Joshua 6:4

Have 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.

Study Bible

And have seven priests
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, reflecting God's divine order. The Hebrew word for seven is "שֶׁבַע" (sheva), which is rooted in the idea of fullness and abundance. The presence of seven priests signifies a complete and divinely ordained action, emphasizing the sacredness of the task at hand. Priests, as mediators between God and the people, underscore the spiritual nature of the battle, indicating that this is not merely a physical conquest but a spiritual one.

carry seven trumpets
The Hebrew word for trumpet is "שׁוֹפָר" (shofar), traditionally made from a ram's horn. The shofar is a powerful symbol in Jewish worship, used to announce significant events and call people to attention. The repetition of the number seven here reinforces the idea of divine completeness. The trumpets serve as a call to action and a reminder of God's presence and power, heralding the miraculous intervention that is to come.

of rams’ horns
Rams' horns, or "יֹבֵל" (yovel), are associated with jubilee and liberation. The use of rams' horns in this context symbolizes freedom and the breaking of bondage, as the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land. This imagery connects to the broader biblical theme of deliverance and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

before the ark
The Ark of the Covenant, or "אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית" (aron habrit), represents God's presence among His people. It is a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and manna. The ark going before the people signifies that God leads the way in their battles, providing guidance and assurance of victory. It is a powerful reminder that success comes not by human might but by divine intervention.

On the seventh day
The seventh day is significant in biblical tradition, echoing the Sabbath, a day of rest and holiness. The Hebrew word for day is "יוֹם" (yom), and the seventh day marks the culmination of God's creative work. In this context, it signifies the completion of the Israelites' obedience and the fulfillment of God's promise. It is a day set apart for the miraculous, underscoring the divine orchestration of events.

march around the city seven times
The act of marching around the city seven times is a demonstration of faith and obedience. The Hebrew word for march is "סָבַב" (sabab), meaning to go around or encircle. This repetitive action symbolizes perseverance and trust in God's plan, even when it defies human logic. It is a physical manifestation of spiritual warfare, where victory is achieved through faithfulness to God's commands.

while the priests blow the trumpets
The blowing of the trumpets, or "תָּקַע" (taqa), is an act of proclamation and declaration. It is a call to attention, signaling the imminent intervention of God. The continuous sound of the trumpets serves as a reminder of God's power and the certainty of His promises. It is a sound of triumph and anticipation, heralding the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls and the fulfillment of God's covenant with His people.

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. Priests
Religious leaders among the Israelites, tasked with carrying the rams' horns and leading the procession around Jericho.

3. Rams' Horns (Shofars)
Instruments used in religious ceremonies and battles, symbolizing God's presence and power.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel and His presence among His people.

5. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, the first major conquest for the Israelites in the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' victory 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 Faith
The Israelites' faith in God's promise led to the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls. Our faith can also lead to overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Symbolism of the Number Seven
The repeated use of the number seven (seven priests, seven horns, seven days) signifies completeness and divine perfection, reminding us of God's perfect plan and timing.

The Role of Worship in Spiritual Warfare
The blowing of the rams' horns and the presence of the Ark highlight the role of worship and God's presence in achieving victory over spiritual battles.

Community and Unity
The entire community of Israel participated in the march around Jericho, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective faith in achieving God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of the Israelites in Joshua 6:4 challenge us to trust and follow God's instructions in our own lives?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of the number seven in this passage encourage us to trust in God's perfect timing and plan?

3. How does the role of the priests and the Ark of the Covenant in the battle of Jericho illustrate the importance of worship and God's presence in our spiritual battles?

4. What lessons can we learn from the unity and collective action of the Israelites in their conquest of Jericho, and how can we apply these lessons to our church communities today?

5. How does the account of Jericho connect to other biblical accounts of faith and obedience, and what practical steps can we take to strengthen our faith in God's promises?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 19:13
The use of the shofar is also seen at Mount Sinai, where it signaled God's presence and the giving of the Law.

1 Samuel 4:3-5
The Ark of the Covenant is brought into battle, signifying God's presence and power among the Israelites.

Hebrews 11:30
The faith of the Israelites in the fall of Jericho is highlighted, showing the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan.