Joshua 6:6

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126} called {H7121} the priests {H3548}, and said {H559} unto them, Take up {H5375} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285}, and let seven {H7651} priests {H3548} bear {H5375} seven {H7651} trumpets {H7782} of rams' horns {H3104} before {H6440} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua the son of Nun called the cohanim and told them, "Take up the ark for the covenant, and have seven cohanim carry seven shofars ahead of the ark of ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

So Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.”

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:6 details a pivotal moment in the divine strategy for the conquest of Jericho, as Joshua, acting on God's precise instructions, commands the priests to take up the Ark of the Covenant and seven priests to bear seven rams' horn trumpets. This verse underscores the unconventional nature of the impending battle, highlighting that the victory would be achieved not through human military might, but through divine power manifested through obedient, faith-filled action and the symbolic presence of God among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the detailed divine instructions given to Joshua for the siege of Jericho, immediately following God's explicit command in [Joshua 6:2-5](/joshua/6-2 "Joshua 6:2-5 - God's Instructions for Jericho"). The preceding verses establish God's promise to deliver Jericho into Israel's hands and outline the seemingly illogical strategy: a silent procession around the city for six days, followed by a climactic seventh day involving seven priests, seven trumpets, and a final shout. Joshua's command in [Joshua 6:6](/joshua/6-6 "Joshua 6:6 - Joshua's Command for the Jericho Procession") directly initiates the execution of this plan, setting the stage for the miraculous collapse of the city walls described later in [Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Fall of Jericho"). It transitions from divine decree to human obedience, emphasizing the unique nature of this "battle" as a demonstration of God's power rather than conventional warfare.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho, strategically located at a key entrance point into Canaan, was a heavily fortified city, representing the first major obstacle for the Israelites after their forty years in the wilderness and their recent crossing of the Jordan River ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan")). In ancient Near Eastern warfare, sieges were typically prolonged affairs involving military engineering, direct assault, or starvation. God's strategy for Jericho, however, completely subverted these norms. The involvement of priests, the Ark of the Covenant, and rams' horn trumpets (shofars) instead of conventional weaponry would have been highly unusual and culturally significant. The shofar, in particular, was not merely a musical instrument but held deep religious and symbolic meaning, often used to signal divine presence, summon assemblies, or declare war, as seen at Mount Sinai in [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Shofar at Mount Sinai"). The entire event was designed to demonstrate Yahweh's unique sovereignty over all human powers and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** The instructions in [Joshua 6:6](/joshua/6-6 "Joshua 6:6 - Joshua's Command for the Jericho Procession") powerfully contribute to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it highlights **Divine Authority and Obedience**, demonstrating that Israel's success is contingent upon their faithful adherence to God's often counter-intuitive commands, rather than human wisdom or strength ([Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Second, the centrality of the **Ark of the Covenant** underscores **God's Presence and Leading** in the conquest, signifying that the battle belongs to the LORD ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")). Third, the unusual **Role of the Priesthood** in a military context emphasizes the spiritual nature of the warfare, where spiritual weapons and divine intervention are paramount. Finally, the repeated emphasis on the number **Seven** (seven priests, seven trumpets, seven days) points to its biblical significance as a number of completeness, perfection, and divine action, echoing the seven days of creation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and the seven-day cycle of the Sabbath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark of the Covenant (Hebrew, _ʾaron habbərît_):** This sacred chest, constructed according to divine specifications ([Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Construction of the Ark")), symbolized God's throne and His dwelling presence among His people. It contained the tablets of the Law, a pot of manna, and Aaron's staff, representing the covenant, divine provision, and priestly authority. Its presence at the forefront of the procession was not merely symbolic; it signified that Yahweh Himself was leading the charge, making the battle a holy war initiated and won by Him. Its role here emphasizes that the victory at Jericho was a theological event, not just a military one.
* **Trumpets of rams' horns (Hebrew, _shofarot_):** The _shofar_ is an ancient instrument made from a ram's horn, distinct from metal trumpets. Its sound was deeply significant in Israelite culture, used for various purposes: signaling ([Numbers 10:1-10](/numbers/10-1 "Numbers 10:1-10 - Trumpets for Assembly and Journey")), calling assemblies, announcing new moons and festivals ([Leviticus 23:24](/leviticus/23-24 "Leviticus 23:24 - Feast of Trumpets")), and most notably, signifying divine presence or pronouncement, as heard at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Shofar at Mount Sinai")). In a military context, the shofar served as a battle cry or a signal for divine intervention, transforming a mere sound into a spiritual declaration of war and victory.
* **Seven (Hebrew, _shevaʿ_):** This number holds profound symbolic weight throughout biblical literature, often representing completeness, perfection, divine action, or covenantal fulfillment. In the context of Jericho, the command for "seven priests" and "seven trumpets" on the "seventh day" for "seven times" around the city amplifies the idea that this entire operation is divinely orchestrated and perfectly executed according to God's sovereign plan. It signals a complete and decisive action initiated by God, culminating in a perfect victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes Joshua's role as the divinely appointed leader, faithfully executing God's specific commands. His immediate action demonstrates obedience and leadership, conveying the divine instructions directly to those who would carry them out. The priests, as mediators between God and Israel, are specifically chosen for this sacred task.
* **"Take up the ark of the covenant,"**: This is the first direct command given to the priests. The Ark's central role signifies that God's presence and power are paramount in this battle. It is not a human army's strength, but God's active involvement, symbolized by the Ark, that will bring victory. This command elevates the spiritual dimension of the warfare above any conventional military strategy.
* **"and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD."**: This second command details the specific instruments and personnel for the procession. The number "seven" is introduced, immediately signaling the unique, divinely ordained nature of the plan. The shofars, unlike war trumpets, emphasize the spiritual nature of the battle, serving as instruments of prophetic declaration and divine signal rather than mere military calls. Their position "before the ark of the LORD" further underscores the Ark's preeminence and God's leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the Ark of the Covenant representing God's active presence and covenant faithfulness, and the rams' horn trumpets (shofars) symbolizing divine pronouncement, spiritual warfare, and a call to sacred action. The number **Seven** functions as a powerful numerical symbol, signifying completeness, divine perfection, and the culmination of God's plan. The narrative structure itself is a **Divine Command Narrative**, where God's instructions are precisely relayed and immediately acted upon by Joshua, highlighting the theme of obedience. The unusual nature of the commands also creates a sense of **Anticipation** and **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows the outcome (the walls falling) while the participants are called to trust in an unconventional, seemingly irrational strategy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:6 profoundly illustrates the principle that God's ways are often counter-intuitive to human logic, requiring radical faith and obedience for His purposes to be fulfilled. The battle of Jericho was not a test of Israel's military might, but a demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. By placing the Ark and the priests with their shofars at the forefront, God teaches Israel, and us, that true victory in spiritual warfare comes not through human strength or clever strategies, but through acknowledging God's presence, obeying His commands, and relying on His power. This sets a precedent for understanding that God often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise and strong, ensuring that all glory redounds to Him.

