◄ Joshua 6:8 ►
After 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.
Study Bible
And after Joshua had spoken to the people
This phrase highlights the role of Joshua as a leader and prophet, who communicates God's commands to the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "spoken" is דָּבַר (dabar), which implies not just speaking, but conveying a message with authority and purpose. Joshua's leadership is pivotal, as he acts as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that divine instructions are clearly understood and followed. This reflects the importance of godly leadership in guiding a community according to divine will.

the seven priests
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, derived from the Hebrew word שֶׁבַע (sheva). The presence of seven priests signifies the completeness of the divine plan and the sacredness of the task at hand. Priests, in their role, serve as intermediaries between God and the people, emphasizing the holiness of the proceedings and the necessity of spiritual purity in executing God's commands.

carrying the seven trumpets
The trumpets, or שׁוֹפָרוֹת (shofarot) in Hebrew, are ram's horns used in ancient Israel for religious and military purposes. The use of trumpets here is significant, as they are instruments of both worship and warfare, symbolizing the merging of divine intervention with human action. The sound of the trumpet is a call to attention, a signal of God's presence and power, and a herald of impending victory.

before the LORD
This phrase underscores the concept of acting in the presence of God, or לִפְנֵי יְהוָה (lifnei YHWH) in Hebrew. It signifies that the actions of the priests and the Israelites are not merely ritualistic but are performed with the awareness of God's immediate presence. This serves as a reminder of the omnipresence of God and the need for reverence and obedience in His sight.

went forward
The movement "went forward" indicates progression and obedience to God's command. The Hebrew root עָבַר (avar) suggests crossing over or advancing, which in this context, reflects the Israelites' faith and trust in God's plan. It is a physical manifestation of their spiritual journey, moving forward in faith towards the fulfillment of God's promises.

blowing the trumpets
The act of blowing the trumpets is both a literal and symbolic action. The Hebrew word תָּקַע (taqa) means to blow or sound, and it represents a proclamation of faith and a declaration of God's impending victory. This act is a demonstration of obedience and trust in God's power to deliver, serving as a catalyst for the miraculous events that follow.

and the ark of the covenant of the LORD
The Ark of the Covenant, אָרוֹן הַבְּרִית (aron habrit) in Hebrew, is the most sacred object in Israelite worship, representing God's presence and His covenant with Israel. Its presence in the procession signifies that the battle is not merely physical but spiritual, with God Himself leading His people. The Ark is a tangible reminder of God's promises and faithfulness.

followed them
The phrase "followed them" indicates the order and structure of the procession, with the Ark following the priests. This arrangement highlights the centrality of God's presence in the midst of His people. The Hebrew root for "followed" is הָלַךְ (halak), meaning to walk or go, suggesting that God's presence is actively moving with and guiding the Israelites. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's guidance and protection as His people step out in faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the conquest of Canaan.

2. The Seven Priests
These priests were chosen to carry the trumpets and play a crucial role in the battle of Jericho, symbolizing spiritual leadership and obedience to God's commands.

3. The Trumpets
Specifically, ram's horns (shofar), used in religious ceremonies and battles, signifying God's presence and the call to action.

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

5. Jericho
A fortified city in Canaan, the first major conquest for the Israelites in the Promised Land, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' success at Jericho was contingent upon their obedience to God's specific instructions. This teaches us the importance of following God's guidance in our lives, even when it seems unconventional.

The Role of Spiritual Leadership
The priests leading with the trumpets highlight the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding God's people. We are reminded to respect and support those who lead us spiritually.

The Presence of God
The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's presence. As believers, we are called to carry God's presence with us, living in a way that reflects His holiness and love.

Faith in Action
The Israelites' march around Jericho was an act of faith. We are encouraged to put our faith into action, trusting God to bring down the "walls" in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the priests in Joshua 6:8 inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's instructions in our daily lives, as the Israelites were at Jericho?

3. How does the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in this passage relate to the concept of God's presence in our lives today?

4. What are some "walls" in your life that require faith and obedience to God to overcome, similar to the walls of Jericho?

5. How can the account of Jericho inspire us to trust in God's power and timing, even when His plans seem unconventional or challenging?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25:10-22
Describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its significance as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

1 Samuel 4:3-11
Illustrates the misuse of the Ark as a mere talisman, contrasting with its proper role in Joshua 6 as a symbol of God's guidance and power.

Hebrews 11:30
Reflects on the faith of the Israelites in the fall of Jericho, connecting their obedience to the broader theme of faith in action.
Sermons
Siege of JerichoR. Glover Joshua 6:8
Joshua Taking JerichoD. Davies.Joshua 6:6-11
People
Israelites, Joshua, Nun, Rahab
Places
Jericho
Topics
Advanced, Agreement, Ark, Bearing, Blast-trumpets, Blew, Blowing, Blown, Carrying, Commanded, Covenant, Followed, Forward, Horns, Joshua, Jubilee, Lord's, Pass, Passed, Priests, Rams, Seven, Speaketh, Spoken, Trumpets
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 6:8

     5595   trumpet
     8421   equipping, physical

Joshua 6:1-21

     8131   guidance, results

Joshua 6:2-20

     5595   trumpet

Joshua 6:3-14

     1653   numbers, 6-10

Joshua 6:4-16

     7306   ark of the covenant

Library
Rahab
'And Joanna paved Rahab the harlot alive... and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day.'--JOSHUA vi. 25. This story comes in like an oasis in these terrible narratives of Canaanite extermination. There is much about it that is beautiful and striking, but the main thing is that it teaches the universality of God's mercy, and the great truth that trust in Him unites to Him and brings deliverance, how black soever may have been the previous life. I need not tell over again the story, told with such …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Siege of Jericho
'And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, ... until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. 11. So the ark of the Lord compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.'-- JOSHUA vi.10, 11. The cheerful uniform obedience of Israel to Joshua stands in very remarkable contrast with their perpetual murmurings and rebellions under Moses. Many reasons probably concurred in bringing about this …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Shout of Faith
"And when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up, every man straight before him." The shout of a steadfast faith is an experience that is in direct contrast to the moans of a wavering faith, and to the wails of discouraged hearts, both of which we have been considering in our last two chapters. In the history of the children of Israel there were many occasions when they indulged …
Hannah Whitall Smith—The God of All Comfort

Jericho Itself.
We read, that this city was not only wasted by Joshua with fire and sword, but cursed also. "Cursed be he before the Lord, who shall rise up and build that city Jericho," Joshua 6:26. "Nor was another city to be built (says the Talmudists), which was to be called by the name of Jericho: nor was Jericho itself to be built, although to be called by another name." And yet I know not by what chance this city crept out of dust and rubbish, lived again, and flourished, and became the second city to Jerusalem. …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Whether it is Lawful for Clerics and Bishops to Fight?
Objection 1: It would seem lawful for clerics and bishops to fight. For, as stated above [2661](A[1]), wars are lawful and just in so far as they protect the poor and the entire common weal from suffering at the hands of the foe. Now this seems to be above all the duty of prelates, for Gregory says (Hom. in Ev. xiv): "The wolf comes upon the sheep, when any unjust and rapacious man oppresses those who are faithful and humble. But he who was thought to be the shepherd, and was not, leaveth the sheep, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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