Joshua 6:15

Then 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.

Study Bible

On the seventh day
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, reflecting God's creation week. The seventh day here marks the culmination of God's plan for Jericho's fall, emphasizing divine completion and fulfillment. In Hebrew, "seventh" (שְׁבִיעִי, shevi'i) connects to the idea of rest and divine intervention, reminding us of the Sabbath, a day set apart for God.

they got up at dawn
Rising at dawn signifies readiness and obedience. The Hebrew word for "dawn" (שַׁחַר, shachar) suggests the breaking of a new day, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. The Israelites' early start reflects their eagerness to follow God's command, demonstrating faith and trust in His timing.

and marched around the city
The act of marching around Jericho was a demonstration of faith and obedience. The Hebrew root for "marched" (סָבַב, sabab) implies encircling or surrounding, which in this context, signifies a spiritual siege rather than a physical one. This action was a testament to the Israelites' reliance on God's power rather than their own military might.

seven times
Repetition of the number seven underscores the divine orchestration of events. Marching seven times on the seventh day highlights the perfection and completeness of God's plan. It also serves as a test of endurance and faith for the Israelites, as they persist in their obedience to God's unusual strategy.

in the same manner
This phrase indicates consistency and faithfulness in following God's instructions. The Israelites did not deviate from the plan given by God, demonstrating their unwavering trust in His guidance. This consistency is a model for believers to follow God's commands with precision and dedication.

That was the only day
The uniqueness of this day sets it apart as a divinely appointed moment in history. It emphasizes that God's timing is perfect and that His plans often culminate in a singular, decisive moment. This phrase reminds believers that God's interventions are often unique and extraordinary.

they circled the city seven times
The completion of seven circuits on the seventh day signifies the fulfillment of God's promise. The act of circling (סָבַב, sabab) is both a physical and spiritual act of claiming God's promise. It represents the culmination of faith and obedience, leading to the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls. This serves as a powerful reminder of the victory that comes through faith in God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The 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 Israelites
The people of God, chosen to inherit the Promised Land. They are obedient to God's commands as they march around Jericho.

3. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, representing the first major obstacle in the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land.

4. The Seventh Day
A significant day in the biblical account, often associated with completion and divine intervention. In this context, it marks the culmination of the Israelites' obedience and faith.

5. Marching Around the City
A unique military strategy commanded by God, emphasizing faith and obedience over conventional warfare tactics.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' success at Jericho was not due to military might but their obedience to God's unconventional instructions. This teaches us the importance of trusting and obeying God's guidance, even when it defies human logic.

The Power of Faith
The act of marching around Jericho for seven days required faith in God's promise. Our faith in God's promises can lead to victory over seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Divine Timing
The significance of the seventh day highlights God's perfect timing. We are reminded to be patient and trust in God's timing for the fulfillment of His promises.

Community and Unity
The Israelites acted as one body, following Joshua's leadership. This unity was crucial for their success, teaching us the importance of community and collective faith in achieving God's purposes.

Symbolism of the Number Seven
The number seven often symbolizes completeness and perfection in the Bible. This event encourages us to seek spiritual completeness through our relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Israelites' obedience in Joshua 6:15 challenge our understanding of faith and action in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of divine timing, as seen in the seventh day, to our personal circumstances?

3. How does the account of Jericho connect with other biblical accounts that emphasize faith and obedience, such as the account of Abraham or the early church?

4. What role does community play in our spiritual victories, and how can we foster unity within our own faith communities?

5. How can the symbolism of the number seven in this passage inspire us to seek spiritual completeness and maturity in our walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 11:30
This verse highlights the faith of the Israelites in the fall of Jericho, connecting their actions to the broader theme of faith in the New Testament.

Exodus 20:8-11
The concept of the seventh day as a day of completion and rest is rooted in the creation account and the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the importance of divine timing.

1 Samuel 15:22
This verse underscores the importance of obedience to God over sacrifice, paralleling the Israelites' obedience in marching around Jericho.