Joshua 6:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto the people {H5971}, Pass on {H5674}, and compass {H5437} the city {H5892}, and let him that is armed {H2502} pass on {H5674} before {H6440} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To the people he said, "Move on, encircle the city, and have the army march ahead of the ark of ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

And he told the people, “Advance and march around the city, with the armed troops going ahead of the ark of the LORD.”

American Standard Version

And they said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let the armed men pass on before the ark of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:7 presents a pivotal divine command delivered through Joshua to the Israelite people, detailing the precise, unconventional procession required for the siege of Jericho. This instruction outlines the daily ritual of encircling the city, emphasizing the crucial role of the armed men leading the way and the Ark of the LORD, symbolizing God's active presence, at the heart of the formation. The verse sets the stage for God's unique strategy, underscoring the absolute necessity of unwavering obedience and profound faith over conventional military might in securing victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:7 is an integral and specific command within the broader narrative of the conquest of Jericho, following directly from God's detailed revelation to Joshua concerning the city's fall. The preceding verses, particularly [Joshua 6:1-5](/joshua/6-1-5 "Joshua 6:1-5 - God's Unconventional Instructions for Jericho"), establish the unique, ritualistic, and seemingly illogical nature of the siege, contrasting sharply with typical ancient Near Eastern military engagements. This particular command is given after Joshua's profound encounter with the [Commander of the Lord's army](/joshua/5-13-15 "Joshua 5:13-15 - Joshua's Encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army"), an encounter that solidified God's direct involvement and supreme leadership in the entire campaign. Verse 7 specifically dictates the precise order of the procession, which is then immediately put into action and meticulously described in [Joshua 6:8-14](/joshua/6-8-14 "Joshua 6:8-14 - The Daily March Around Jericho"), demonstrating the Israelites' immediate and unwavering obedience to the divine plan. The entire chapter serves to highlight a radical departure from human military strategy, emphasizing God's supernatural power and Israel's essential role in faithful compliance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this command is the plains surrounding Jericho, a strategically vital and heavily fortified city, representing the first major obstacle for Israel as they entered the Promised Land of Canaan. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, sieges were typically prolonged and brutal affairs, involving various military engines, sapping operations to undermine walls, or starvation tactics to force surrender. Jericho's walls were formidable, built upon a massive tell (an archaeological mound formed by successive layers of human habitation), making it a seemingly impregnable fortress. The command in Joshua 6:7, therefore, was utterly unconventional, defying all known military logic of the time. The Ark of the LORD, mentioned prominently, was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's throne, His covenant presence, and His active leadership among His people. Its prominent position in the procession, rather than a military vanguard, underscored that this was a holy war led by Yahweh Himself, not by human strength, cunning, or conventional weaponry. The Israelites were transitioning from nomadic life to conquering a settled land, and this initial, miraculous battle served as a foundational lesson in absolute divine dependence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, where God, not human might or strategy, orchestrates the victory. The instruction to "compass the city" rather than assault it highlights that the battle belongs entirely to the Lord, as seen throughout [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"). Closely related is **Obedience and Faith**, as the Israelites are called to follow an illogical command, demonstrating their profound trust in God's wisdom over their own understanding and military experience. The **Centrality of God's Presence** is vividly portrayed by the Ark of the LORD leading the procession; it is not merely a symbol but the tangible representation of Yahweh's active participation and leadership in the conquest. This also speaks to the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, where the victory is achieved through spiritual means (procession, trumpets, shouts) rather than conventional weapons, foreshadowing principles found in the New Testament regarding the nature of the believer's conflict, as articulated in [2 Corinthians 10:3-5](/2_corinthians/10-3-5 "2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - Spiritual Warfare and Divine Weapons"). The meticulous order of the procession also reflects God's desire for **Order and Discipline** among His people, even in the most unconventional circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **compass (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** This primitive root means "to revolve, surround, or border." In the context of Joshua 6:7, its imperative form emphasizes the command to "encircle" or "go around" the city. Its repeated use throughout [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Narrative of Jericho's Fall") highlights the ritualistic, patient, and seemingly illogical nature of the siege. This action signifies a divine strategy that relies on endurance and faith rather than direct assault, serving as a test of Israel's obedience and a demonstration of God's unique methods of warfare.
* **armed (Hebrew, _châlats'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to pull off" or "to equip for fight," this word describes those who are "armed" or "ready prepared" for battle. In Joshua 6:7, it refers to the soldiers who are equipped for war. Their presence at the front of the procession signifies military readiness and discipline, yet their non-engagement in direct combat underscores that the victory would not come through their physical prowess but through God's power as represented by the Ark. It speaks to a readiness that is ultimately an act of faith in God's leadership.
* **ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** This word refers to a "box" or "chest," specifically the Ark of the Covenant. In Joshua 6:7, it is identified as the "ark of the LORD" (combining H727 and H3068, YHWH). The Ark was the most sacred artifact in Israel, representing God's very presence, His throne, and the tangible sign of His covenant with His people. Its position at the forefront of the procession, preceded by armed men and followed by priests, signifies that Yahweh Himself was leading the charge against Jericho. It was not merely a good luck charm but the embodiment of divine authority and power, making the battle a holy war led by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto the people":** This clause identifies Joshua as the speaker, acting as God's chosen leader and prophet. He is relaying the divine instructions he received earlier in the chapter ([Joshua 6:2-5](/joshua/6-2-5 "Joshua 6:2-5 - God's Specific Commands for Jericho")). His authority is derived directly from God, ensuring the people understand the divine origin and binding nature of these commands.
* **"Pass on, and compass the city":** This is the core command for the daily ritual. "Pass on" (from `H5674`, _ʻâbar'_) indicates a forward movement, initiating the procession. "Compass the city" (from `H5437`, _çâbab'_) specifies the action of encircling Jericho. This repetitive, non-violent act was a profound test of faith and a demonstration of obedience rather than a conventional military maneuver, highlighting God's unique strategy.
* **"and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD":** This clause specifies the precise order of the procession. The "armed" men, representing Israel's military readiness, are instructed to go first. However, their role is not to attack but to lead the march, preceding the Ark. This highlights that while Israel was prepared for battle, the actual victory would come through the power represented by the Ark, symbolizing God's active presence and leadership, not through their own strength or weaponry. It signifies that God leads His people into battle, and their readiness is an act of faith in God's leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:7 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Command/Instruction**, as the verse is a direct imperative from Joshua, relaying God's precise orders for the siege. This highlights the divine authority behind the plan and the expectation of immediate, unquestioning obedience from the Israelites. **Symbolism** is powerfully at play with the "ark of the LORD," which is not merely a physical object but the preeminent symbol of God's active, covenantal presence, His throne, and His direct leadership among His people. Its position in the procession underscores that God Himself is the true warrior, fighting for Israel. The presence of "armed" men at the front, yet explicitly not engaging in combat, creates a subtle yet profound **Juxtaposition** between conventional military readiness and the unconventional, divinely ordained method of victory. This emphasizes that this battle would be won by faith and divine power, not by human might. Furthermore, the command to "compass the city" sets up a **Repetition** that will unfold throughout the chapter, building narrative tension and emphasizing the ritualistic, persistent nature of the siege. This also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting that the unusual method will lead to an unusual, miraculous outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:7 serves as a profound theological statement, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over human endeavors and His unique methods of warfare. It teaches that true victory is not achieved through human strength, strategic brilliance, or conventional armaments, but through unwavering obedience to God's often-unconventional commands and a steadfast reliance on His active, covenantal presence. The Ark's centrality underscores that God Himself leads His people's battles, and their role is one of faithful submission. This principle extends beyond military conquest to all areas of life, reminding believers that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His power is often made perfect in our weakness. The passage encourages a radical trust in God's wisdom, even when His instructions seem illogical or counter-intuitive from a human perspective, illustrating that divine strategy often transcends human understanding.

