Joshua 6:4
Joshua 6:4 in Multiple Translations
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.
And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.
And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.
And let seven priests go before the ark with seven loud-sounding horns in their hands: on the seventh day you are to go round the town seven times, the priests blowing their horns.
Seven priests are to go ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram's horn. On the seventh day, march seven times around the city, with the priests blowing their rams' horns.
And seuen Priests shall beare seuen trumpets of rams hornes before the Arke: and the seuenth day ye shall compasse the citie seuen times, and the Priests shall blow with the trumpets.
and seven priests do bear seven trumpets of the jubilee before the ark, and on the seventh day ye compass the city seven times, and the priests blow with the trumpets,
Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day, you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.
And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.
And on the seventh day the priests shall take the seven trumpets, which are used in the jubilee, and shall go before the ark of the covenant: and you shall go about the city seven times, and the priests shall sound the trumpets.
Tell seven priests to march around with them. Each priest must carry a trumpet. Four other priests must carry the sacred chest, and they must walk behind the priests who are carrying the trumpets. On the seventh day, the army must march around the city seven times, and the priests must be blowing the trumpets while they march.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 6:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֣ה
כֹהֲנִ֡ים
יִשְׂאוּ֩
שִׁבְעָ֨ה
שׁוֹפְר֤וֹת
הַ/יּֽוֹבְלִים֙
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
הָ/אָר֔וֹן
וּ/בַ/יּוֹם֙
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֔י
תָּסֹ֥בּוּ
אֶת
הָ/עִ֖יר
שֶׁ֣בַע
פְּעָמִ֑ים
וְ/הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
יִתְקְע֖וּ
בַּ/שּׁוֹפָרֽוֹת
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֣ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Conj | Adj
כֹהֲנִ֡ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
N-mp
יִשְׂאוּ֩
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
שִׁבְעָ֨ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שׁוֹפְר֤וֹת
shôwphâr
H7782
trumpet
N-mp
הַ/יּֽוֹבְלִים֙
yôwbêl
H3104
jubilee/horn
Art | N-mp
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הָ/אָר֔וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Art | N-cs
וּ/בַ/יּוֹם֙
yôwm
H3117
day
Conj | Prep | N-ms
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֔י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
seventh
Art | Adj
תָּסֹ֥בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
פְּעָמִ֑ים
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp
וְ/הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Conj | Art | N-mp
יִתְקְע֖וּ
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בַּ/שּׁוֹפָרֽוֹת
shôwphâr
H7782
trumpet
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 6:4
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֣ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Conj | Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
כֹהֲנִ֡ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
יִשְׂאוּ֩
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
שִׁבְעָ֨ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
שׁוֹפְר֤וֹת
shôwphâr
H7782
"trumpet"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
הַ/יּֽוֹבְלִים֙
yôwbêl
H3104
"jubilee/horn"
Art | N-mp
Jubilee, or yobel, refers to the blast of a horn, a trumpet, or a cornet, and also the festival or year marked by its blowing, as described in Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ram, ram's horn, trumpet, cornet 1a) ram (only in combination) 1a1) ram's horn, trumpet 1b) jubilee year (marked by the blowing of cornets) (meton)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: jubile, ram's horn, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:13; Leviticus 25:52; Joshua 6:13.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/אָר֔וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
וּ/בַ/יּוֹם֙
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֔י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
"seventh"
Art | Adj
The Hebrew word for seventh, this term is an ordinal number used to describe something in the seventh position. It appears in the Bible as seventh time.
Definition: 1) seventh 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: seventh (time). See also: Genesis 2:2; Numbers 29:12; Jeremiah 28:17.
תָּסֹ֥בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
פְּעָמִ֑ים
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
וְ/הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Conj | Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
יִתְקְע֖וּ
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
בַּ/שּׁוֹפָרֽוֹת
shôwphâr
H7782
"trumpet"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
Study Notes — Joshua 6:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 6:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 6:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 6:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 6:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 6:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 6:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 6:4
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 6:4
- Sermons on Joshua 6:4
Context — The Walls of Jericho
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 collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city. ” 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 20:17 | You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” |
| 2 | Revelation 16:1 | Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God’s wrath.” |
| 3 | 1 Kings 18:43 | “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” |
| 4 | Revelation 8:2 | And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets. |
| 5 | Revelation 8:6 | And the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. |
| 6 | Numbers 23:1 | Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” |
| 7 | Revelation 5:6 | Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. |
| 8 | Revelation 10:3 | Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices. |
| 9 | Judges 7:15–22 | When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’” Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. |
| 10 | Revelation 15:1 | Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues, with which the wrath of God is completed. |
Joshua 6:4 Summary
[Joshua 6:4 tells us that seven priests were to carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark, and on the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times while blowing the horns. This was a powerful demonstration of the Israelites’ trust in God’s power and promises. By following God’s instructions precisely, they were able to conquer the city of Jericho, just as God had promised (Joshua 6:2). This reminds us that when we trust and obey God, He can do great things in our lives, just as He did for the Israelites (Psalm 37:3-5).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns in front of the ark in Joshua 6:4?
The seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns in front of the ark symbolized the perfection and completeness of God’s plan to conquer Jericho, as seen in Joshua 6:4, and was a demonstration of their trust in God’s power and promises, similar to the trust exhibited by the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14.
