◄ Joshua 6 ►
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The Walls of Jericho 1Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. 3March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. 4Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. 5And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapsea and all your people will charge straight into the city.b” 6So Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.” 7And he told the people, “Advance and march around the city, with the armed troops going ahead of the ark of the LORD.” 8After Joshua had spoken to the people, seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns before the LORD advanced and blew the horns, and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them. 9While the horns continued to sound, the armed troops marched ahead of the priests who blew the horns, and the rear guard followed the ark. 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. 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. 15Then on the seventh day, they got up at dawn and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. That was the only day they circled the city seven times. 16After the seventh time around, the priests blew the horns, and Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! 17Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction.c Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent. 18But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster upon it. 19For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.” 20So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. 21With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys. 22Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out the woman and all who are with her, just as you promised her.” 23So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers, and all who belonged to her. They brought out her whole family and settled them outside the camp of Israel. 24Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it. However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house. 25And Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her father’s household and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. So she has lived among the Israelites to this day. 26At that time Joshua invoked this solemn oath: “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.”d 27So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land. Footnotes: 5 a Or fall under itself or fall flat; similarly in verse 20 5 b Literally and the people will go up, every man straight ahead; similarly in verse 20 17 c Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering; also in verses 18 and 21. 26 d See 1 Kings 16:34. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Joshua 6 Summary The Walls of Jericho Verses 1–5 – The LORD’s Battle Plan Jericho’s gates are locked. God tells Joshua He has already handed the city over. For six days, all Israel is to march around Jericho once a day behind seven priests blowing rams’ horns, the ark in their midst, armed men in front and rear. On the seventh day they must circle the city seven times, the priests give a long blast, the people shout, and the wall will fall. Verses 6–11 – Silent Processions Begin Joshua relays the plan. Priests lift the ark, soldiers take position, horns sound, but the people remain silent. One full circuit is completed; they return to camp. Verses 12–14 – Days 2–6: Faithful Repetition At dawn each day Joshua leads the same silent procession—ark, horns, soldiers—for six days, one lap per day, then back to camp. Verses 15–21 – Seventh-Day Shout and Devotion to Destruction On day seven they march seven laps. At Joshua’s command the people shout; “the wall collapsed” (v. 20). Jericho is put “under the ban” (ḥerem): every living thing is destroyed, silver, gold, bronze, and iron go into the LORD’s treasury. Verses 22–25 – Rahab Spared Joshua honors the spies’ oath. Rahab and her family are rescued and settled “outside the camp of Israel” (v. 23) before later assimilation. Jericho is burned; only the metals remain for the sanctuary. Verse 26 – Joshua’s Curse Joshua pronounces a curse: Whoever rebuilds Jericho will lose his firstborn at the foundation and his youngest at the gates. Verse 27 – Victory’s Result “The LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land” (v. 27). In Joshua Chapter 6, we witness the miraculous fall of Jericho, one of the most powerful and memorable events in the Old Testament. Led by Joshua, the Israelites demonstrate their faith and obedience, and through God's intervention, the seemingly impregnable city walls collapse. Historical Setting • Date: c. 1406 BC (early-date Exodus chronology) just after Israel has crossed the Jordan during spring harvest. • Jericho: strategic fortress guarding the eastern approach to the central hill country. Its fall splits Canaan in two, allowing Israel to conquer south, then north (Joshua 10–11). • Warfare context: Cities functioned as royal centers; capturing one dealt a psychological blow to surrounding kingdoms (Joshua 9:1-2). Archaeological Background • Tell es-Sultan is widely accepted as ancient Jericho. Late Bronze Age debris shows a massive mudbrick wall atop a stone revetment. The collapsed bricks at the base fit the description that “the wall collapsed flat” yet the stone lower wall remained for Rahab’s house on the wall to be spared (Joshua 2:15). • Large jars of grain discovered in a burned layer point to a short siege in spring (barley harvest, 3:15) and a fire, matching 6:24. • Absence of plunder aligns with “silver, gold, bronze, and iron vessels…shall be holy