Joshua 6:10

But 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!"

Study Bible

But Joshua had commanded the people
The phrase begins with "But," indicating a contrast or a specific instruction that follows previous commands. Joshua, whose name means "The LORD is salvation," is the leader appointed by God to succeed Moses. His command to the people reflects his role as a divinely appointed leader, emphasizing obedience and discipline. The Hebrew root for "commanded" (צָוָה, tsavah) implies a directive with authority, underscoring the importance of following God's ordained leadership.

Do not give a war cry
The "war cry" was a common practice in ancient warfare, intended to intimidate the enemy and rally the troops. By instructing the Israelites not to give a war cry, Joshua emphasizes reliance on God's power rather than human strength or psychological tactics. This command highlights the spiritual nature of the battle, where victory is achieved through faith and obedience to God's instructions.

do not raise your voices
This phrase further emphasizes silence and restraint. In a historical context, raising voices could signify chaos or lack of discipline. The Hebrew culture often associated silence with reverence and expectation. By maintaining silence, the Israelites demonstrate their trust in God's plan and timing, preparing their hearts for His miraculous intervention.

do not say a word
The repetition of commands regarding silence underscores its importance. The Hebrew word for "word" (דָּבָר, davar) can also mean "matter" or "thing," suggesting a complete abstention from any form of communication. This silence is a form of worship and submission, allowing the people to focus on God's presence and power rather than their own thoughts or strategies.

until the day I tell you to shout
The phrase "until the day" introduces a period of waiting and anticipation. It reflects the biblical theme of patience and trust in God's timing. The Hebrew concept of "day" (יוֹם, yom) often signifies a divinely appointed time. Joshua's instruction to wait for his command to "shout" indicates that the victory will come at God's appointed moment, not through human effort.

Then you are to shout!
The command to "shout" marks the culmination of obedience and faith. The Hebrew word for "shout" (רוּעַ, ruach) can also mean "to raise a sound" or "to cry out," often associated with joy and triumph. This shout is not just a physical act but a spiritual declaration of God's victory. It signifies the release of faith and the manifestation of God's promise, as the walls of Jericho fall by divine intervention.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, giving specific instructions to the Israelites.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, who are following Joshua's leadership as they prepare to conquer Jericho, a key city in the Promised Land.

3. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, representing the first major obstacle for the Israelites in their conquest of the land promised to them by God.

4. The Command
Joshua's instruction to the Israelites to remain silent until the appointed time to shout, demonstrating obedience and discipline.

5. The Event
The impending fall of Jericho, which will occur through divine intervention as the Israelites follow God's unusual battle plan.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
Joshua's command to remain silent until the appointed time teaches us the importance of following God's instructions precisely, even when they seem unusual or counterintuitive.

The Power of Silence
The Israelites' silence can be seen as a form of worship and trust, reminding us that sometimes our greatest act of faith is to wait quietly for God's timing.

Faith in Action
The Israelites' march around Jericho without speaking demonstrates active faith. We are called to act in faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises.

The Role of Leadership
Joshua's leadership is crucial in this event. It reminds us of the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility leaders have to guide others in obedience to God.

God's Sovereignty in Battle
The fall of Jericho illustrates that victory comes not by human might but by God's power. We are reminded to rely on God's strength in our battles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua's command to remain silent until the appointed time challenge our understanding of obedience and faith in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we practice "being still" and trusting in God's timing in our current circumstances?

3. How does the account of Jericho encourage us to act in faith, even when God's instructions seem unconventional?

4. What can we learn from Joshua's leadership about guiding others in faith and obedience?

5. How does the fall of Jericho demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact the way we face our personal battles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14:14
This verse highlights the importance of silence and trust in God's deliverance, similar to the Israelites' silence before the fall of Jericho.

Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God" connects to the theme of waiting on God's timing and trusting in His plan.

Hebrews 11:30
This verse references the faith of the Israelites in the fall of Jericho, emphasizing the role of faith in God's promises.