Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there. New Living Translation So the Ark of the LORD was carried around the town once that day, and then everyone returned to spend the night in the camp. English Standard Version So he caused the ark of the LORD to circle the city, going about it once. And they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp. Berean Standard Bible So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. And the people returned to the camp and spent the night there. Berean Literal Bible And the ark of YHWH compassed the city, going around it one time, and they came into the camp and lodged in the camp. King James Bible So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. New King James Version So he had the ark of the LORD circle the city, going around it once. Then they came into the camp and lodged in the camp. New American Standard Bible So he had the ark of the LORD taken around the city, circling it once; then they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp. NASB 1995 So he had the ark of the LORD taken around the city, circling it once; then they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp. NASB 1977 So he had the ark of the LORD taken around the city, circling it once; then they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp. Legacy Standard Bible So he had the ark of Yahweh taken around the city, circling it once; then they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp. Amplified Bible So Joshua had the ark of the LORD taken around the city [on the first day], circling it once; then they came back into the camp and spent the night in the camp. Berean Annotated Bible So he had the ark of the LORD {YHWH} carried around the city, circling it once. And the people returned to the camp and spent the night there. Christian Standard Bible So the ark of the LORD was carried around the city, circling it once. They returned to the camp and spent the night there. Holman Christian Standard Bible So the ark of the LORD was carried around the city, circling it once. They returned to the camp and spent the night there. American Standard Version So he caused the ark of Jehovah to compass the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. Contemporary English Version They obeyed Joshua's orders and carried the chest once around the town before returning to camp for the night. English Revised Version So he caused the ark of the LORD to compass the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. GOD'S WORD® Translation So the LORD's ark went around the city once. Then they went back to the camp and stayed there for the night. Good News Translation So he had this group of men take the LORD's Covenant Box around the city one time. Then they came back to camp and spent the night there. International Standard Version So the ark of the LORD was taken once around the city, then they went back to camp and spent the night there. NET Bible So Joshua made sure they marched the ark of the LORD around the city one time. Then they went back to the camp and spent the night there. New Heart English Bible So he caused the ark of the LORD to go around the city, going about it once. Then they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. Webster's Bible Translation So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. And the people returned to the camp and spent the night there. World English Bible So he caused Yahweh’s ark to go around the city, circling it once. Then they came into the camp, and stayed in the camp. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the Ark of YHWH goes around the city, going around once, and they come into the camp, and lodge in the camp. Berean Literal Bible And the ark of YHWH compassed the city, going around it one time, and they came into the camp and lodged in the camp. Young's Literal Translation And the ark of Jehovah doth compass the city, going round once, and they come into the camp, and lodge in the camp. Smith's Literal Translation And the ark of Jehovah will encompass the city, surrounding one time: and they will come into the camp and will pass the night in the camp. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo the ark of the Lord went about the city once a day, and returning into the camp, abode there. Catholic Public Domain Version Thus, the ark of the Lord circled the city once each day, and returning to the camp, it remained there. New American Bible So he had the ark of the LORD circle the city, going once around it, after which they returned to camp for the night. New Revised Standard Version So the ark of the LORD went around the city, circling it once; and they came into the camp, and spent the night in the camp. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the ark of the LORD made a circuit of the city, going about it once; and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the ark of LORD JEHOVAH went around the city one time, and they came to the camp and they lodged in the camp OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So he caused the ark of the LORD to compass the city, going about it once; and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the ark of the covenant of God having gone round immediately returned into the camp, and lodged there. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Walls of Jericho…10But Joshua had commanded the people: “Do not give a battle cry or let your voice be heard; do not let one word come out of your mouth until the day I tell you to shout. Then you are to shout!” 11So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. And the people returned to the camp and spent the night there. 12Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of the LORD.… Cross References So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, Numbers 10:33-36 So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain of the LORD, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD traveling ahead of them for those three days to seek a resting place for them. / And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp. / Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, “Rise up, O LORD! May Your enemies be scattered; may those who hate You flee before You.” … 2 Samuel 6:13-15 When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. / And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, / while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn. circling it once. Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. Psalm 48:12-13 March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, / consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation. And the people returned to the camp Joshua 4:19 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. Numbers 9:17-23 Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. / At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained encamped. / Even when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the Israelites kept the LORD’s charge and did not set out. … and spent the night there. Genesis 28:11-16 On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. / And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. / And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. … Deuteronomy 23:12-14 You must have a place outside the camp to go and relieve yourself. / And you must have a digging tool in your equipment so that when you relieve yourself you can dig a hole and cover up your excrement. / For the LORD your God walks throughout your camp to protect you and deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, lest He see anything unclean among you and turn away from you. Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. 