to the LORD” (6:19). • Debate continues, but evidence dating to the Late Bronze I supports an early conquest chronology. The Ban (ḥerem) and Holy War • ḥerem means “devoted to destruction” (Leviticus 27:28-29). The first city of the land is offered wholly to God, much like “firstfruits” (Exodus 23:19). • The severity underscores sin’s contagion (Deuteronomy 7:2-4). Achan’s theft in the next chapter shows the danger of violating the ban. • God alone determines ḥerem; this is not ethnic hatred but divine judgment (Genesis 15:16). Rahab’s salvation confirms mercy is available to those who trust (Hebrews 11:31). Structural Significance • Jericho inaugurates the conquest section (Joshua 6–12). • The narrative is framed by two speeches (vv. 2-5, 16-19) and two salvations (Rahab, Israel). • Repetition (seven priests, seven trumpets, seven days, seven circuits) emphasizes God’s completeness and sovereignty. Connections to Other Scripture • Hebrews 11:30: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.” • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: spiritual warfare uses “divine power to demolish strongholds,” echoing Jericho. • 1 Kings 16:34: Hiel of Bethel rebuilds Jericho, and the curse is fulfilled—Abiram and Segub die just as Joshua said. • Revelation 11:15: the seventh trumpet heralds ultimate victory, tying the Jericho trumpets to final judgment. Christ-Centered Insights • The ark—God’s throne—leads the march, prefiguring Christ the Lord as Captain of salvation (Hebrews 2:10). • Rahab’s scarlet cord (Joshua 2:18) anticipates the blood of Christ ensuring rescue for all who believe (Romans 5:9). • A seemingly foolish plan (circling walls) demonstrates that salvation “is not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6), foreshadowing the gospel’s apparent folly to the world (1 Corinthians 1:18–25). Practical Applications 1. Obedience precedes understanding—Israel marches in silence until God acts. 2. Persistence in faith—six days of nothing happening tests trust. 3. Firstfruits principle—honoring God with the first victory signals that every success belongs to Him. 4. God uses unlikely people—Rahab, a foreign innkeeper, becomes ancestress of Messiah (Matthew 1:5). 5. Beware hidden sin—Achan’s account (ch. 7) proves disobedience after victory invites defeat. Key Hebrew Words • ḥerem – “ban/devoted” (vv. 17-18, 21). • yāraʿ – “shout” (v. 20), a victory cry acknowledging God’s triumph. • tēqāʿ – “blast” (v. 5), prolonged trumpet note signaling God’s move. Names and Titles of God • LORD (YHWH) – covenant name (vv. 2, 16). • Commander implied – see 5:13-15. • The God of Israel – exclusive allegiance (v. 26). Outline of Jericho’s Fall within Joshua I. Preparing to Enter (1:1–5:15) II. Defeating Jericho (6:1-27) III. Early Central Campaign (7–9) IV. Southern Campaign (10) V. Northern Campaign (11) VI. Allocation of Land (13–21) VII. Covenant Renewal (22–24) Timeline • Nisan-early Iyyar, 1406 BC: Passover (5:10). • One week later: Jericho marches begin. • Seventh day: walls fall, Rahab rescued. • Shortly after: Achan’s sin and Ai events. Cultural Notes • Rams’ horns (shofarot) were used for feasts and battle signals (Numbers 10:9-10). • Seven represents completeness; Canaanite religion also revered sevenfold rituals, but God reclaims the symbol. • City gates usually opened at dawn; Israel’s dawn marches heightened Jericho’s fear. Jericho in Later Scripture • Elisha purifies Jericho’s waters (2 Kings 2:18-22), showing God’s grace over former judgment. • Zacchaeus meets Jesus in Jericho (Luke 19:1-10), mirroring Rahab—both outcasts welcomed for faith. Closing Thought “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hand” (6:2) was spoken before a single stone moved. God’s promise precedes performance; faith turns it into history. Connections to Additional Scriptures Hebrews 11:30 Reinforces the theme of faith leading to victory. Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. This passage reminds us of the wisdom in God's plans. Proverbs 3:5-6 Encourages trust in the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding, similar to the trust required by the Israelites. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and Power Joshua 6:2 states, And the LORD said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its mighty men of valor.' This verse highlights God's control over the situation and His ability to deliver victory to His people. Obedience to God's Instructions The Israelites were given specific instructions to march around the city for seven days. Their obedience, even when the plan seemed unusual, was crucial to their success (Joshua 6:3-5). Faith in Action The Israelites' faith was demonstrated through their actions. Hebrews 11:30 reflects on this, saying, By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. The Role of Worship The priests carried the ark of the covenant and blew trumpets, signifying the presence of God and the importance of worship in the midst of battle (Joshua 6:6-9). God's Faithfulness The fulfillment of God's promise to deliver Jericho into the hands of the Israelites is a testament to His faithfulness (Joshua 6:20). Practical Applications Trust in God's Plan Even when God's instructions seem unconventional, trust that His ways are higher than ours and lead to victory. Obedience is Key Follow God's commands diligently, knowing that obedience is a demonstration of faith and trust in Him. Incorporate Worship in Daily Life Just as the Israelites included worship in their battle plan, make worship a central part of your daily routine. Remember God's Faithfulness Reflect on past victories and God's faithfulness to strengthen your faith in current challenges. People 1. Joshua The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses. He is the central human figure in this chapter, leading the Israelites in the battle of Jericho. The name "Joshua" (Hebrew: יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshua) means "The LORD is salvation." 