What is the significance of marching around the city seven times on the seventh day?
Marching around the city seven times on the seventh day, as instructed in Joshua 6:4, represented the completion and fulfillment of God’s plan, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faith, as also seen in the concept of the Sabbath day of rest in Exodus 20:8-11.
How does the use of rams’ horns relate to the conquest of Jericho?
The blowing of the rams’ horns, as mentioned in Joshua 6:4, was a call to battle and a declaration of God’s presence and power, similar to the use of trumpets in Numbers 10:9 to summon the Israelites to assemble and prepare for battle.
What can we learn from the specific instructions given to the Israelites in this verse?
The detailed instructions in Joshua 6:4 demonstrate the importance of following God’s commands precisely, as also emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, where obedience to God’s commands is linked to blessing and success.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God’s power and promises, just like the Israelites did in Joshua 6:4?
- How can I apply the principle of completing a task according to God’s plan, as seen in the marching around the city seven times, to my own life and challenges?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my faith and obedience to God, like the seven priests carrying the seven rams’ horns, in my daily life and decisions?
- What are some 'walls' in my life that need to come down, and how can I trust in God’s power to overcome them, as seen in Joshua 6:5?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 6:4
And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns,.... The ark was to be taken up and carried by priests round the city.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 6:4
And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 6:4
Of rams’ horns, or, of the jubilees, i.e. such trumpets wherewith they were to sound in the years of jubilee, . Either this, or one of the other six, was certainly a sabbath day; and it is not material which was it, for the command of the Lord of the sabbath was sufficient to legitimate any action.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 6:4
Joshua 6:4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. Ver. 4. Seven trumpets of rams’ horns.] God usually goeth a way by himself, and worketh his will by such means as the world judgeth absurd and ridiculous. And the seventh day.] Which, probably, was the Sabbath day, wherein, "by the foolishness of preaching," God still overturneth the strongholds of Satan, by the priests blowing with their trumpets.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 6:4
(4) Seven trumpets of rams’ horns.—Literally, trumpets of jubilee—i.e., of loud or joyful sound.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 6:4
Verse 4. Seven trumpets of rams' horns] The Hebrew word יובלים yobelim does not signify rams' horns; (See Clarke on Leviticus 25:11); nor do any of the ancient versions, the Chaldee excepted, give it this meaning. The instruments used on this occasion were evidently of the same kind with those used on the jubilee, and were probably made of horn or of silver; and the text in this place may be translated, And seven priests shall bear before the ark the seven jubilee trumpets, for they appear to have been the same kind as those used on the jubilee. Seven times] The time was thus lengthened out that the besiegers and the besieged might be the more deeply impressed with that supernatural power by which alone the walls fell.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 6:4
4. trumpets of rams’ horns] Rather, trumpets of soundings, or, of jubilee; “seuen trompes, vhose use is in the jubile.” Not the long straight trumpets generally used, but the same kind that were to be employed on the first day of the seventh month (Leviticus 23:24), and to announce the year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:9). This instrument was curved, and would be more accurately rendered “cornet,” as in 1 Chronicles 15:28; 2 Chronicles 15:14; Psalms 98:6; Hosea 5:8; Daniel 3:5. seven] Observe the significance here of the number: seven priests; seven horns; seven days of compassing the walls; seven repetitions of it on the seventh day. The influence of the number “seven” was not restricted to the Hebrews. It prevailed among the Persians (Esther 1:10; Esther 1:14), among the ancient Indians, to a certain extent among the Greeks and Romans, and probably among all nations where the week of seven days was established, as in Egypt, Arabia, China. Amongst the Hebrews seven days were appointed as the length of the Feasts of Passover and Tabernacles; seven days for the ceremonies of the consecration of priests; seven victims were to be offered on any special occasion; and at the ratification of a treaty, the notion of seven was embodied in the very term signifying to swear, literally meaning to do seven times (Genesis 21:28). The number seven was thus impressed with the seal of sanctity as the symbol of all connected with the Deity, with the subordinate notions of perfection or completeness. See Smith’s Bibl. Dict. Art. “Seven.”
Sermons on Joshua 6:4
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(2008 Usa Tour) the Secret Place by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for addressing important matters from the Bible in every congregation. They urge for a sense of urgency and carefulness in addressin |
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(Basics) 30. Praise Opens Closed Doors by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of not being afraid and trusting in God's power. He uses the example of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, who admitted his powerle |
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The Five Smooth Stones by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of facing opposition and persecution in his ministry. Despite doors being shut and attempts to destroy him, he did not lose anyone |
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Dvd 14 the Core of Prophetic and Apostolic Reality by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of the church being a part of God's cosmic moral drama, preparing for the end times and the salvation of Israel. It calls for a deep sense of |
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God's Normal Order - Called to Be Priests by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good product that doesn't require excessive promotion. He reflects on the past advertising strategies used in yout |
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Jehoshaphat - "Faith Cometh by Hearing" by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the importance of faith that comes from hearing the Word of God, using the story of King Jehoshaphat to illustrate how faith must be mixed with action t |
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Camp Spalding - Part 1 by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and worshiping God together. He highlights the need for reconciliation and redemption within the family of God. The |