TRV
Translation
King James Version
And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.
KJV (with Strong's)
And seven H7651 priests H3548 bearing H5375 seven H7651 trumpets H7782 of rams' horns H3104 before H6440 the ark H727 of the LORD H3068 went on H1980 continually H1980, and blew H8628 with the trumpets H7782: and the armed men H2502 went H1980 before H6440 them; but the rereward H622 came H1980 after H310 the ark H727 of the LORD H3068, the priests going on H1980, and blowing H8628 with the trumpets H7782.
Complete Jewish Bible
The seven cohanim carrying the seven shofars ahead of the ark of ADONAI went on, continually blowing on their shofars, with the fighting men marching ahead of them and the rearguard following after the ark of ADONAI; all the while the blowing on the shofars was incessant.
Berean Standard Bible
And the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD and blowing the horns. The armed troops went in front of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the horns kept sounding.
American Standard Version
And the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of Jehovah went on continually, and blew the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; and the rearward came after the ark of Jehovah, the priests blowing the trumpets as they went.
World English Bible Messianic
The seven priests bearing the seven shofars of rams’ horns before the LORD’s ark went on continually, and blew the shofars: and the armed men went before them. The rear guard came after the LORD’s ark. The shofars sounded as they went.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also seuen Priests bare seuen trumpets of rams hornes, and went before the Arke of the Lord, and going blewe with the trumpets: and the men of armes went before them, but the gathering hoste came after the Arke of the Lord, as they went and blewe the trumpets.
Young's Literal Translation
and seven priests bearing seven trumpets of the jubilee before the ark of Jehovah are walking, going on, and they have blown with the trumpets--and he who is armed is going before them, and he who is gathering up is going behind the ark of Jehovah--going on and blowing with the trumpets.
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Commentary on Joshua 6 verses 6–16
6 ¶ 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.
7 And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD.
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.
9 And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.
10 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.
11 So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.
12 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.
13 And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.
14 And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.
15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.
16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.
We have here an account of the cavalcade which Israel made about Jericho, the orders Joshua gave concerning it, as he had received them from the Lord and their punctual observance of these orders. We do not find that he gave the people the express assurances God had given him that he would deliver the city into their hands; but he tried whether they would obey orders with a general confidence that it would end well, and we find them very observant both of God and Joshua.
I. Wherever the ark went the people attended it, Jos 6:9. The armed men went before it to clear the way, not thinking it any disparagement to them, though they were men of war, to be pioneers to the ark of God. If any obstacle should be found in crossing the roads that led to the city (which they must do in walking round it) they would remove it; if any opposition should be made by the enemy, they would encounter it, that the priests' march with the ark might be easy and safe. It is an honour to the greatest men to do any good office to the ark and to serve the interests of religion in their country. The rereward, either another body of armed men, or Dan's squadron, which marched last through the wilderness, or, as some think, the multitude of the people who were not armed or disciplined for war (as many of them as would) followed the ark, to testify their respect to it, to grace the solemnity, and to be witnesses of what was done. Every faithful zealous Israelite would be willing to undergo the same fatigues and run the same hazard with the priests that bore the ark.
II. Seven priests went immediately before the ark, having trumpets in their hands, with which they were continually sounding, Jos 6:4, Jos 6:5, Jos 6:9, Jos 6:13. The priests were God's ministers, and thus in his name, 1. They proclaimed war with the Canaanites, and so stuck a terror upon them; for by terrors upon their spirits they were to be conquered and subdued. Thus God's ministers, by the solemn declarations of his wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, must blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in the holy mountain, that the sinners in Zion may be afraid. They are God's heralds to denounce war against all those that go on still in their trespasses, but say, "We shall have peace, though we go on." 2. They proclaimed God's gracious presence with Israel, and so put life and courage into them. It was appointed that when they went to war the priests should encourage them with the assurance of God's presence with them, Deu 20:2-4. And particularly their blowing with trumpets was to be a sign to the people that they should be remembered before the Lord Their God in the day of battle, Num 10:9. It encouraged Abijah, Ch2 13:12. Thus God's ministers, by sounding the Jubilee trumpet of the everlasting gospel, which proclaims liberty and victory, must encourage the good soldiers of Jesus Christ in their spiritual warfare.
III. The trumpets they used were not those silver trumpets which were appointed to be made for their ordinary service, but trumpets of rams' horns, bored hollow for the purpose, as some think. These trumpets were of the basest matter, dullest sound, and least show, that the excellency of the power might be of God. Thus by the foolishness of preaching, fitly compared to the sounding of these rams' horns, the devil's kingdom is thrown down; and the weapons of our warfare, though they are not carnal nor seem to a carnal eye likely to bring any thing to pass, are yet mighty through God to the pulling down of strong-holds, Co2 10:4, Co2 10:5. The word here is trumpets of Jobel, that is, such trumpets as they used to blow withal in the year of jubilee; so many interpreters understand it, as signifying the complete liberty to which Israel was now brought, and the bringing of the land of Canaan into the hands of its just and rightful owners.