2. The LORD Referred to as giving instructions to Joshua on how to conquer Jericho. In the Hebrew text, this is represented by the Tetragrammaton (יהוה, YHWH), the sacred name of God. 3. The Priests A group of seven priests carrying trumpets made of rams' horns, who play a crucial role in the siege of Jericho by blowing the trumpets as they march around the city. 4. The Armed Men These are the Israelite soldiers who march ahead of the priests and the Ark of the Covenant during the siege. 5. The Rear Guard The group of soldiers who follow the Ark of the Covenant, ensuring its protection during the march around Jericho. 6. The People Refers to the broader assembly of Israelites who participate in the march around Jericho, following Joshua's commands. 7. Rahab Although not directly mentioned in the action of Joshua 6, she is referenced as the woman who hid the Israelite spies and is spared along with her family during the destruction of Jericho. Her name in Hebrew (רָחָב, Rachav) means "broad" or "large." Places 1. Jericho Jericho is the central location in Joshua 6. It is described as a fortified city with walls that the Israelites are commanded to march around for seven days. The Hebrew root for Jericho is "יְרִיחוֹ" (Yeriḥo), which is often associated with the word for "fragrance" or "moon." The city's walls famously fall after the Israelites follow God's instructions. 2. Jordan While not directly mentioned in the narrative of Joshua 6, the Jordan River is significant as it is the body of water the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, leading up to the events at Jericho. The Hebrew root is "יַרְדֵּן" (Yarden), meaning "descender," referring to the river's flow from the mountains to the Dead Sea. Events 1. Jericho's Siege The chapter begins with the city of Jericho being tightly shut up because of the Israelites. "Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites; no one went out and no one came in." (Joshua 6:1). The Hebrew word for "shut up" (סָגַר, sagar) emphasizes the complete closure and security of the city. 2. God's Instructions to Joshua The LORD gives Joshua specific instructions on how to conquer Jericho. "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its mighty men of valor." (Joshua 6:2). The Hebrew verb "delivered" (נָתַן, natan) indicates a completed action, signifying God's assurance of victory. 3. Marching Orders God commands the Israelites to march around the city once for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. "You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. So you shall do for six days." (Joshua 6:3). 4. Seventh Day Instructions On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and the priests are to blow the trumpets. "On the seventh day, you shall march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets." (Joshua 6:4). 5. The Shout and the Collapse When the priests make a long blast with the ram's horn, the people are to shout, and the walls of Jericho will collapse. "When you hear them sound a long blast with the ram’s horn, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, every man straight in." (Joshua 6:5). The Hebrew word for "collapse" (נָפַל, naphal) conveys the sudden and complete fall of the walls. 6. Execution of the Plan Joshua relays God's commands to the people, and they execute the plan as instructed. "So Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said to them, 'Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven trumpets in front of it.'" (Joshua 6:6). 7. The March Begins The Israelites begin their march around Jericho, following the instructions given by Joshua. "And he said to the people, 'Advance and march around the city, with the armed troops going ahead of the ark of the LORD.'" (Joshua 6:7). 8. Completion of the Seven-Day March The Israelites continue the march for six days, and on the seventh day, they march around the city seven times. "So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days." (Joshua 6:14). 9. The Final Shout and Victory On the seventh day, after the seventh circuit, the priests blow the trumpets, the people shout, and the walls collapse. "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city." (Joshua 6:20). 10. Destruction of Jericho The Israelites destroy everything in the city, as commanded by God, except for Rahab and her family. "They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, and donkeys." (Joshua 6:21). 11. Rahab's Salvation Rahab and her family are spared because she hid the spies sent by Joshua. "But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho." (Joshua 6:25). 12. Curse on Jericho Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho. "At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: 'Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho.'" (Joshua 6:26). 13. The LORD's Favor on Joshua The chapter concludes with the LORD being with Joshua, and his fame spreading throughout the land. "So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land." (Joshua 6:27). Lessons from Joshua 6 1. Obedience Overcomes Obstacles In Joshua 6, the Israelites faced the formidable walls of Jericho. Instead of relying on their own strength, they followed God's unconventional battle plan. "March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days" (Joshua 6:3). This teaches us that obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem unusual, can lead to overcoming the greatest obstacles in our lives. 