Joshua 6:20

KJV

So the people shouted when [the priests] blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the people {H5971} shouted {H7321} when the priests blew {H8628} with the trumpets {H7782}: and it came to pass, when the people {H5971} heard {H8085} the sound {H6963} of the trumpet {H7782}, and the people {H5971} shouted {H7321} with a great {H1419} shout {H8643}, that the wall {H2346} fell down flat {H5307}, so that the people {H5971} went up {H5927} into the city {H5892}, every man {H376} straight before him, and they took {H3920} the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the people shouted, with the shofars blowing. When the people heard the sound of the shofars, the people let out a great shout; and the wall fell down flat; so that the people went up into the city, each one straight ahead of him; and they captured the city.

Berean Standard Bible

So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it.

American Standard Version

So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The dramatic climax of the Battle of Jericho, where the fortified walls of the city miraculously collapsed as the Israelites, in an act of unified obedience, shouted in response to the priests' trumpet blasts. This pivotal moment, orchestrated by divine command, allowed the Israelite army to enter and conquer the city without conventional warfare, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign power, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and the transformative power of corporate faith and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:20 is the culmination of a meticulously detailed divine strategy revealed in [Joshua 6:1-5](/joshua/6-1 "Joshua 6:1-5 - God's Instructions for Jericho"). Following the crossing of the Jordan River ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan")), the renewal of the covenant at Gilgal ([Joshua 5:1-12](/joshua/5-1 "Joshua 5:1-12 - Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal")), and Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army ([Joshua 5:13-15](/joshua/5-13 "Joshua 5:13-15 - Commander of the Lord's Army")), the narrative immediately shifts to the conquest of Canaan. Jericho, the first major stronghold, presented an impenetrable barrier. The preceding verses detail the precise, seemingly illogical instructions for the seven-day march, building suspense towards this climactic moment. The verse directly follows the final command for the people to shout and the priests to blow the trumpets ([Joshua 6:16](/joshua/6-16 "Joshua 6:16 - The Final Command")). The immediate aftermath involves the Israelites' entry and the city's complete destruction, save for Rahab and her family ([Joshua 6:21-25](/joshua/6-21 "Joshua 6:21-25 - The Destruction of Jericho")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, was a formidable fortress, strategically located at a key entrance to Canaan from the east. Its double wall system, as revealed by archaeology, made it a seemingly impregnable target for an invading army. The Israelite conquest of Canaan, as described in the book of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest of Canaan"), was understood as a "holy war" or "herem," where God commanded the complete destruction of certain cities and their inhabitants due to their pervasive wickedness and idolatry, preventing the corruption of Israel. The use of trumpets (shofars, made from ram's horns) was deeply embedded in Israelite culture, serving not only as instruments of war signals but also for religious ceremonies, calling assemblies, and declaring God's presence or judgment. The "shout" was often a war cry, a declaration of triumph, or a communal expression of faith and dependence on God, echoing practices seen in other ancient Near Eastern cultures, but here uniquely tied to a divine command.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 6:20 powerfully illustrates several core themes central to the book of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua"). Firstly, it is a profound demonstration of **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**. The miraculous collapse of the walls underscores that the conquest of Canaan was not achieved by Israel's military might but by God's direct, supernatural power, fulfilling His promise to give them the land ([Deuteronomy 9:3](/deuteronomy/9-3 "Deuteronomy 9:3 - God Goes Before You")). Secondly, the event highlights the critical importance of **Faith and Obedience**. The Israelites' willingness to follow God's unconventional and seemingly irrational instructions for seven days, culminating in a collective shout, was an act of profound faith. This is explicitly affirmed in the New Testament, stating that "[By faith the walls of Jericho fell](/hebrews/11-30 "Hebrews 11:30 - Jericho's Walls Fall by Faith")" ([Hebrews 11:30](/hebrews/11-30 "Hebrews 11:30 - Jericho's Walls Fall by Faith")). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **God's Covenant Faithfulness**. The fall of Jericho was the initial, decisive step in fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Finally, the narrative showcases the **Power of Unified Action and Corporate Worship** in the face of insurmountable odds, as the entire community participated in the final, decisive act.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shouted (Hebrew, _rûaʿ_):** This verb signifies a loud noise, often a battle cry, a shout of triumph, a trumpet blast, or a shout of alarm or joy. In this context, it is a divinely commanded, unified, and expectant cry from the people, not merely a sound, but an act of faith and declaration of God's impending victory. It is the human response that triggers the divine action.
