Joshua 6:13

KJV

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:13 vividly describes the final, climactic day of the Jericho siege, detailing the precise and continuous procession of the Israelite army. It highlights seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns, marching and blowing before the Ark of the LORD, flanked by armed men and a rearguard. This meticulous description underscores the divine orchestration of the battle, emphasizing Israel's unwavering obedience and the symbolic significance of the Ark and trumpets as instruments of God's power and presence, rather than conventional military might, in securing victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:13 is situated within the dramatic narrative of the fall of Jericho, a pivotal event in Israel's conquest of Canaan. It follows God's explicit, unconventional instructions to Joshua in [Joshua 6:3-5](/joshua/6-3 "Joshua 6:3-5 - God's Instructions for Jericho"), which outline the daily march around the city for six days, culminating in a seven-fold march and a great shout on the seventh day. This verse specifically details the composition and continuous action of the procession on that final, decisive day, immediately preceding the collapse of the city walls described in [Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Walls of Jericho Fall"). The meticulous description of the order and activity reinforces the idea that this was not a human military strategy but a divinely commanded ritual of faith and obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a region of constant warfare, where cities were typically conquered through siege warfare involving sophisticated military tactics, siege engines, or prolonged starvation. Jericho, one of the oldest known cities, was heavily fortified, making its capture a formidable challenge. The Israelite approach, as described in Joshua 6, completely defied conventional military wisdom. Instead of battering rams or ladders, God commanded a ritualistic march involving priests, the Ark of the Covenant, and trumpets. This method would have been utterly baffling to any observer, highlighting that the victory was not achieved by Israel's strength or cunning, but by the direct, miraculous intervention of Yahweh, demonstrating His supremacy over all other gods and military powers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it exemplifies **Divine Leadership and Presence**, with the Ark of the LORD, symbolizing God's tangible presence and covenant, leading the procession. This underscores that Yahweh Himself was fighting for Israel, a theme woven throughout the conquest narrative, as seen in [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua"). Second, it highlights **Obedience and Faith**, as Israel's unwavering adherence to God's seemingly illogical instructions, without any visible military engagement, was a profound act of trust. This echoes the call for faithfulness found in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience"). Finally, the passage emphasizes **Spiritual Warfare**, portraying the battle of Jericho not as a conventional military conflict, but as a spiritual engagement won through divine power. The rams' horns and the Ark serve as spiritual weapons, demonstrating that God fights for His people and that victory comes through His intervention, a concept also seen in [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight for You").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trumpets of Rams' Horns (Hebrew, _shofarot'_):** These are not typical military trumpets but specifically the _shofar_, an instrument made from a ram's horn. In ancient Israel, the _shofar_ was used for various purposes: to call assemblies ([Numbers 10:2](/numbers/10-2 "Numbers 10:2 - Trumpets for Assembly")), to announce sacred times like the New Moon or the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 23:24](/leviticus/23-24 "Leviticus 23:24 - Feast of Trumpets")), and to sound alarms for war ([Jeremiah 4:5](/jeremiah/4-5 "Jeremiah 4:5 - Sound the Trumpet")). Their continuous blowing in the Jericho narrative signifies a solemn, persistent act of proclamation, a spiritual alarm, and a declaration of God's impending judgment and power, rather than a signal for human attack.
* **Ark of the LORD (Hebrew, _aron YHWH'_):** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's throne, His presence, and His covenant faithfulness with His people ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Presence Above the Ark")). Its central position in the procession, carried by priests, unequivocally indicated that the battle was Yahweh's. It was not merely a good luck charm but the tangible symbol of the Commander of the heavenly armies, leading His people into battle and ensuring their victory.
* **Continually (Hebrew, _hal'khu v'taq'u'_ - lit. "they went and blew"):** The Hebrew phrase emphasizes the persistent, unbroken action of marching and blowing the trumpets. This continuous activity, day after day, and especially on the seventh day, highlights the unwavering obedience required of Israel. It was a test of endurance and faith, demonstrating that the victory would come not from a single, dramatic act, but from sustained, faithful adherence to God's command, a testament to the power of persistent, obedient faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns":** This clause introduces the central figures of the procession, the priests, and their specific instruments. The number "seven" is highly symbolic, representing completion, perfection, and divine action, reinforcing the sacred and divinely appointed nature of the march. The _shofarot_ are not just instruments but symbols of divine proclamation and spiritual warfare.
* **"before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew with the trumpets":** This part establishes the Ark's preeminence and the priests' continuous action. The priests are positioned directly before the Ark, emphasizing their role as mediators and the Ark's centrality as the symbol of God's presence. The "continual" blowing signifies persistent worship, declaration, and obedience, a relentless spiritual assault on the city.
* **"and the armed men went before them;":** This describes the vanguard of the procession. The armed men, though not actively fighting, provided a protective screen and represented Israel's readiness to engage, even if the primary "weapon" was spiritual. Their presence underscores the dual nature of the event: a spiritual act with a military outcome.
* **"but the rereward came after the ark of the LORD, [the priests] going on, and blowing with the trumpets.":** This describes the rearguard, protecting the Ark from behind. The repetition of "[the priests] going on, and blowing with the trumpets" at the end of the verse creates an inclusio, emphasizing the constant, pervasive sound of the _shofarot_ throughout the entire procession. This reinforces the idea of a sustained, ritualistic act of faith and spiritual warfare that enveloped the city.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:13 is rich in **Repetition** and **Symbolism**. The repeated mention of "seven priests" and "seven trumpets" on the "seventh day" (implied from the broader context of Joshua 6) emphasizes the divine perfection and completeness of God's plan. 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, creating a sense of relentless, unwavering obedience and persistent spiritual declaration. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the Ark of the LORD representing God's active presence and leadership in the battle, and the rams' horns (_shofarot_) symbolizing divine proclamation, spiritual warfare, and the power of God's voice. The entire procession acts as a living **Metaphor** for spiritual warfare, where human military might is superseded by divine power activated through faith and obedience, demonstrating that the battle belongs to the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:13 powerfully illustrates the principle that God often works in ways that defy human logic, calling for radical obedience and faith from His people. The unconventional strategy for taking Jericho underscores that true victory comes not through human strength or cleverness, but through divine intervention, activated by a people who trust implicitly in their God. This passage is a profound testament to God's active presence in the midst of His people's struggles, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His willingness to fight on behalf of those who obey Him. It reminds us that our greatest battles are often spiritual, requiring spiritual weapons and a reliance on God's power rather than our own.

* [Hebrews 11:30](/hebrews/11-30 "Hebrews 11:30 - Jericho's Walls Fell by Faith")
* [2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Weapons for Demolishing Strongholds")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 6:13 serves as a timeless reminder that our battles, whether personal or corporate, are ultimately God's to fight. In a world that often prioritizes human ingenuity, strategic planning, and overwhelming force, this verse calls us to a counter-cultural posture of humble obedience and persistent faith. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles—be they personal struggles, societal injustices, or spiritual strongholds—we are invited to lay down our conventional "weapons" and instead embrace God's unconventional methods. This may involve sustained prayer, acts of worship, consistent witness, or simply unwavering trust in His timing and wisdom, even when the path forward seems illogical. Just as the Israelites marched in silent obedience, trusting that the sound of the trumpets and the presence of the Ark were sufficient, we are called to lean into God's presence and power, knowing that true victory is secured not by our might, but by His. This passage encourages us to cultivate a life of deep spiritual discipline and reliance on God, recognizing that our greatest strength lies in our absolute dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" in your life or circumstances seem insurmountable, and how might God be calling you to an unconventional, faith-filled approach rather than relying on your own strength?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to persistent obedience, even when the outcome is not immediately visible or logical?**
* **How does the symbolism of the Ark of the LORD and the trumpets encourage you about God's active presence and power in your own spiritual battles?**

### 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](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - Every Place Your Foot Treads").

**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](/leviticus/23-24 "Leviticus 23:24 - Feast of Trumpets")), call assemblies ([Numbers 10:2](/numbers/10-2 "Numbers 10:2 - Trumpets for Assembly")), and signify divine intervention or judgment ([Joel 2:1](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1 - Blow the Trumpet in Zion")). 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 work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark of the LORD symbolized God's presence leading His people into battle, Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of God with us, "Immanuel" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). He is the true Ark, the very dwelling place of God, through whom God's presence is fully revealed and accessible to humanity ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Furthermore, the unconventional victory at Jericho, achieved not by human might but by divine power through obedience and the sound of trumpets, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. His triumph was not through military conquest but through the seemingly weak and foolish act of the cross, which is God's power unto salvation ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). 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 kingdom will be fully established ([1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Return with a Trumpet Call")). 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.

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

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Matthew 24:13

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

1 Chronicles 15:26

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.