2. Faith in Action The Israelites' march around Jericho was a powerful demonstration of faith in action. Hebrews 11:30 reminds us, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days." Faith isn't passive; it's active and requires us to step out in trust, even when the outcome isn't immediately visible. 3. The Power of Unity The Israelites marched together in unity, following God's command as one body. This unity was crucial for their success. As believers, we are called to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). When we stand together in faith, we can achieve great things for God's kingdom. 4. The Importance of Silence For six days, the Israelites marched in silence, a powerful act of discipline and focus. "Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout" (Joshua 6:10). Sometimes, silence allows us to hear God's voice more clearly and prepares us for the right moment to act. 5. God's Timing is Perfect The Israelites had to wait until the seventh day to see the walls of Jericho fall. This reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when it requires patience. "For the vision awaits an appointed time... though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay" (Habakkuk 2:3). Trusting in His timing brings about the best results. 6. The Role of Worship The priests carried the Ark of the Covenant and blew trumpets as they marched, signifying worship and God's presence. Worship is a powerful weapon in spiritual battles. "God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). When we prioritize worship, we invite God's presence into our challenges. 7. The Consequences of Disobedience Achan's disobedience in taking forbidden items from Jericho led to dire consequences for Israel (Joshua 7). This serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience can hinder God's blessings. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience is key to maintaining a close relationship with God. 8. The Victory Belongs to the Lord The fall of Jericho was a testament to God's power, not human might. "The LORD has given you the city" (Joshua 6:16). Our victories are ultimately His, and we are called to give Him the glory. "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory" (Psalm 115:1). 9. The Significance of the Number Seven The number seven appears frequently in Joshua 6, symbolizing completion and perfection in the Bible. The seven days of marching and the seven priests with seven trumpets highlight God's perfect plan. This reminds us that God's ways are complete and flawless, and we can trust in His divine order. 10. The Promise of Salvation Rahab and her family were spared because of her faith and obedience (Joshua 6:25). This foreshadows the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household" (Acts 16:31). Just as Rahab's faith led to her deliverance, our faith in Christ secures our eternal salvation. Topics 1. The Siege of Jericho Commanded God instructs Joshua on how to conquer Jericho. The city is described as "tightly shut up" (Joshua 6:1), indicating its strong fortifications. The Hebrew word for "shut up" is "סָגַר" (sagar), emphasizing the city's inaccessibility. 2. The March Around Jericho Joshua is commanded to have the Israelites march around the city once a day for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark (Joshua 6:3-4). The number seven, "שֶׁבַע" (sheva), often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in Hebrew. 3. The Seventh Day and the Shout On the seventh day, the Israelites are to march around the city seven times, and the priests are to blow the trumpets. At the sound of a long blast, the people are to shout, and the walls will collapse (Joshua 6:5). The Hebrew word for "shout" is "תְּרוּעָה" (teruah), indicating a loud, jubilant noise. 4. The Obedience of the Israelites Joshua relays God's instructions to the people, and they obey without question, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan (Joshua 6:6-14). 5. The Fall of Jericho On the seventh day, after the Israelites follow God's instructions, the walls of Jericho fall flat, and they take the city (Joshua 6:15-20). The Hebrew word "נָפַל" (naphal) for "fall" signifies a sudden and complete collapse. 6. The Destruction of Jericho The city is devoted to destruction, and everything in it is to be destroyed except for Rahab and her family, who are spared for her faithfulness (Joshua 6:21-25). The term "חֵרֶם" (cherem) is used for "devoted to destruction," indicating something set apart for God, often through destruction. 7. The Curse on Rebuilding Jericho Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho, stating that it would cost them their firstborn and youngest son (Joshua 6:26). This curse underscores the seriousness of God's judgment on the city. 8. Joshua's Fame The chapter concludes with the statement that Joshua's fame spread throughout the land, highlighting the success of his leadership under God's guidance (Joshua 6:27). Themes 1. Divine Command and Obedience The theme of divine command and obedience is central in Joshua 6, where God instructs Joshua on how to conquer Jericho. The Israelites' success hinges on their strict adherence to God's instructions. The Hebrew word for "command" (צָוָה, tsavah) emphasizes the authority and expectation of obedience. Joshua 6:2-5 outlines God's specific instructions for the siege, highlighting the importance of following divine guidance. 