Joshua 6:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the armed {H2502} men went {H1980} before {H6440} the priests {H3548} that blew {H8628}{H8628} with the trumpets {H7782}, and the rereward {H622} came {H1980} after {H310} the ark {H727}, the priests going on {H1980}, and blowing {H8628} with the trumpets {H7782}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fighting men went ahead of the cohanim blowing the shofars, while the rearguard marched after the ark, with incessant blowing on the shofars.

Berean Standard Bible

While the horns continued to sound, the armed troops marched ahead of the priests who blew the horns, and the rear guard followed the ark.

American Standard Version

And the armed men went before the priests that blew the trumpets, and the rearward went after the ark, the priests blowing the trumpets as they went.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:9 meticulously details the precise formation of Israel's unique procession around Jericho, highlighting the strategic placement of the armed vanguard, the priests continuously blowing trumpets, the sacred Ark of the Covenant at the very center, and the rearguard. This verse provides a vivid snapshot of Israel's approach to warfare under divine instruction, emphasizing that the impending victory was not to be secured by conventional military might, but through an ordered display of faith, unwavering obedience, and the manifest, active presence of God among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:9 is intricately woven into the dramatic narrative of the conquest of Jericho, serving as a crucial description of the daily procession that preceded the city's miraculous fall. The preceding verses, particularly [Joshua 6:1-5](/joshua/6-1-5 "Joshua 6:1-5 - God's Instructions for Jericho"), lay out God's highly specific and unconventional strategy for taking the heavily fortified city: a silent, daily march for six days, followed by a climactic seven marches on the seventh day, culminating in a trumpet blast and a great shout that would cause the city walls to collapse. Joshua 6:7-8 provides an initial command for this formation, and verse 9 elaborates on the precise order, underscoring the meticulous adherence to divine command that was paramount for the impending victory. This detailed description sets the stage for the supernatural event, emphasizing that the means of victory were entirely God's, not Israel's.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Jericho represents a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking their initial, strategic entry into the Promised Land and the beginning of the fulfillment of God's ancient promise to Abraham (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise to Abraham")). Jericho itself was a formidable stronghold, strategically positioned at a crucial pass into the central highlands of Canaan, making its capture essential for further territorial control. While ancient Near Eastern warfare often involved elaborate military processions and psychological tactics, Israel's march around Jericho was unique in its profound religious and symbolic elements. The prominent role of the priests and the Ark of the Covenant reflects Israel's distinct identity as a covenant people whose battles were ultimately fought by Yahweh. The trumpets mentioned were specifically *shofars* (ram's horns), instruments with deep religious significance, used not merely for military signals but for proclaiming God's presence, announcing holy days, and signaling divine intervention (e.g., [Leviticus 25:9](/leviticus/25-9 "Leviticus 25:9 - The Year of Jubilee")). This extraordinary blend of military discipline and sacred ritual underscored the unique, divinely-led nature of Israel's campaigns.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 6:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Unconventional Strategy**, demonstrating that God's ways and means often transcend human logic and conventional military wisdom. The detailed instructions and specific order underscore God's active, meticulous involvement in Israel's affairs, asserting His ultimate control over the outcome. Secondly, the verse profoundly emphasizes **Obedience and Faith**, as Israel's success was entirely contingent upon their meticulous adherence to God's seemingly absurd commands, a principle later affirmed in [Hebrews 11:30](/hebrews/11-30 "Hebrews 11:30 - Faith and the Fall of Jericho"). Thirdly, the centrality of the Ark of the Covenant reinforces the theme of **God's Presence as the Source of Victory**. The Ark, symbolizing God's covenant faithfulness and His active presence among His people (as seen in [Numbers 10:33-36](/numbers/10-33-36 "Numbers 10:33-36 - The Ark Leading Israel")), was not merely a ceremonial object but the focal point of divine power and the true leader of the expedition. Finally, the spiritual nature of the procession, with priests and trumpets taking precedence over direct military engagement, points to **Spiritual Warfare**, indicating that the battle was ultimately God's, fought by spiritual means, before any physical engagement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Armed (Hebrew, _châlats'_):** This term, derived from the root H2502, refers to those who are "equipped" or "prepared for battle," specifically indicating soldiers ready for combat. In this context, it signifies the vanguard or shock troops who went before the main body of the army. Their presence at the front signifies readiness, but their non-engagement in direct fighting underscores the unconventional nature of this battle, where human might was secondary to divine action.