* **Trumpets (Hebrew, _šôp̄ār_):** These were ram's horns, used extensively in Israelite life for signaling (war, assembly), religious ceremonies (New Moons, Day of Atonement), and proclaiming God's presence or judgment. Their use here is not for a conventional military charge, but as part of a ritualistic obedience, signifying the presence and power of God in the battle.
* **Fell down flat (Hebrew, _wattippōl haḥômâ taḥteyhā_):** Literally translated as "and the wall fell under itself" or "in its place." This precise phrase indicates a complete and thorough collapse, likely inward, creating a ramp-like path directly into the city for the attacking Israelites. It emphasizes the supernatural nature of the collapse, making it effortless for the army to ascend, rather than leaving a pile of rubble they would have to climb over.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the people shouted when [the priests] blew with the trumpets":** This clause establishes the synchronization of two key elements of the divine command: the priests' trumpet blast and the people's shout. It highlights the immediate and unified obedience of the entire Israelite community, acting in concert as instructed by God through Joshua. This collective action was not arbitrary but the divinely appointed trigger for the miracle.
* **"and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout":** This repetition emphasizes the precise timing and the intensity of the event. The double mention of the "people shouted" and the "great shout" underscores the magnitude of their unified cry of faith and anticipation. It was not a hesitant murmur but a powerful, collective declaration, signifying their full commitment to God's plan.
* **"that the wall fell down flat":** This is the miraculous core of the verse. Immediately following the human act of obedience, God's power is unleashed, causing the seemingly impregnable walls to collapse completely. The phrase "fell down flat" (as analyzed above) implies a perfect, inward collapse that facilitated entry, rather than hindering it, showcasing the precision and purpose of God's intervention.
* **"so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city":** This final clause describes the immediate and successful outcome of the miracle. The collapse created direct, unobstructed paths for the Israelites, allowing them to advance straight into the city without needing siege equipment or facing further resistance from the fortifications. This confirms the divine purpose of the wall's collapse: to enable the swift and decisive conquest of Jericho, marking the first major victory in the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:20 is rich in literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. **Repetition** is prominently used, particularly with the phrases "the people shouted" and "the sound of the trumpet," which serves to emphasize the coordinated and climactic nature of the event, building narrative tension and highlighting the significance of the synchronized human action. The description of the shout as a "**great shout**" employs **hyperbole** to convey the immense volume and collective fervor of the Israelites' cry, underscoring their unified faith and the dramatic culmination of the seven-day ritual. The entire narrative of the walls falling is a prime example of **Divine Intervention** or **Miracle**, where God directly acts in the natural world to achieve His purposes, serving as the central **plot device** that resolves the seemingly impossible challenge of Jericho. Furthermore, the verse clearly establishes a **Cause and Effect** relationship: the obedient shout and trumpet blast are the cause, and the immediate, complete collapse of the wall is the direct effect, demonstrating God's responsiveness to His people's faith. As the climax of the Jericho narrative, this verse functions as a **Narrative Climax**, providing the peak of the action and the turning point in the conquest of Canaan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:20 stands as a foundational text affirming God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history. It teaches that divine power is not limited by human obstacles or conventional warfare, but rather operates in ways that defy human logic, often requiring simple, yet profound, acts of faith and obedience from His people. The fall of Jericho demonstrates that God fights for His people, fulfilling His covenant promises through supernatural means when necessary, thereby building Israel's confidence in His faithfulness for the battles yet to come. This event underscores that victory belongs to the Lord, and human effort, while required in obedience, is merely a channel for God's mighty work.