IV. All the people were commanded to be silent, not to speak a word, nor make any noise (Jos 6:10), that they might the more carefully attend to the sound of the sacred trumpets, which they were now to look upon as the voice of God among them; and it does not become us to speak when God is speaking. It likewise intimates their reverent expectation of the event. Zac 2:13, Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord. Exo 14:14, God shall fight, and you shall hold your peace.
V. They were to do this once a day for six days together and seven times the seventh day, and they did so, Jos 6:14, Jos 6:15. God could have caused the walls of Jericho to fall upon the first surrounding of them, but they must go round them thirteen times before they fall, that they might be kept waiting patiently for the Lord. Though they had lately come into Canaan, and their time was very precious (for they had a great deal of work before them), yet they must linger so many days about Jericho, seeming to do nothing, nor to make any progress in their business. As promised deliverances must be expected in God's way, so they must be expected in his time. He that believes does not make haste, not more haste than God would have him make. Go yet seven times, before any thing hopeful appears, Kg1 18:43.
VI. One of these days must needs be a sabbath day, and the Jews say that it was the last, but this is not certain; however, if he that appointed them to rest on the other sabbath days appointed them to walk on this, that was sufficient to justify them in it; he never intended to bind himself by his own laws, but that when he pleased he might dispense with them. The impotent man went upon this principle when he argued (Joh 5:11), He that made me whole (and therefore has a divine power) said unto me, Take up thy bed. And, in this case here, it was an honour to the sabbath day, by which our time is divided into weeks, that just seven days were to be spent in this work, and seven priests were employed to sound seven trumpets, this number being, on this occasion, as well as many others, made remarkable, in remembrance of the six day's work of creation and the seventh day's rest from it. And, besides, the law of the sabbath forbids our own work, which is servile and secular, but this which they did was a religious act. It is certainly no breach of the sabbath rest to do the sabbath work, for the sake of which the rest was instituted; and what is the sabbath work but to attend the ark in all its motions?
VII. They continued to do this during the time appointed, and seven times the seventh day, though they saw not any effect of it, believing that at the end the vision would speak and not lie, Hab 2:3. If we persevere in the way of duty, we shall lose nothing by it in the long run. It is probable they walked at such a distance from the walls as to be out of the reach of the enemies' arrows and out of the hearing of their scoffs. We may suppose the oddness of the thing did at first amuse the besieged, but by the seventh day they had grown secure, feeling no harm from that which perhaps they looked upon as an enchantment. Probably they bantered the besiegers, as those mentioned in Neh 4:2, "What do these feeble Jews? Is this the people we thought so formidable? Are these their methods of attack?" Thus they cried peace and safety, that the destruction might be the more terrible when it came. Wicked men (says bishop Hall) think God in jest when he is preparing for their judgment; but they will be convinced of their mistake when it is too late.
VIII. At last they were to give a shout, and did so, and immediately the walls fell, Jos 6:16. This was a shout for mastery, a triumphant shout; the shout of a king is among them, Num 23:21. This was a shout of faith; they believed that the walls of Jericho would fall, and by this faith the walls were thrown down. It was a shot of prayer, an echo to the sound of the trumpets which proclaimed the promise that God would remember them; with one accord, as one man, they cry to heaven for help, and help comes in. Some allude to this to show that we must never expect a complete victory over our own corruptions till the very evening of our last day, and then we shall shout in triumph over them, when we come to the number and measure of our perfection, as bishop Hall expresses it. A good heart (says he) groans under the sense of his infirmities, fain would be rid of them, and strives and prays, but, when all is done, until the end of the seventh day it cannot be; then judgment shall be brought forth unto victory. And at the end of time, when our Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout, and the sound of a trumpet, Satan's kingdom shall be completely ruined, and not till then, when all opposing rule, principality, and power, shall be effectually and eternally put down.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–16. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 6:13 provides a precise and continuous description of the Israelite procession on the climactic seventh day of the Jericho siege. It meticulously details the seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns, marching and blowing continuously before the Ark of the LORD, flanked by armed men and a rearguard. This vivid account underscores the divine orchestration of the battle, highlighting Israel's unwavering obedience and the profound symbolic significance of the Ark and trumpets as instruments of God's power and presence, rather than conventional military might, in securing the miraculous victory.