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** Derived from H3548, this term denotes one "officiating," a priest. In ancient Israel, priests were mediators between God and His people, responsible for sacred duties, sacrifices, and carrying the Ark of the Covenant. Their prominent role in the procession, particularly in blowing the trumpets, transformed a military march into a sacred, prophetic declaration, emphasizing the spiritual authority and divine sanction behind the siege.
* **Trumpets (Hebrew, _shôwphâr'_):** This word, from H7782, specifically refers to a "cornet" or "curved horn," typically a ram's horn (*shofar*). Distinct from the silver trumpets used for assembly or war signals (e.g., [Numbers 10:2](/numbers/10-2 "Numbers 10:2 - Silver Trumpets")), the *shofar* had deep religious significance, used for proclaiming God's presence, announcing holy days, and signaling divine intervention. Here, their continuous blowing by the priests transformed a military march into a sacred, prophetic declaration of God's impending judgment and victory, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of the siege.
* **Rereward (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** From the root H622, meaning "to gather" or "to take away," this term denotes the rearguard, the contingent that brings up the rear of a marching column. This group protects the column from attack from behind and ensures no one is left behind. Its placement after the Ark in the procession is significant, symbolizing God's comprehensive protection and care for His people, encompassing them from front to back and speaking to the discipline and order of the Israelite camp under divine command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets":** This clause establishes the vanguard of the procession. The "armed men" (soldiers prepared for battle) led the way, not as an offensive force, but as a protective escort for the sacred elements. Their presence signified readiness, yet their silence and non-engagement highlighted that this was not a conventional military assault. The priests, continuously blowing the *shofars*, immediately followed, their sound serving as a constant, audible declaration of God's presence and the unfolding divine strategy, setting a sacred and solemn tone for the entire march.
* **"and the rereward came after the ark":** This specifies the position of the rearguard, the final contingent of the procession. Crucially, the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the very presence and power of Yahweh, was positioned *between* the trumpet-blowing priests and the rearguard. This arrangement places God's presence at the absolute center of the entire movement, reinforcing that the Lord Himself was leading the charge and was the true source of Israel's strength and protection. The rearguard's role was to protect the rear of this sacred formation, ensuring the integrity and safety of the entire column.
* **"[the priests] going on, and blowing with the trumpets":** This final phrase, while partially an editorial clarification in the KJV, reiterates and emphasizes the continuous action of the priests. It underscores the relentless, sustained nature of the trumpet blasts throughout the entire march. This continuous sound was not merely a signal but a persistent act of worship, declaration, and spiritual warfare, maintaining the sacred atmosphere and reinforcing the divine command throughout the six days of silent marching and the final, climactic day.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:9 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore the unique nature of the Jericho campaign. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated mention of "blowing with the trumpets," which serves to emphasize the continuous, persistent, and central role of this auditory act in the procession. This auditory repetition creates a sense of solemnity, persistence, and an ever-present divine declaration. **Symbolism** is paramount, with each element of the procession carrying deep theological meaning: the "armed men" symbolize human readiness and protection, yet their silence emphasizes the supernatural nature of the battle; the "priests" represent spiritual leadership and the sacred nature of the endeavor; the "trumpets" symbolize divine proclamation, warning, and spiritual power; and the "Ark of the Covenant" is the ultimate symbol of God's active, covenantal presence and power among His people. The entire formation itself functions as a profound **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God's presence and power, as the meticulously ordered march demonstrates divine orchestration and control over the seemingly chaotic act of war. Furthermore, the unusual, non-military order of the procession, prioritizing sacred elements over conventional battle lines, serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the unconventional and miraculous victory that is about to unfold—a victory achieved not by human might but by divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:9 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's warfare and His relationship with His people. It illustrates that true victory comes not from human strength, strategic genius, or conventional military tactics, but from unwavering obedience to God's specific, often counter-intuitive, commands and from placing His presence at the absolute center of all endeavors. The meticulous order of the procession reflects God's character as a God of order and purpose, who works through disciplined faith. This event teaches that God's power is unleashed when His people prioritize His presence and follow His leading, transforming what appears to be a military exercise into an act of profound worship and spiritual declaration, demonstrating that the battle truly belongs to the Lord.

