Joshua 6:16

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.

And it came to pass at the seventh {H7637} time {H6471}, when the priests {H3548} blew {H8628} with the trumpets {H7782}, Joshua {H3091} said {H559} unto the people {H5971}, Shout {H7321}; for the LORD {H3068} hath given {H5414} you the city {H5892}.

The seventh time, when the cohanim blew on their shofars, Y'hoshua said to the people, "Shout! because ADONAI has given you the city!

After the seventh time around, the priests blew the horns, and Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for Jehovah hath given you the city.

Commentary

Joshua 6:16 marks the dramatic climax of the seven-day siege of Jericho, where God's unique plan of warfare culminates in a spectacular display of divine power and Israel's obedience. After silently circling the fortified city for six days, and then seven times on the seventh day, the command is finally given.

Context

This verse is pivotal in the narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. Following their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, the first major obstacle was the formidable city of Jericho. God had given Joshua very specific, unconventional instructions for its capture, detailed in Joshua 6:3-5: the armed men, priests with trumpets, and the Ark of the Covenant were to march around the city once a day for six days, and then seven times on the seventh day. This period of silent, faithful obedience built anticipation and highlighted that the victory would not be through human strength or military strategy, but through divine intervention.

Key Themes

  • Obedience as the Path to Victory: The Israelites' unwavering adherence to God's seemingly illogical commands was paramount. Their silence and persistent marching demonstrated a profound trust that God would act.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: Joshua's declaration, "the LORD hath given you the city," underscores that the victory was entirely God's doing. Human effort was merely an instrument for God to manifest His power. This echoes the principle that the battle belongs to the LORD.
  • Faith in Action: The shout was not a means to cause the walls to fall, but an act of faith, a declaration of victory *before* the walls crumbled. It was an audible affirmation of their belief in God's promise. As Hebrews 11:30 states, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after they were compassed about seven days."
  • The Significance of Sound: The trumpets (shofars) and the unified shout were not random noises but integral parts of this spiritual warfare. They served as a declaration of God's presence, a call to divine judgment, and a communal expression of faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "shout" here is rua' (רוּעַ), which means to raise a noise, cry out, or shout for joy, alarm, or triumph. In this context, it carries the weight of a triumphant battle cry and a declaration of God's immediate victory. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes that the covenant God of Israel, the one who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness, is the one delivering on His promise to give them the land.

Practical Application

Joshua 6:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Unconventional Methods: God often calls us to obey in ways that defy human logic or conventional wisdom. Our part is to trust and obey, even when the outcome isn't immediately visible.
  • God Fights Our Battles: When facing "walls" in our lives—obstacles, challenges, or spiritual opposition—this verse reminds us that the ultimate victory comes from God's power, not our own. We are called to stand firm and declare His truth.
  • The Power of Faith and Declaration: Just as the Israelites shouted in faith, we are encouraged to boldly declare God's promises over our circumstances, trusting that He has already given us the victory in Christ.
  • Patience and Timing: The seven days of marching teach us the importance of patience and waiting on God's perfect timing for His plans to unfold.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 6:5 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:22 (4 votes)

    And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:23 (4 votes)

    For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy [them]: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

  • Judges 7:20 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Judges 7:22 (4 votes)

    And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

  • 2 Chronicles 13:15 (4 votes)

    Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.