Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the LORD and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets kept sounding. New Living Translation The seven priests with the rams’ horns marched in front of the Ark of the LORD, blowing their horns. Again the armed men marched both in front of the priests with the horns and behind the Ark of the LORD. All this time the priests were blowing their horns. English Standard Version And the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD walked on, and they blew the trumpets continually. And the armed men were walking before them, and the rear guard was walking after the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets blew continually. Berean Standard Bible And the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD and blowing the horns. The armed troops went in front of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the horns kept sounding. Berean Literal Bible And the seven priests bearing the seven shofars of rams before the face of the ark of YHWH kept marching and blowing on the shofars—and the armed men went before their faces, and the rear guard came after the ark of YHWH—going on and blowing on the shofars. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then 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 rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while the priests continued blowing the trumpets. New American Standard Bible Then the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew the trumpets; and the armed men went ahead of them, and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while they continued to blow the trumpets. NASB 1995 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew the trumpets; and the armed men went before them and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while they continued to blow the trumpets. NASB 1977 And the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew the trumpets; and the armed men went before them, and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while they continued to blow the trumpets. Legacy Standard Bible And the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of Yahweh went on continually and blew the trumpets; and the armed men went before them, and the rear guard came after the ark of Yahweh, and they continued to blow the trumpets. Amplified Bible The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets made of rams’ horns ahead of the ark of the LORD went on continually, blowing the trumpets; and the armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while the priests continued to blow the trumpets. Berean Annotated Bible And the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD {YHWH} and blowing the horns. The armed troops went in front of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the horns kept sounding. Christian Standard Bible and the seven priests carrying seven ram’s horns marched in front of the ark of the LORD. While the ram’s horns were blowing, the armed men went in front of them, and the rear guard went behind the ark of the LORD. Holman Christian Standard Bible and the seven priests carrying seven trumpets marched in front of the ark of the LORD. While the trumpets were blowing, the armed troops went in front of them, and the rear guard went behind the ark of the LORD. American Standard Version And the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of Jehovah went on continually, and blew the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; and the rearward came after the ark of Jehovah, the priests blowing the trumpets as they went. English Revised Version And the seven priests bearing the 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; and the rearward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests blowing with the trumpets as they went. GOD'S WORD® Translation The seven priests carrying the seven rams' horns were ahead of it. The priests blew their horns as they went. The armed men were ahead of them, and the rear guard followed the LORD's ark while the horns blew continually. International Standard Version The seven priests who carried the seven trumpets made from rams' horns preceded the ark of the LORD, blowing their trumpets constantly. The armed men preceded them, and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets continued to blow. NET Bible The seven priests carrying the seven rams' horns before the ark of the LORD marched along blowing their horns. Armed troops marched ahead of them, while the rear guard followed along behind the ark of the LORD blowing rams' horns. New Heart English Bible The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew the trumpets: and the armed men went before them. The rear guard came after the ark of the LORD. The trumpets sounded as they went. Webster's Bible Translation 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 rear-guard came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD and blowing the horns. The armed troops went in front of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the horns kept sounding. World English Bible The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns in front of Yahweh’s ark went on continually, and blew the trumpets. The armed men went in front of them. The rear guard came after Yahweh’s ark. The trumpets sounded as they went. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand seven priests carrying seven horns of the rams before the Ark of YHWH are walking, going on, and they have blown with the horns—and he who is armed is going before them, and he who is gathering up is going behind the Ark of YHWH—going on and blowing with the horns. Berean Literal Bible And the seven priests bearing the seven shofars of rams before the face of the ark of YHWH kept marching and blowing on the shofars—and the armed men went before their faces, and the rear guard came after the ark of YHWH—going on and blowing on the shofars. Young's Literal Translation and seven priests bearing seven trumpets of the jubilee before the ark of Jehovah are walking, going on, and they have blown with the trumpets -- and he who is armed is going before them, and he who is gathering up is going behind the ark of Jehovah -- going on and blowing with the trumpets. Smith's Literal Translation And seven priests lifting up seven trumpets of alarms before the ark of Jehovah went on going, and they clanged with the trumpets, and he being armed went before them; and the gathering went after the ark of Jehovah, going and clanging with the trumpets. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd seven of them seven trumpets, which are used in the jubilee: and they went before the ark of the Lord walking and sounding the trumpets: and the armed men went before them, and the rest of the common people followed the ark, and they blew the trumpets. Catholic Public Domain Version and seven of them took the seven trumpets, which are used in the jubilee, and they preceded the ark of the Lord, walking and sounding the trumpets. And the armed men went before them, and the remainder of the common people followed the ark, and they were blaring the trumpets. New American Bible The seven priests bearing the ram’s horns marched in front of the ark of the LORD, blowing their horns. Ahead of these marched the picked troops, while the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, and the blowing of horns was kept up continually. New Revised Standard Version The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD passed on, blowing the trumpets continually. The armed men went before them, and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets blew continually. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd seven priests bearing seven trumpets went before the ark of the LORD; they went on continually, and blew with the trumpets; and the armed men went before them; and the rest of the multitude went after the ark of the LORD, while the priests were blowing with trumpets. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And seven Priests were carrying seven horns and they were going before the ark of LORD JEHOVAH, and they were walking and sounding with the trumpets, and those who were armed were going before them, and they who were assembled were going after the ark of LORD JEHOVAH and they were sounding on the trumpets OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the seven priests bearing the seven rams' horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew with the horns; and the armed men went before them; and the rearward came after the ark of the LORD, [the priests] blowing with the horns continually. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets went on before the Lord; and afterwards the men of war went on, and the remainder of the multitude went after the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Walls of Jericho…12Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of the LORD. 13And the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD and blowing the horns. The armed troops went in front of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the horns kept sounding. 14So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.… Cross References And the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns 1 Chronicles 15:24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer—the priests—were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also to be guardians of the ark. 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud Numbers 10:8-10 The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come. / When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. / And on your joyous occasions, your appointed feasts, and the beginning of each month, you are to blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and peace offerings to serve as a reminder for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.” kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD 1 Chronicles 15:25-28 So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom. / And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. / Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. … 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. Psalm 68:24-25 They have seen Your procession, O God—the march of my God and King into the sanctuary. / The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. and blowing the horns. 2 Chronicles 13:12-14 Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.” / Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to ambush from the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah, the ambush was behind them. / When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them, they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, Psalm 81:3 Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast. 1 Kings 1:34-35 There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ / Then you shall go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. For I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.” The armed troops went in front of them Numbers 32:17-22 But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land. / We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance. / Yet we will not have an inheritance with them across the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.” … Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, Deuteronomy 20:4 For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, Numbers 10:25 Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out under their standard, serving as the rear guard for all units, with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command. Isaiah 52:12 For you will not leave in a hurry nor flee in haste, for the LORD goes before you, and the God of Israel is your rear guard. Exodus 14:19-20 And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, / so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other. while the horns kept sounding. 2 Chronicles 29:25-28 Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. … Treasury of Scripture 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 rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. went on 1 Chronicles 15:26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Jump to Previous Ark Armed Bearing Blew Blowing Carrying Continually Continued Horns Passed Priests Rams Rear Rearward Seven Sounded TrumpetsJump to Next Ark Armed Bearing Blew Blowing Carrying Continually Continued Horns Passed Priests Rams Rear Rearward Seven Sounded TrumpetsJoshua 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 And the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns The number seven is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing completeness or perfection, as seen in the creation week (Genesis 2:2-3). The use of rams' horns, or shofars, is deeply rooted in Israelite tradition, often used to signal important events or divine intervention (Leviticus 25:9). The priests, as mediators between God and the people, signify the sacred nature of this procession. kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD and blowing the horns The armed troops went in front of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD while the horns kept sounding 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. Seven Priests These priests were chosen to carry the seven trumpets made of ram's horns, symbolizing God's presence and the proclamation of His power. 3. Ark of the LORD The sacred chest that represented God's covenant with Israel and His presence among His people. It was carried around Jericho as a sign of divine authority and blessing. 4. Armed Troops The Israelite soldiers who marched in front of and behind the Ark, signifying readiness for battle and obedience to God's command. 5. Jericho A fortified city in the Promised Land, representing the first major obstacle for the Israelites in their conquest. Its fall demonstrated God's power and faithfulness. Teaching Points Obedience to God's InstructionsThe Israelites' success at Jericho was contingent upon their strict adherence to God's specific instructions. This teaches us the importance of following God's guidance in our lives, even when it seems unconventional. The Power of God's Presence The Ark of the LORD symbolizes God's presence, which is central to victory. We are reminded that true success and victory in life come from relying on God's presence and power. Faith in Action The Israelites' march around Jericho was an act of faith. Our faith should be active, demonstrated through obedience and trust in God's promises, even when the outcome is not immediately visible. Spiritual Warfare The physical battle of Jericho reflects the spiritual battles we face. We are called to be spiritually prepared, armed with faith and the Word of God, as we confront challenges in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 6:13?2. How does Joshua 6:13 demonstrate obedience to God's specific instructions? 