Joshua 6:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long {H4900} blast with the ram's {H3104} horn {H7161}, and when ye hear {H8085} the sound {H6963} of the trumpet {H7782}, all the people {H5971} shall shout {H7321} with a great {H1419} shout {H8643}; and the wall {H2346} of the city {H5892} shall fall down {H5307} flat {H8478}, and the people {H5971} shall ascend up {H5927} every man {H376} straight before him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they are to blow a long blast on the shofar. On hearing the sound of the shofar, all the people are to shout as loudly as they can; and the wall of the city will fall down flat. Then the people are to go up into the city, each one straight from where he stands."

Berean Standard Bible

And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city.”

American Standard Version

And it shall be, 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 go up every man straight before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:5 describes the dramatic climax of God's divinely orchestrated strategy for the fall of Jericho, detailing the precise moment when the Israelites' obedient actions would trigger a miraculous divine intervention. It outlines that upon a prolonged blast of the ram's horn and a unified shout from the people, the formidable walls of the city would collapse completely, allowing every Israelite to ascend directly into the city, securing a victory not by human might but by God's sovereign power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:5 is the culminating instruction within a highly unusual and detailed military strategy laid out by God for the conquest of Jericho, the first major fortified city in Canaan. The preceding verses (Joshua 6:1-4) describe the initial six days of silent marching around the city, led by armed men, priests, and the Ark of the Covenant, with seven priests blowing trumpets. This verse specifically details the actions and their immediate consequence on the climactic seventh day, when the Israelites were to march around the city seven times before the final signal. Following this verse, Joshua 6:6-21 recounts the execution of these commands and the subsequent miraculous collapse of the walls, leading to the city's destruction and the fulfillment of God's promise. The narrative emphasizes the absolute obedience required of Israel and the direct, supernatural nature of God's intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Joshua 6 occur shortly after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the promised land, marking the beginning of their conquest of Canaan following forty years of wilderness wandering. Jericho was an ancient, heavily fortified city, strategically located and presenting a formidable initial challenge. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, fortified cities were typically taken by prolonged siege, direct assault, or treachery. God's chosen method for Jericho defied all conventional military wisdom, highlighting His unique authority and power. The use of the *shofar* (ram's horn) was significant; beyond its military application for signaling, it held deep religious and cultural meaning in Israel, often associated with divine presence, prophetic pronouncements, and sacred assemblies, such as on the [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/25-9 "Leviticus 25:9 - The Trumpet of the Jubilee"). The "great shout" (Hebrew: *teruah*) was also more than a battle cry; it could signify a shout of acclamation, alarm, or a cultic shout of triumph, often associated with the presence or action of God, as seen in [Psalm 47:5](/psalms/47-5 "Psalm 47:5 - God ascends with a shout").
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 6:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating unequivocally that the conquest of Canaan was not achieved by Israel's military might but by God's direct, miraculous intervention. The walls fell not by human force, but by the power of the Lord, underscoring that "the battle is the Lord's" (as in [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")). This is closely linked to the theme of **Obedience and Faith**, as the Israelites' willingness to follow God's seemingly illogical and unconventional commands—marching silently, blowing trumpets, and shouting—is a profound testament to their faith. Their radical obedience activated God's power, illustrating the principle later articulated in [Hebrews 11:30](/hebrews/11-30 "Hebrews 11:30 - By Faith the Walls of Jericho Fell"). The narrative also highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, as the fall of Jericho was a significant initial fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan, reinforcing His unwavering commitment to His people, as promised in passages like [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). Finally, the collective shout underscores the **Power of Unified Action** and corporate faith in the face of insurmountable obstacles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ram's horn (Hebrew, _shofar_):** This is not merely a musical instrument or a simple signaling device. The *shofar* was deeply significant in ancient Israelite culture, used not only for military signals but also for proclaiming new moons, calling assemblies, announcing the Jubilee year, and in various cultic and prophetic contexts. Its sound was often associated with the voice of God or the presence of divine power, as heard at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Trumpet Blast at Sinai"). In this context, the long blast signifies a divine summons and the activation of God's power for a specific, momentous event.
* **Shout (Hebrew, _teruah_):** More than just a loud noise, *teruah* denotes a specific type of loud cry or blast. It can be a battle cry, a shout of joy, a blast of alarm, or a cultic acclamation. Here, it is a climactic, unified cry of faith, obedience, and anticipation—a human response of trust that serves as the immediate trigger for God's miraculous act. It is a purposeful, commanded sound, signifying corporate agreement and reliance on God's power.
* **Fall down flat (Hebrew, _naflah tachteyha_):** This phrase emphasizes the completeness and totality of the collapse. It doesn't mean the walls merely crumbled or were breached, but that they fell "under themselves" or "in their place," suggesting a complete and utter disintegration to their foundations, creating a clear path for the Israelites to ascend directly into the city. This highlights the miraculous nature of the event, as no human siege could achieve such an instantaneous and thorough demolition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long [blast] with the ram's horn":** This clause specifies the precise signal and its duration. The "long blast" (literally "drawing out" the sound) indicates a sustained and definitive sound, distinct from shorter signals. This sound, produced by the priests, serves as the divine cue for the people's action and God's intervention.
* **"[and] when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout":** This part clarifies that the people's action is directly contingent upon hearing the specific trumpet sound. The command for "all the people" to shout emphasizes the corporate and unified nature of their obedience. It is not a spontaneous cheer but a commanded, synchronized act of faith.
* **"and the wall of the city shall fall down flat":** This is the miraculous consequence promised by God. The direct link between the human act of obedience (shouting) and the divine act of power (walls falling) is explicitly stated. The phrase "fall down flat" underscores the supernatural and complete nature of the collapse, making entry immediate and unimpeded.
* **"and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him":** This final clause describes the immediate and unhindered entry of the Israelites into the city. "Straight before him" implies that the debris from the fallen walls did not impede their path; rather, the collapse created a direct, level access for each person, further emphasizing the supernatural precision of God's intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:5 is rich in **Divine Command/Fulfillment**, where God's spoken word directly brings about the promised outcome, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation and human affairs. The narrative employs **Symbolism** through the ram's horn, representing divine presence and power, and the unified shout, symbolizing corporate faith and obedience. There is a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the seemingly foolish and illogical human actions (marching, blowing trumpets, shouting) stand in stark contrast to the mighty and miraculous divine outcome, highlighting God's ways as superior to human wisdom. The description "fall down flat" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality and supernatural nature of the collapse, going beyond a mere breach to signify complete disintegration. The entire account serves as a powerful **Theophany** in action, where God's presence and power are tangibly manifested through a miraculous event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:5 stands as a profound testament to the principle that God's power is unleashed through human obedience and faith. It teaches that no obstacle, regardless of its apparent impregnability, is too great for the Lord to overcome. The fall of Jericho was not a feat of military strategy or human strength, but a direct demonstration of divine might, reminding us that God often works in ways that defy human logic and conventional wisdom. This event underscores the importance of trusting God's methods, even when they seem unconventional or foolish, and highlights the transformative power of a unified community acting in faith. It is a foundational narrative for understanding God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

