people. Its prominent role in the procession around Jericho underscored that this was God's battle, not merely Israel's. It served as a visible reminder of God's divine leadership and power, assuring the Israelites that the Lord Himself was leading them to victory.
  • Diligence and Readiness: Joshua's early rising suggests a leader who is diligent, prepared, and eager to carry out divine instructions. This personal discipline sets an example for the entire nation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rose early in the morning" (Hebrew: shakam, שָׁכַם) often denotes diligence, earnestness, and readiness to act, particularly in matters of importance or divine instruction. It emphasizes Joshua's proactive and dedicated leadership in fulfilling God's will. The "Ark of the LORD" (Hebrew: Aron Adonai) was the physical representation of God's covenant with Israel, containing the tablets of the Law. Its presence was a powerful symbol of God's direct involvement and authority, recalling its significance during the giving of the Law at Sinai and the journey through the wilderness.

Practical Application

Joshua's early rising and the immediate action of the priests serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of prompt and diligent obedience to God's revealed will. When God gives direction, our best response is swift action, trusting His wisdom even when the plan seems unconventional or illogical from a human perspective. Furthermore, the Ark's central role reminds us that true victory in our spiritual battles comes not from human strength or strategy alone, but from recognizing and relying on God's active presence and leadership in our lives. Our part is to obey; His part is to bring about the miraculous.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  • Hebrews 11:8

    By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

  • Joshua 3:1

    ΒΆ And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

  • John 6:10

    And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

  • John 6:11

    And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

  • Joshua 6:6

    ΒΆ And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.

  • Joshua 6:8

    And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.