3. What role did the priests play in the Israelites' victory at Jericho? 4. How can we apply the Israelites' perseverance in Joshua 6:13 to our lives? 5. What other biblical events show God's power through unconventional means? 6. How does Joshua 6:13 encourage us to trust God's plan despite challenges? 7. How does Joshua 6:13 demonstrate the power of faith in God's promises? 8. What archaeological evidence supports the historical accuracy of the events in Joshua 6:13? 9. Why were the priests and trumpets significant in the battle strategy described in Joshua 6:13? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 6? 11. What caused the collapse of Jericho's walls? 12. What are key events in Joshua's life? 13. How did Joshua lead the Israelites into the Promised Land? 14. Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements? What Does Joshua 6:13 Mean Seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns- Seven is a frequent biblical marker of completeness (Genesis 2:2-3; Revelation 5:1). - Priests, not soldiers, hold the horns, highlighting that victory hinges on worshipful obedience, not military might (Exodus 17:11-13; 2 Chronicles 20:21-22). - Rams’ horns (shofars) were used to announce God’s action—calling the people together (Numbers 10:8-10) and signaling divine intervention (Judges 7:18). - The pairing of “seven” and “priests” points to a divinely ordered plan already pronounced in Joshua 6:4. Kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD - The Ark represents God’s throne among His people (Numbers 10:33-36; Psalm 132:8). - Having the priests advance before the Ark pictures God’s holiness leading the way, ensuring Israel’s steps remain ordered by His presence (Joshua 3:3-4). - Victory would come only as Israel followed, not forged, God’s path (Proverbs 3:5-6). And blowing the horns - Continuous trumpet blasts declared Jericho under God’s imminent judgment (Joel 2:1). - The sound was a faith-filled proclamation that God’s word is already settled (Isaiah 55:11). - Like Gideon’s trumpets and pitchers (Judges 7:19-22), the shofar blast left no doubt that triumph belongs to the LORD (Psalm 20:7). The armed troops went in front of them - God still uses human agency; warriors march, but only after the priests set the tone (Joshua 6:9). - The order reveals balanced obedience: worship leads, warfare follows (Nehemiah 4:17-18). - Israel’s discipline contrasts with Jericho’s shut gates (Joshua 6:1), underscoring the difference between faith and fear. And the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD - God is both vanguard and rear guard for His covenant people (Isaiah 52:12; Exodus 14:19-20). - The Ark in the center keeps every soldier oriented around His presence, echoing the wilderness camp arrangement (Numbers 2:17). - This placement protected against ambush and quieted any doubts that God might abandon them midway (Deuteronomy 31:8). While the horns kept sounding - The unbroken blast mirrors unbroken faith; they would circle six days before any visible change (Hebrews 11:30). - Persevering obedience often precedes God’s breakthrough (Galatians 6:9). - The continual sound also served as a public witness to Jericho, giving its citizens one last call to recognize the LORD (Joshua 2:9-11; 2 Peter 3:9). summary Joshua 6:13 underscores that God’s victories flow from worshipful obedience. Priests, trumpets, and the Ark take center stage, framing the conquest of Jericho as a divine act rather than a human exploit. The marching order—priests with shofars, Ark, troops front and rear—keeps Israel’s focus on God’s presence. Continuous trumpet blasts proclaim both judgment on the city and faith in the LORD’s promise. The verse calls believers to let worship lead, trust God’s timing, and persist until His word brings the walls down. (13) The priests going on.--Literally, with a going, and a blowing with the trumpets." The priests" is inserted by the Targum.Verse 13. - The rereward (see Joshua 5:9). Literally, the gathering together and then the body of troops which collects the stragglers, the rear guard, as in Numbers 10:25; Isaiah 52:12; Isaiah 58:8. Calvin renders here by quia cogebat agmen. But the LXX. and Vulgate render by ὁ λοιπὸς ὄχλος and vulgus reliquum. So Luther, der Haufe. The LXX., however, in ver. 9 translates the same word by οὐραγοῦντες, i.e., "qui extremum agmen ducunt, et quasi caudam efficiunt" (Rosenmuller). The word is not the same as that translated rereward in 1 Samuel 29:2, the only other place where our version has "rereward," where there can be no question of the rendering being correct, since the literal meaning there is the hindermost.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And the sevenוְשִׁבְעָ֣ה (wə·šiḇ·‘āh) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number priests הַכֹּהֲנִ֡ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest carrying נֹשְׂאִים֩ (nō·śə·’îm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take seven שִׁבְעָ֨ה (šiḇ·‘āh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number trumpets שׁוֹפְר֜וֹת (šō·wp̄·rō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 7782: A cornet, curved horn kept marching הֹלְכִ֣ים (hō·lə·ḵîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk ahead לִפְנֵי֙ (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face of the ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and sounding וְתָקְע֖וּ (wə·ṯā·qə·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8628: To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman the trumpets. בַּשּׁוֹפָר֑וֹת (baš·šō·w·p̄ā·rō·wṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7782: A cornet, curved horn The armed troops וְהֶחָלוּץ֙ (wə·he·ḥā·lūṣ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 2502: To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen went הֹלֵ֣ךְ (hō·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk in front of them, לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face and the rear guard וְהַֽמְאַסֵּ֗ף (wə·ham·’as·sêp̄) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove followed הֹלֵךְ֙ (hō·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk the ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel while [the priests] kept הָל֖וֹךְ (hā·lō·wḵ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk sounding וְתָק֥וֹעַ (wə·ṯā·qō·w·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 8628: To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman the trumpets. בַּשּׁוֹפָרֽוֹת׃ (baš·šō·w·p̄ā·rō·wṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7782: A cornet, curved horn Links Joshua 6:13 NIVJoshua 6:13 NLT Joshua 6:13 ESV Joshua 6:13 NASB Joshua 6:13 KJV Joshua 6:13 BibleApps.com Joshua 6:13 Biblia Paralela Joshua 6:13 Chinese Bible Joshua 6:13 French Bible Joshua 6:13 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 6:13 The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets (Josh. 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