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 6:13 is rich in Repetition and Symbolism. The repeated mention of "seven priests" and "seven trumpets," understood within the broader context of the "seventh day" and "seven circuits," emphasizes the divine perfection and completeness of God's meticulously planned strategy. This numerical repetition highlights the ritualistic and divinely ordained nature of the siege, underscoring that every detail was precisely commanded by God. The continuous action of "going on, and blowing with the trumpets" is also repeated within the verse, creating a powerful sense of relentless, unwavering obedience and persistent spiritual declaration. Symbolism is paramount, with the Ark of the LORD representing God's active presence, covenant faithfulness, and direct leadership in the battle. The rams' horns (shofarot) symbolize divine proclamation, spiritual warfare, and the irresistible power of God's voice. The entire procession, with its specific order and actions, functions as a living Metaphor for spiritual warfare, where human military might is entirely superseded by divine power activated through faith and obedience, demonstrating unequivocally that the battle belongs to the Lord.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:13 powerfully illustrates the profound theological principle that God often works in ways that defy human logic and conventional wisdom, thereby calling for radical obedience and unwavering faith from His people. The unconventional strategy for taking the formidable city of Jericho underscores that true victory comes not through human strength, strategic brilliance, or overwhelming force, but through divine intervention, activated by a people who trust implicitly in their God. This passage serves as a profound testament to God's active presence in the midst of His people's struggles, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His willingness to fight on behalf of those who obey Him. It reminds believers across generations that our greatest battles are often spiritual in nature, requiring spiritual weapons and an absolute reliance on God's power rather than our own limited capabilities.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 6:13 serves as a timeless and profound reminder that our battles, whether personal, communal, or societal, are ultimately God's to fight. In a world that often prioritizes human ingenuity, meticulous strategic planning, and overwhelming force, this verse calls us to embrace a counter-cultural posture of humble obedience and persistent faith. When confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles—be they personal struggles, entrenched societal injustices, or formidable spiritual strongholds—we are invited to lay down our conventional "weapons" and instead embrace God's often unconventional methods. This may involve sustained prayer, acts of worship that defy logic, consistent and unwavering witness, or simply a deep, abiding trust in His timing and wisdom, even when the path forward seems illogical or impossible. Just as the Israelites marched in silent, unwavering obedience, trusting that the continuous sound of the trumpets and the powerful presence of the Ark were sufficient, we are called to lean into God's presence and power, knowing that true and lasting victory is secured not by our might, but by His. This passage profoundly encourages us to cultivate a life of deep spiritual discipline and absolute reliance on God, recognizing that our greatest strength lies paradoxically in our complete dependence on Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the Ark of the LORD so central to the Jericho campaign, and what did its presence signify?
Answer: The Ark of the LORD was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's throne, His covenant presence among His people, and His active leadership. Its centrality in the Jericho procession (carried by priests, preceded by armed men, and followed by a rearguard) unequivocally signified that Yahweh Himself was leading the battle. It was not merely a good luck charm, but the tangible symbol of the Commander of the heavenly armies. Its presence demonstrated that the victory would be achieved by divine power, not by Israel's military might, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His promises to give them the land of Canaan, as seen in Joshua 1:3.
What was the significance of using "trumpets of rams' horns" (shofars) instead of other instruments or military signals?
Answer: The shofar, made from a ram's horn, held deep spiritual and symbolic meaning in Israelite culture, distinct from other trumpets. It was used to announce sacred times (Leviticus 23:24), call assemblies (Numbers 10:2), and signify divine intervention or judgment (Joel 2:1). At Jericho, the continuous blowing of the shofars was not a military signal for attack, but a persistent spiritual act of proclamation, a declaration of God's impending judgment and power. It symbolized the "voice" of God at work, shattering the enemy's strongholds through spiritual means rather than conventional warfare, highlighting that the battle was Yahweh's.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Jericho narrative, particularly Joshua 6:13, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark of the LORD symbolized God's holy presence leading His people into battle, Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of God with us, "Immanuel" (Matthew 1:23). He is the true Ark, the very dwelling place of God's fullness, through whom God's presence is perfectly revealed and made accessible to humanity (Colossians 2:9). Furthermore, the unconventional victory at Jericho, achieved not by human might or military strategy but by divine power through radical obedience and the sound of trumpets, profoundly foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. His triumph was not through earthly military conquest but through the seemingly weak and foolish act of the cross, which is revealed as God's ultimate power unto salvation for all who believe (1 Corinthians 1:18). The continuous blowing of the shofars can be seen as a prophetic echo of the "trumpet call" that will announce Christ's triumphant return, when every spiritual stronghold will finally collapse, and His eternal kingdom will be fully established (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Thus, Jericho's fall stands as a powerful type of the spiritual victory secured by Christ, who leads His people not into earthly conquest, but into eternal freedom from the dominion of sin and death.