Joshua 6:4

The Walls of Jericho · Joshua 6:1–27
Read Joshua 6

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And seven priests shall bear the seven shofars of rams before the face of the ark. And the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow on the shofars.
Latin
Septimo autem die, sacerdotes tollant septem buccinas, quarum usus est in jubilæo, et præcedant arcam fœderis: septiesque circuibitis civitatem, et sacerdotes clangent buccinis.

Original

Hebrew
English
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.

Notes

  • Seven is a biblical number representing perfection.

  • Seven priests led the ark of the covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, at the front of Israel’s forces. This arrangement showed that God himself fought against the town. Israel only needed to march and watch, then shout and watch. Finally, they would easily capture the town after God did the work.

  • The ram’s horn (Hebrew shofar) could produce different pitches to signal either battle or worship. In battle, the shofar warned troops or people in towns of an enemy’s approach. Or it signaled the call to advance or retreat.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua God as Holy Warrior Holy War

Events

Glossary

Achan, Achar Communication Conquest and Allotment of the Land Gilgal Jericho Joshua (Person) Joshua, Book of Judah, Tribe of Judges, Book of Rahab (Person) Ram Ram’s Horn Sheep Tribe of Dan Trumpet

Topics

Communion: Joshua Horns were Used: As Musical Instruments Priests: Services of Blowing the Trumpets on Various Occasions Seven: Days: The Israelites Encircled Jericho For Seven: The Israelites Surrounded Jericho Seven Times, and on the Seventh Day Sounding Seven Trumpets Sieges: Jericho Trumpet in the Siege of Jericho Trumpet: Made of Ram's Horn Trumpet: Made of Rams' Horns