* [2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Weapons of Our Warfare")
* [Psalm 44:6](/psalms/44-6 "Psalm 44:6 - Not by Sword or Bow")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed order of the Jericho procession in Joshua 6:9 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today. In a world that often values human ingenuity, strategic planning, and visible strength as the keys to success, this passage challenges us to embrace God's unconventional methods. It calls us to trust that His wisdom far surpasses our own, and that true success in life's battles—whether spiritual, relational, professional, or personal—is found in radical obedience to His Word, even when His instructions seem illogical, inefficient, or even foolish by worldly standards. Placing God's presence (symbolized by the Ark) at the core of our lives means prioritizing His will, seeking His guidance through prayer and scripture, and allowing Him to lead our every step. The continuous blowing of the trumpets reminds us of the power of persistent spiritual declaration, worship, and intercession, transforming our daily routines and challenges into acts of faith and spiritual warfare. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to walk in disciplined faith, confident that God's comprehensive protection surrounds us, and that His power, not our own, is the ultimate source of victory in every circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own strength, strategic planning, or conventional wisdom rather than seeking and obeying God's often unconventional guidance?**
* **How can I more intentionally place God's presence at the center of my daily activities and decisions, allowing Him to lead the "procession" of my life rather than attempting to lead it myself?**
* **What "trumpets" (acts of worship, prayer, witness, prophetic declaration) am I called to sound consistently in my life, even when the immediate outcome is not visible or seems unlikely?**
* **What does the "rereward" (God's comprehensive protection and care) in this verse teach me about trusting God's provision and safeguarding, even for the unseen or vulnerable aspects of my life and those I care for?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the specific order of the procession around Jericho?**

Answer: The order described in Joshua 6:9 was profoundly significant, emphasizing the spiritual and divine nature of the conquest rather than a conventional military assault. The "armed men" (vanguard) were present not for immediate combat, but to clear the path and protect the sacred elements, highlighting that human military might was secondary to God's power. The priests blowing *shofars* immediately followed, symbolizing that the battle was a spiritual declaration, a divine proclamation of judgment and victory, and an act of worship. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's active presence, covenant faithfulness, and the very throne of Yahweh, was at the absolute center, underscoring that Yahweh Himself was leading the charge and was the true power behind the impending victory. Finally, the "rereward" (rearguard) protected the rear, signifying God's comprehensive protection over His people from all sides. This unique formation demonstrated that the victory would be God's alone, achieved through faith and obedience rather than conventional military strategy, as seen in the miraculous collapse of the walls in [Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Fall of Jericho").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulously ordered procession around Jericho, with the Ark of the Covenant at its heart and the priests proclaiming God's presence, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate victory achieved through Jesus Christ. The Ark, symbolizing God's presence among His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"). Just as the Ark led Israel into battle and secured victory, so Christ, the incarnate Son of God, leads His people in spiritual warfare, securing triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). The seemingly illogical method of marching and trumpet blasts, culminating in a miraculous collapse, points to God's "foolishness" that is wiser than human wisdom, a theme powerfully articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness"). The cross, appearing as a defeat to human eyes, was God's unconventional strategy for ultimate victory, where Christ disarmed the spiritual powers and triumphed over them. The trumpet blasts, signaling divine judgment and victory, anticipate the final trumpet call at Christ's return, when His ultimate triumph will be fully realized and the new heavens and new earth established (see [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Trumpet Call") and [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet")). Thus, Joshua 6:9 is not merely a historical account but a profound type, pointing to the greater Captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ, who leads His people to victory through faith and His sovereign power.

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 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.

Isaiah 58:8

¶ Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

Numbers 10:25

And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, [which was] the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host [was] Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Isaiah 52:11

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean [thing]; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

Isaiah 52:12

For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel [will be] your rereward.