2. Faith and Trust in God's Plan The Israelites demonstrate faith and trust in God's unconventional plan to take Jericho. Marching around the city for seven days, as described in Joshua 6:3-4, requires belief in God's promise despite the lack of immediate results. The Hebrew root for "faith" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) underscores steadfastness and trust in God's faithfulness. 3. The Power of God The fall of Jericho's walls illustrates God's power and sovereignty. Joshua 6:20 describes the miraculous collapse of the walls after the Israelites' obedience, showcasing God's ability to deliver victory. The Hebrew word for "power" (כֹּחַ, koach) reflects strength and might, attributes of God demonstrated in this event. 4. Holiness and Consecration The theme of holiness and consecration is evident in the command to devote the city to destruction, as seen in Joshua 6:17. The Hebrew term for "devote" (חֵרֶם, cherem) implies setting apart for God, often through destruction, to maintain purity and holiness among the Israelites. 5. Judgment and Mercy The narrative balances judgment and mercy, as Rahab and her family are spared due to her faith and assistance to the Israelite spies (Joshua 6:22-25). The Hebrew root for "mercy" (רַחֲמִים, rachamim) highlights compassion and kindness, contrasting with the judgment executed on Jericho. 6. Community and Unity The Israelites' unified action in following God's command underscores the importance of community and collective effort. Joshua 6:3-5 describes the entire nation participating in the march, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "community" (עֵדָה, edah), emphasizing unity and shared purpose. 7. Covenant Faithfulness The events in Joshua 6 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The victory at Jericho is a fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan. The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) signifies a binding agreement, underscoring God's reliability and commitment to His people. Prayer Points Pray for Faith Ask God to strengthen your faith to trust in His plans, even when they seem unconventional. Pray for Obedience Seek God's help in being obedient to His Word and commands. Pray for God's Presence Invite God's presence into your daily life and battles, just as the ark symbolized His presence with the Israelites. Pray for Remembrance Thank God for His past faithfulness and ask for a heart that remembers His goodness in times of trial. Answering Tough Questions 1. How could the walls of Jericho have collapsed simply from trumpet blasts and shouting (Joshua 6:20)? 2. Is there any archeological evidence supporting a sudden destruction of Jericho’s walls in this manner (Joshua 6)? 3. Why does the destruction narrative of Jericho differ from other historical records about the city’s downfall (Joshua 6)? 4. How do we reconcile the mass killing commanded in this chapter with the Bible’s teachings on mercy (Joshua 6:21)? 5. If God’s command was to destroy everything, why was Rahab alone spared, and does this imply inconsistency (Joshua 6:25)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the shutting up of Jericho symbolize about the state of the city and its fear of the Israelites? 2. In the context of the story, what significance do the numbers seven and six hold? 3. How can we interpret the LORD's detailed strategy to Joshua about taking the city? 4. How does this passage illustrate the concept of obedience and trust in God, even when His commands might seem unusual or impractical? 5. How does the marching in silence until the final day reflect the discipline and obedience of the Israelites? How can this apply to us today when following God's directions? 6. What does the action of the people giving a mighty shout teach us about unity and collective faith in God's promises? 7. How does the narrative highlight the importance of God's precise instructions? How can we apply this to our lives? 8. Why did Joshua command the people not to shout or even speak until he told them to? 9. What can we learn from Rahab's situation? How did her actions of faith and loyalty impact her future? 10. How does this event reflect the belief in the holy destruction or devotion of items to God? How does this translate into today's perspective? 11. How do you interpret the heavy curse Joshua places on the rebuilding of Jericho? What do you think this says about remembering and respecting God's judgment? 12. How can the preservation of Rahab and her family amidst the destruction of Jericho be viewed as a symbol of grace and redemption? 13. What lessons can we learn from the act of sparing Rahab and her family, but destroying everything else in Jericho? 14. Why was it important for the silver, gold, bronze, and iron to be placed in the treasury of the LORD's house? 15. What significance does Joshua's fame spreading throughout the land hold in the context of the Israelites' journey and mission? 16. Why was the specific instruction given to avoid the things devoted to destruction? What implications might this hold for us today? 17. Why do you think the text emphasizes the complete destruction of Jericho, including men, women, and animals? 18. How does the fate of Jericho reflect on the concept of divine justice and judgment? 19. How can the devotion of items to the LORD's treasury be seen as a form of giving back or acknowledging God's sovereignty? 20. How can we apply the principle of obedience as seen in this passage to the modern day situations where God's instructions might not align with our understanding or expectations? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions