TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
They said to the people, “Advance! March around the city, and let the armed men pass on before the LORD’s ark.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
But he said vnto the people, Goe and compasse the citie: and let him that is armed, go forth before the Arke of the Lord.
Young's Literal Translation
and He said unto the people, `Pass over, and compass the city, and he who is armed doth pass over before the ark of Jehovah.'
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Commentary on Joshua 6 verses 6–16
6 ¶ 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.
7 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.
8 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.
9 And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.
10 And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout.
11 So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.
12 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.
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.
14 And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.
15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.
16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.
We have here an account of the cavalcade which Israel made about Jericho, the orders Joshua gave concerning it, as he had received them from the Lord and their punctual observance of these orders. We do not find that he gave the people the express assurances God had given him that he would deliver the city into their hands; but he tried whether they would obey orders with a general confidence that it would end well, and we find them very observant both of God and Joshua.
I. Wherever the ark went the people attended it, Jos 6:9. The armed men went before it to clear the way, not thinking it any disparagement to them, though they were men of war, to be pioneers to the ark of God. If any obstacle should be found in crossing the roads that led to the city (which they must do in walking round it) they would remove it; if any opposition should be made by the enemy, they would encounter it, that the priests' march with the ark might be easy and safe. It is an honour to the greatest men to do any good office to the ark and to serve the interests of religion in their country. The rereward, either another body of armed men, or Dan's squadron, which marched last through the wilderness, or, as some think, the multitude of the people who were not armed or disciplined for war (as many of them as would) followed the ark, to testify their respect to it, to grace the solemnity, and to be witnesses of what was done. Every faithful zealous Israelite would be willing to undergo the same fatigues and run the same hazard with the priests that bore the ark.
II. Seven priests went immediately before the ark, having trumpets in their hands, with which they were continually sounding, Jos 6:4, Jos 6:5, Jos 6:9, Jos 6:13. The priests were God's ministers, and thus in his name, 1. They proclaimed war with the Canaanites, and so stuck a terror upon them; for by terrors upon their spirits they were to be conquered and subdued. Thus God's ministers, by the solemn declarations of his wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, must blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in the holy mountain, that the sinners in Zion may be afraid. They are God's heralds to denounce war against all those that go on still in their trespasses, but say, "We shall have peace, though we go on." 2. They proclaimed God's gracious presence with Israel, and so put life and courage into them. It was appointed that when they went to war the priests should encourage them with the assurance of God's presence with them, Deu 20:2-4. And particularly their blowing with trumpets was to be a sign to the people that they should be remembered before the Lord Their God in the day of battle, Num 10:9. It encouraged Abijah, Ch2 13:12. Thus God's ministers, by sounding the Jubilee trumpet of the everlasting gospel, which proclaims liberty and victory, must encourage the good soldiers of Jesus Christ in their spiritual warfare.
III. The trumpets they used were not those silver trumpets which were appointed to be made for their ordinary service, but trumpets of rams' horns, bored hollow for the purpose, as some think. These trumpets were of the basest matter, dullest sound, and least show, that the excellency of the power might be of God. Thus by the foolishness of preaching, fitly compared to the sounding of these rams' horns, the devil's kingdom is thrown down; and the weapons of our warfare, though they are not carnal nor seem to a carnal eye likely to bring any thing to pass, are yet mighty through God to the pulling down of strong-holds, Co2 10:4, Co2 10:5. The word here is trumpets of Jobel, that is, such trumpets as they used to blow withal in the year of jubilee; so many interpreters understand it, as signifying the complete liberty to which Israel was now brought, and the bringing of the land of Canaan into the hands of its just and rightful owners.
IV. All the people were commanded to be silent, not to speak a word, nor make any noise (Jos 6:10), that they might the more carefully attend to the sound of the sacred trumpets, which they were now to look upon as the voice of God among them; and it does not become us to speak when God is speaking. It likewise intimates their reverent expectation of the event. Zac 2:13, Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord. Exo 14:14, God shall fight, and you shall hold your peace.
V. They were to do this once a day for six days together and seven times the seventh day, and they did so, Jos 6:14, Jos 6:15. God could have caused the walls of Jericho to fall upon the first surrounding of them, but they must go round them thirteen times before they fall, that they might be kept waiting patiently for the Lord. Though they had lately come into Canaan, and their time was very precious (for they had a great deal of work before them), yet they must linger so many days about Jericho, seeming to do nothing, nor to make any progress in their business. As promised deliverances must be expected in God's way, so they must be expected in his time. He that believes does not make haste, not more haste than God would have him make. Go yet seven times, before any thing hopeful appears, Kg1 18:43.
VI. One of these days must needs be a sabbath day, and the Jews say that it was the last, but this is not certain; however, if he that appointed them to rest on the other sabbath days appointed them to walk on this, that was sufficient to justify them in it; he never intended to bind himself by his own laws, but that when he pleased he might dispense with them. The impotent man went upon this principle when he argued (Joh 5:11), He that made me whole (and therefore has a divine power) said unto me, Take up thy bed. And, in this case here, it was an honour to the sabbath day, by which our time is divided into weeks, that just seven days were to be spent in this work, and seven priests were employed to sound seven trumpets, this number being, on this occasion, as well as many others, made remarkable, in remembrance of the six day's work of creation and the seventh day's rest from it. And, besides, the law of the sabbath forbids our own work, which is servile and secular, but this which they did was a religious act. It is certainly no breach of the sabbath rest to do the sabbath work, for the sake of which the rest was instituted; and what is the sabbath work but to attend the ark in all its motions?
VII. They continued to do this during the time appointed, and seven times the seventh day, though they saw not any effect of it, believing that at the end the vision would speak and not lie, Hab 2:3. If we persevere in the way of duty, we shall lose nothing by it in the long run. It is probable they walked at such a distance from the walls as to be out of the reach of the enemies' arrows and out of the hearing of their scoffs. We may suppose the oddness of the thing did at first amuse the besieged, but by the seventh day they had grown secure, feeling no harm from that which perhaps they looked upon as an enchantment. Probably they bantered the besiegers, as those mentioned in Neh 4:2, "What do these feeble Jews? Is this the people we thought so formidable? Are these their methods of attack?" Thus they cried peace and safety, that the destruction might be the more terrible when it came. Wicked men (says bishop Hall) think God in jest when he is preparing for their judgment; but they will be convinced of their mistake when it is too late.
VIII. At last they were to give a shout, and did so, and immediately the walls fell, Jos 6:16. This was a shout for mastery, a triumphant shout; the shout of a king is among them, Num 23:21. This was a shout of faith; they believed that the walls of Jericho would fall, and by this faith the walls were thrown down. It was a shot of prayer, an echo to the sound of the trumpets which proclaimed the promise that God would remember them; with one accord, as one man, they cry to heaven for help, and help comes in. Some allude to this to show that we must never expect a complete victory over our own corruptions till the very evening of our last day, and then we shall shout in triumph over them, when we come to the number and measure of our perfection, as bishop Hall expresses it. A good heart (says he) groans under the sense of his infirmities, fain would be rid of them, and strives and prays, but, when all is done, until the end of the seventh day it cannot be; then judgment shall be brought forth unto victory. And at the end of time, when our Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout, and the sound of a trumpet, Satan's kingdom shall be completely ruined, and not till then, when all opposing rule, principality, and power, shall be effectually and eternally put down.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–16. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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, 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, 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, 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. 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. 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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. 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. 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). 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.