* [Hebrews 11:30](/hebrews/11-30 "Hebrews 11:30 - Jericho's Walls Fall by Faith")
* [Psalm 33:9](/psalm/33-9 "Psalm 33:9 - God Speaks and It Is Done")
* [2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Warfare and Divine Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The miraculous fall of Jericho's walls in Joshua 6:20 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating the "walls" in their own lives. It challenges us to consider that God's solutions to our insurmountable obstacles may not always align with human reason or conventional wisdom. Just as the Israelites were called to a seemingly illogical, repetitive act of faith, we too are often called to trust God's unconventional methods, even when they appear foolish to the world. Our active, consistent obedience, even in small or repetitive acts, can be the very catalyst for God's mighty intervention. The power was not in the shout itself, but in the obedient faith behind it, demonstrating that God honors a heart fully yielded to His will. This passage reminds us that God is actively engaged in our battles, and our role is to step out in faith, allowing Him to accomplish the impossible. Our "shout" today might be our declaration of God's truth, our praise in the face of adversity, or our unwavering confidence in His promises, even before we see their full manifestation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" in your life or circumstances seem insurmountable, causing you to rely solely on human strength or logic?**
* **In what areas is God calling you to an act of seemingly "illogical" obedience, similar to the Israelites' march around Jericho?**
* **How can your "shout"—your declaration of faith, praise, or trust—become a spiritual weapon in your current challenges?**
* **How does the story of Jericho encourage you to trust God's methods, even when they defy your understanding?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use such an unusual method for conquering Jericho?**

Answer: God chose this unconventional method primarily to demonstrate that the victory was entirely His, not a result of Israel's military prowess or strategic genius. If the walls had fallen by conventional siege, the Israelites might have attributed the success to their own strength. By commanding a ritualistic march, trumpet blasts, and a shout, God ensured that the miracle would be undeniable, reinforcing His sovereignty and power. This method also served as a profound test of Israel's faith and obedience, teaching them to rely completely on Him for their battles, a crucial lesson for their ongoing conquest of Canaan. It set a precedent that God would fight for them when they walked in obedience, as seen in [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel").

**Was the shout itself magical or inherently powerful?**

Answer: No, the shout itself was not magical. Its power derived entirely from being an act of faith and obedience to a divine command. The miracle was God's doing, not a result of human incantations or a mystical power inherent in the sound. The shout was the human trigger, the appointed signal that unlocked God's supernatural intervention. It was a corporate declaration of faith and dependence, a spiritual act that God honored with His mighty power, similar to how faith in Christ's name brings about healing in the New Testament ([Acts 3:16](/acts/3-16 "Acts 3:16 - Faith in Jesus' Name")).

**What does "fell down flat" specifically imply about the wall's collapse?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase "fell down flat" (wattippōl haḥômâ taḥteyhā) literally means "and the wall fell under itself" or "in its place." This suggests a complete and thorough collapse, likely inward, creating a ramp-like path directly into the city. Instead of leaving a pile of rubble that would have been difficult to climb over, the walls collapsed in such a way that the Israelites could "go up into the city, every man straight before him." This highlights the precise and purposeful nature of God's miracle, designed not just to destroy the obstacle but to facilitate immediate and easy access for the conquering army, demonstrating His perfect planning and execution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fall of Jericho, orchestrated by the Commander of the Lord's Army ([Joshua 5:13-15](/joshua/5-13 "Joshua 5:13-15 - Commander of the Lord's Army")), serves as a powerful type and shadow pointing to Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual "walls" that separate humanity from God. Just as Jericho's walls represented an insurmountable barrier to Israel's inheritance, so too do sin, death, and the powers of darkness stand as impregnable fortresses against humanity. Yet, in Christ, the true Joshua (Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves"), these walls have been decisively conquered. His death on the cross and triumphant resurrection represent the ultimate "shout" of victory, dismantling the spiritual strongholds that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). We, the New Testament Israel, are called not to conquer physical cities, but to engage in spiritual warfare, not by human might or wisdom, but by the power of God through the gospel ([2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - Spiritual Weapons")). The "trumpet" of the gospel message proclaims Christ's finished work, and our "shout" is the declaration of His Lordship and the triumph we have in Him. Ultimately, the future "shout" of the Lord Himself at His return will usher in the final, complete conquest of all evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where every spiritual wall will fall flat before Him ([1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Descent with a Shout")).

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

Hebrews 11:30

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

2 Corinthians 10:4

(For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2 Corinthians 10:5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Joshua 6:5

And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long [blast] with the ram's horn, [and] when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.