* [Hebrews 11:30](/hebrews/11-30 "Hebrews 11:30 - Jericho's Walls Fell by Faith")
* [2 Corinthians 10:3-5](/2_corinthians/10-3-5 "2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - Spiritual Warfare and Divine Weapons")
* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Presence and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 6:7 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life, prompting us to examine our default responses to obstacles. It calls us to consider how often we instinctively rely on our own strength, intellect, or conventional wisdom to overcome difficulties, rather than seeking and obeying God's specific, sometimes counter-intuitive, instructions. The seemingly illogical command to "compass the city" without engaging in direct combat challenges us to embrace a faith that trusts God's methods, even when they defy human logic and worldly expectations. Our "Jerichos"—whether they be personal struggles, spiritual strongholds, seemingly insurmountable obstacles in ministry, or societal challenges—often require a divine strategy that may involve patient obedience, consistent action, and a profound focus on God's presence and power rather than our own limited efforts. This verse reminds us that true victory is rooted in God's power and our willingness to follow Him, recognizing that He goes before us in every battle, equipping us not with carnal weapons but with spiritual authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing a "Jericho" that seems insurmountable by conventional means?**
* **How does the command to "compass the city" challenge your understanding of how God works in seemingly illogical ways, requiring faith more than reason?**
* **What does the centrality of the Ark of the LORD in this procession teach you about the absolute importance of God's active presence in your own battles and challenges?**
* **Where might God be calling you to an act of patient, consistent obedience, even when the full rationale or immediate outcome is unclear?**