* [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Shofar at Mount Sinai")
* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")
* [2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Weapons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 6:6 serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest obstacles, our "Jericho walls," often require a divine strategy rather than a human one. In our lives, we frequently face challenges that seem insurmountable, tempting us to rely on our own strength, wisdom, or conventional methods. This verse calls us to a different path: one of radical obedience and unwavering trust in God's unconventional plans. It challenges us to lay down our "swords" and pick up our "shofars"—to engage in spiritual warfare with spiritual weapons, trusting that God's presence and His commands are sufficient to bring down any barrier. It teaches us that faith is not about understanding the "how" but about trusting the "Who," believing that God will act powerfully when we align our actions with His revealed will, even when it seems illogical or foolish to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jericho walls" are you facing in your life that seem to require an unconventional, God-given strategy?**
* **In what areas are you tempted to rely on your own strength or conventional wisdom instead of seeking and obeying God's specific instructions?**
* **How does the symbolism of the Ark of the Covenant and the rams' horn trumpets encourage you to view your own spiritual battles?**
* **What does "taking up the Ark" and "sounding the shofar" look like in your daily walk of faith and obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why were priests, not soldiers, at the front of the procession?**

Answer: The placement of priests, bearing the Ark of the Covenant and rams' horn trumpets, at the forefront of the procession rather than armed soldiers, was a deliberate and profound theological statement. It underscored that the battle for Jericho was not a conventional military engagement to be won by human might, but a holy war initiated and won by God Himself. The priests symbolized God's presence and the spiritual nature of the conflict. Their role emphasized that the victory would come through divine intervention, faith, and obedience to God's unique plan, rather than through Israel's military prowess. This arrangement ensured that all glory for the victory would go to Yahweh, not to human strength ([Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Sword or Arm")).

**What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in this context?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's throne, His dwelling presence among His people, and the physical representation of His covenant with them. Its presence at the head of the Jericho procession was immensely significant. It signified that God Himself was leading the charge against the city, making the battle His own. The Ark's movement before the people was a tangible sign of God's active involvement, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises to give Israel the land and His power to overcome any obstacle, even a heavily fortified city like Jericho ([Numbers 10:33-36](/numbers/10-33 "Numbers 10:33-36 - The Ark Leads the Way")).

**What is a "trumpet of rams' horns" (shofar), and why was it used?**

Answer: A "trumpet of rams' horns" refers to the _shofar_ (שׁוֹפָר), an ancient musical instrument made from a hollowed-out ram's horn. Unlike the silver trumpets used for signaling in camp, the shofar had deep spiritual and symbolic meaning in Israelite culture. It was used to announce new moons, festivals, and the Jubilee year ([Leviticus 25:9](/leviticus/25-9 "Leviticus 25:9 - The Shofar on the Day of Atonement")). Crucially, it was associated with divine revelation and the presence of God, as its sound accompanied God's descent on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - The Shofar at Mount Sinai")). In the context of Jericho, the shofar's blast was not merely a military signal but a spiritual declaration, a prophetic sound that summoned divine power and heralded God's intervention, making the battle a sacred act of worship and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 6:6, with its depiction of a divinely orchestrated, unconventional victory, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land through a strategy of faith and obedience, Jesus, our greater Joshua, leads His people into the ultimate spiritual promised land—the Kingdom of God. The fall of Jericho's walls, not by human might but by God's power through the Ark and the shofars, foreshadows Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, achieved not through conventional warfare but through His seemingly weak and foolish act of self-sacrifice on the cross ([1 Corinthians 1:23-25](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23-25 - The Foolishness of the Cross")). The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, points to Jesus, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel")). The priests bearing the shofars, heralding divine action, prefigure Christ's ultimate priestly ministry and His triumphant declaration of victory over the spiritual "walls" that separate humanity from God. Our spiritual battles are won not by our strength, but by relying on the finished work of Christ, whose "shofar blast"—the gospel message—triumphs over every stronghold ([2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - Spiritual Warfare")). He is the one who has disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")).

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

Deuteronomy 20:2

And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,

Deuteronomy 20:4

For the LORD your God [is] he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Acts 9:1

¶ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Joshua 6:13

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.

Joshua 3:6

And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.

Joshua 3:3

And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

Exodus 25:14

And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.