* [Hebrews 11:30](/hebrews/11-30 "Hebrews 11:30 - By Faith the Walls of Jericho Fell")
* [2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Weapons of Our Warfare")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Jericho's fall, encapsulated in Joshua 6:5, offers profound lessons for believers navigating the "walls" in their own lives and communities today. It challenges us to consider what seemingly insurmountable obstacles we face – whether personal struggles, societal injustices, or spiritual strongholds – and how we approach them. This verse calls us to move beyond reliance on our own strength, wisdom, or conventional strategies, and instead, to embrace radical obedience to God's often unconventional commands. Just as the Israelites were asked to march and shout, we may be called to acts of faith that appear illogical to the world, yet are precisely what God uses to demonstrate His power. It reminds us that God's power is limitless, and our faithful, unified response can unleash His mighty hand, transforming what seems impossible into a testimony of His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you currently facing in your personal life, family, or community that require divine intervention?**
* **In what areas might God be calling you to an "unconventional" or seemingly illogical act of obedience, similar to the Israelites' march around Jericho?**
* **How does this account encourage you to trust God's power and methods over your own strategies or human wisdom?**
* **What role does unified faith and action within the community of believers play in bringing down spiritual or systemic barriers today?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose such an unusual method for taking Jericho instead of a conventional military siege?**

Answer: God chose this unconventional method primarily to demonstrate unequivocally that the victory was His, not Israel's. Had Israel taken Jericho through traditional military might, they might have attributed the success to their own strength or strategy. By orchestrating a seemingly absurd plan – marching, blowing trumpets, and shouting – God ensured that the collapse of the formidable walls could only be ascribed to His supernatural power. This method also served to teach Israel radical obedience and faith, reinforcing their dependence on Him as they entered the Promised Land. It prevented them from boasting in human strength and established His unique authority over all creation and warfare, as seen in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army").

**What is the significance of the "ram's horn" (shofar) in this event?**

Answer: The *shofar* was far more than a simple military instrument; it held deep spiritual and symbolic significance in ancient Israel. Its sound was associated with divine presence, prophetic pronouncements, and sacred events. For instance, the sound of a trumpet was heard when God descended on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Trumpet Blast at Sinai") to give the Law. In the context of Jericho, the *shofar* blast was not merely a signal for human action but a sound that accompanied and heralded God's direct intervention. It symbolized the divine summons, the breaking in of God's power, and the proclamation of His victory, making the fall of Jericho a sacred act of war, not just a military conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic fall of Jericho's walls in Joshua 6:5 serves as a powerful Old Testament type, foreshadowing the ultimate, decisive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as the seemingly foolish actions of marching and shouting led to the collapse of an insurmountable physical barrier, so too did the seemingly weak and foolish act of Christ's crucifixion lead to the ultimate triumph over the spiritual "walls" of sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The "long blast" of the ram's horn and the "great shout" find their ultimate echo in the triumphant cry of Jesus on the cross, "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the spiritual principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). The promise that "the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him" finds its spiritual fulfillment in Christ, who, by His sacrifice, has opened a "new and living way" for believers to ascend directly into the presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to God Through Christ")). The victory at Jericho was a physical conquest of a city; Christ's victory is a spiritual conquest of the Kingdom of God, inviting all who believe to enter into His eternal rest and reign, overcoming the world not by physical might, but by faith in the Lamb of God ([Revelation 12:10-11](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb")).

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

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;

Hebrews 11:30

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

Exodus 19:19

And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

1 Samuel 17:20

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

Joshua 6:20

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.

Judges 7:20

And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow [withal]: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.