### FAQ

**Why did the armed men go before the Ark but not engage in battle?**

Answer: The presence of the "armed" men at the front of the procession served multiple, interconnected purposes. Firstly, it demonstrated Israel's military readiness, discipline, and willingness to obey, even though their immediate role was not to fight. Secondly, and more importantly, their non-engagement in direct combat underscored that the victory was solely God's, not dependent on human might, weaponry, or strategic prowess. It was a procession of faith and obedience, not a military assault. The armed men were a visible vanguard, but the true power resided with the Ark of the LORD, symbolizing God's active leadership and the spiritual nature of the conquest. This emphasized that God was fighting for Israel, and their role was to obey His unique strategy, trusting in His power alone.

**What was the specific significance of the Ark of the LORD in this procession?**

Answer: The Ark of the LORD was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, embodying God's covenant presence among His people. Its position at the heart of the procession around Jericho signified that God Himself was leading the battle. It was not merely a religious artifact or a good luck charm, but the tangible representation of Yahweh's throne, His active power, and His covenant faithfulness. Its presence ensured that the victory would be attributed to God alone, reinforcing the theological truth that the Lord fights for His people. The Ark's role here is consistent with its broader biblical function as a symbol of divine guidance and power, as seen when it led Israel across the [Jordan River](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Crossing of the Jordan River").

**Did the Israelites fully understand the strategy before they obeyed?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state that the Israelites fully comprehended the *why* behind God's unconventional strategy for Jericho. In fact, from a human military perspective, marching around a heavily fortified city for seven days without attacking would have seemed utterly illogical, even foolish. Their obedience, therefore, was a profound act of faith. They trusted Joshua, who in turn had trusted the [Commander of the Lord's army](/joshua/5-13-15 "Joshua 5:13-15 - Joshua's Encounter with the Commander"). This highlights a key biblical theme: God often calls His people to obey in faith, even when the full rationale or ultimate outcome is not immediately apparent. Their willingness to follow a seemingly absurd command demonstrated their absolute reliance on God's wisdom and power, prioritizing His command over their own understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 6:7, with its profound emphasis on the Ark of the LORD leading the procession, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God's very presence among His people, His covenant, and His active leadership in battle, a tangible representation of the divine. In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a physical object or a sacred space but is fully and perfectly embodied in a person—the [Word made flesh, who tabernacled among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word"). Jesus is the ultimate "Ark of the New Covenant," the perfect revelation of God, leading His people not into a physical battle against a city, but into decisive spiritual victory over sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness. Just as the armed men preceded the Ark, ready for a battle God would fight, so believers are called to follow Christ, our true Commander, into a spiritual warfare where He has already secured the decisive victory through His death and resurrection, triumphing over all hostile forces on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Our obedience to His commands, even when they seem counter-intuitive to worldly wisdom or demand radical self-denial, becomes an act of faith in His finished work and His ongoing, sovereign leadership. He is the one who goes before us, breaks down spiritual strongholds, and ensures our ultimate triumph, not by our might or power, but by His Spirit and His perfect obedience, as we fix our eyes on Him, the [author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith").

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

Joshua 4:13

About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.

Joshua 1:14

Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;

Joshua 6:3

And ye shall compass the city, all [ye] men of war, [and] go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.