2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. Exodus 23:30 Little by little I will drive them out ahead of you, until you become fruitful and possess the land. 1 Samuel 17:20 So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry. 1 Kings 18:36 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. 1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Treasury of Scripture So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. none Jump to Previous Ark Camp Carried Caused Circling City Compass Compassed Encompassing Lodged Night Once Round Spent TentsJump to Next Ark Camp Carried Caused Circling City Compass Compassed Encompassing Lodged Night Once Round Spent TentsJoshua 6 1. Jericho is shut up2. God instructs Joshua how to beseige it 12. The city is composed 17. It is accursed 20. The walls fall down 22. Rahab is saved 26. The builder of Jericho is cursed So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's presence among His people. In the context of Joshua 6, the Ark's procession around Jericho signifies divine authority and the centrality of God in the conquest. The Ark's presence underscores the battle as a spiritual endeavor rather than a mere military campaign. This act of carrying the Ark around the city is reminiscent of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where the Ark led them (Numbers 10:33). The Ark's role here prefigures Christ, who leads His people to victory over sin and death. circling it once And the people returned to the camp and spent the night there Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses and led the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the conquest of Jericho. 2. The Ark of the LORD A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence among His people. It played a crucial role in the Israelites' spiritual and military endeavors. 3. The City of Jericho A fortified city in Canaan, known for its strong walls. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. 4. The Israelites The people of God, chosen to inherit the Promised Land. They followed Joshua's leadership in obedience to God's commands. 5. The Priests Those who carried the Ark of the LORD, signifying their role as mediators between God and the people. Teaching Points Obedience to God's InstructionsThe Israelites' success at Jericho was contingent upon their strict adherence to God's commands. This teaches us the importance of obedience in our spiritual journey. The Presence of God The Ark symbolized God's presence. In our lives, we must prioritize seeking and acknowledging God's presence in all circumstances. Faith in Action The Israelites' march around Jericho was an act of faith. We are called to put our faith into action, trusting God's promises even when the outcome is not immediately visible. Spiritual Warfare The battle of Jericho was not won by conventional means but through spiritual obedience. This reminds us that our battles are often spiritual and require spiritual solutions. Community and Unity The Israelites acted as one body, unified in purpose. In our Christian walk, unity and community are vital for achieving God's purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 6:11?2. How does Joshua 6:11 demonstrate obedience to God's specific instructions? 3. What can we learn about patience from the Israelites' silent march in Joshua 6:11? 4. How does Joshua 6:11 connect to Hebrews 11:30 about faith and action? 5. How can we apply the discipline of silence in our spiritual battles today? 6. What role does faith play in following God's unusual commands, as seen in Joshua 6:11? 7. How does Joshua 6:11 demonstrate God's power and authority over human plans? 8. What archaeological evidence supports the historical accuracy of Joshua 6:11? 9. Why did God choose a silent march around Jericho in Joshua 6:11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 6? 11. Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements? 12. How does the absolute obedience in Joshua 11:12-15 align with prior instructions about sparing certain peoples? 13. Why does Hebrews 11:31 say Rahab was saved 'by faith,' while James 2:25 says she was saved by her 'works'? 14. (Psalm 147:10-11) How does God's supposed indifference to physical strength align with other biblical passages that celebrate or rely upon human might in battles and conquests? What Does Joshua 6:11 Mean So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city“Ark of the LORD” (Joshua 6:11) signals more than sacred furniture; it represents God Himself moving in judgment and mercy. • The ark led Israel across the Jordan (Joshua 3:3–17), proving the same Lord would now lead them against Jericho. • Like Numbers 10:33, where the ark “went before them to seek out a resting place,” its presence here directs every step. • Joshua obeys the exact pattern God gave in 6:6–7, modeling leadership that trusts revelation rather than human strategy (Proverbs 3:5–6). Circling it once God asked for only one circuit each of the first six days (Joshua 6:3–4). • From a military standpoint this looks pointless, yet Hebrews 11:30 reminds us “by faith the walls of Jericho fell.” • The single march built anticipation, teaching Israel that victory comes through steady, repeated obedience (Galatians 6:9). • The circling also proclaimed judgment to the Canaanites, similar to the silent marches around an enemy in Isaiah 29:7. And the people returned to the camp Instead of storming the city, the warriors headed back to their tents. • Their withdrawal underscored dependence on God’s timing—“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). • It gave Jericho space to repent, reflecting God’s patient heart (2 Peter 3:9). • Back at camp the community could rehearse God’s promises and pass the story to their children, as Deuteronomy 6:6–7 encourages. And spent the night there Rest became an act of faith. • Psalm 4:8 captures the mood: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” • Sleeping between marches prevented burnout and preserved unity; God “gives sleep to His beloved” (Psalm 127:2). • Each dawn they would rise ready to repeat the command, illustrating daily reliance on fresh grace (Lamentations 3:22–23). summary Joshua 6:11 shows Israel placing God’s presence at the forefront, obeying a counter-intuitive command, and resting between acts of faith. The verse calls believers today to the same rhythm: let the Lord lead, follow exactly what He says, and trust Him enough to rest while He brings the walls down. Hebrew So he had the arkאֲרוֹן־ (’ă·rō·wn-) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel carried around וַיַּסֵּ֤ב (way·yas·sêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround the city, הָעִ֔יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement circling הַקֵּ֖ף (haq·qêp̄) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 5362: To strike, to knock together, surround, circulate it once. פַּ֣עַם (pa·‘am) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence And [the people] returned וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to the camp הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה (ham·ma·ḥă·neh) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army and spent the night there. וַיָּלִ֖ינוּ (way·yā·lî·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3885: To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate Links Joshua 6:11 NIVJoshua 6:11 NLT Joshua 6:11 ESV Joshua 6:11 NASB Joshua 6:11 KJV Joshua 6:11 BibleApps.com Joshua 6:11 Biblia Paralela Joshua 6:11 Chinese Bible Joshua 6:11 French Bible Joshua 6:11 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 6:11 So he caused the ark of Yahweh (Josh. Jos) |
    |