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Joshua 6

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1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. 3 March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. 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. 5 And 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. “ 6 So 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." 7 And he told the people, “Advance and march around the city, with the armed troops going ahead of the ark of the LORD." 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. 9 While the horns continued to sound, the armed troops marched ahead of the priests who blew the horns, and the rear guard followed the ark. 10 But Joshua had commanded the people: “Do not give a battle cry or let your voice be heard; do not let one word come out of your mouth until the day I tell you to shout. Then you are to shout!" 11 So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. And the people returned to the camp and spent the night there. 12 Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of the LORD. 13 And the seven priests carrying seven rams’ horns kept marching ahead of the ark of the LORD and blowing the horns. The armed troops went in front of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the horns kept sounding. 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. 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. 16 After the seventh time around, the priests blew the horns, and Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! 17 Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster upon it. 19 For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury." 20 So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. 21 At the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys. 22 Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out the woman and all who are with her, just as you promised her." 23 So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers, and all who belonged to her. They brought out her whole family and settled them outside the camp of Israel. 24 Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it. However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house. 25 And Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her father’s household and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. So she has lived among the Israelites to this day. 26 At that time Joshua invoked this solemn oath: “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates." 27 So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.

‹ Chapter 5 Joshua — All Chapters Chapter 7 ›

Study Notes — Joshua 6

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Chapter Summary

Joshua 6 recounts the conquest of Jericho, the first city the Israelites encountered as they entered the Promised Land. The chapter begins with the Lord's instruction to Joshua on how to capture the city, which involved marching around the city walls for six days and then on the seventh day, marching around them seven times, after which the walls would collapse (Joshua 6:1-5). The Israelites obeyed, and on the seventh day, after the seventh march, the walls of Jericho fell, allowing the Israelites to take the city (Joshua 6:6-27). The chapter also records the salvation of Rahab and her family, who were spared because of her faith and kindness to the Israelite spies (Joshua 6:22-25). The conquest of Jericho was a significant event, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to the Israelites and striking fear into the hearts of the surrounding nations.

Context for the Chapter

Joshua 6 is set at the beginning of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, following their crossing of the Jordan River. The chapter is crucial in establishing the tone for the rest of the book of Joshua, highlighting God's power, the importance of obedience, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It also connects with the broader biblical narrative, particularly with the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and looks forward to the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and power, especially in situations that seem insurmountable. It reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they do not make sense to us, and it points to the universal offer of salvation through faith, regardless of one's background or past.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Joshua 6 tells the story of how the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquered the city of Jericho with God's help. The city walls fell down after the Israelites marched around them for seven days, showing God's great power. A woman named Rahab, who lived in Jericho, was saved because she believed in the God of the Israelites and hid their spies. This chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and promises, just like Joshua and the Israelites did, and to remember that God's salvation is available to everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, as seen in Rahab's story (Joshua 6:25).

Voices from the Church

“The conquest of Jericho is a marvelous display of God's omnipotence, and it should encourage all believers to trust in His power and goodness.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“In the destruction of Jericho, we see how God's judgments are always righteous and how His mercy is always available to those who seek Him in faith.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-5) — God gives Joshua instructions on how to capture Jericho, involving a unique strategy of marching around the city walls.
  2. Marching Around Jericho (Joshua 6:6-14) — The Israelites obey God's command, marching around Jericho once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day.
  3. The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:15-27) — After the seventh march on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho collapse, and the Israelites take the city, destroying everything in it except for Rahab and her family.
  4. The Salvation of Rahab (Joshua 6:22-25) — Rahab and her family are spared because of her faith and kindness to the Israelite spies, illustrating God's redeeming work.
  5. Conclusion and Warning (Joshua 6:26-27) — The chapter concludes with a curse pronounced by Joshua on anyone who would rebuild Jericho, serving as a reminder of God's judgment on disobedience.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God
The chapter clearly demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events, as the conquest of Jericho is initiated and accomplished by God's power and according to His plan.
Faith and Obedience
The Israelites' obedience to God's commands, despite their seeming irrationality, illustrates the importance of faith in action and trust in God's goodness and power.
Redemption and Salvation
Rahab's salvation serves as an example of God's redeeming work, showing that salvation is available to all who put their faith in God, regardless of their background or past.
God's Covenant Faithfulness
The fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land highlights God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His people, demonstrating His reliability and trustworthiness.

Lessons from Joshua 6

  1. Trust in God's Power — The conquest of Jericho teaches us to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even in situations that seem impossible or insurmountable.
  2. Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, illustrating that true faith is demonstrated through actions of trust and obedience.
  3. Universal Offer of Salvation — Rahab's salvation shows us that God's offer of salvation is universal, available to all who put their faith in Him, regardless of their background or past.
  4. God's Covenant Faithfulness — The fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His people, encouraging us to trust in His promises.
  5. Faith in Action — The Israelites' obedience in marching around Jericho illustrates that faith must be accompanied by action, demonstrating our trust in God's power and goodness.

Themes from Joshua 6

  1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all events, as the conquest of Jericho is initiated and accomplished by God's power and according to His plan.
  2. Faith and Obedience — The importance of faith and obedience is emphasized, as the Israelites' trust in God and obedience to His commands lead to their victory over Jericho.
  3. Redemption and Salvation — Rahab's story illustrates God's redeeming work, showing that salvation is available to all who put their faith in God, regardless of their background or past.
  4. God's Covenant Faithfulness — The fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His people, encouraging us to trust in His promises.
  5. Trust and Dependence on God — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and promises, illustrating that our dependence on Him is crucial for overcoming the challenges we face.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the conquest of Jericho teach us about God's power and sovereignty?
  2. How does Rahab's story illustrate the universal offer of salvation through faith?
  3. What role does obedience play in the conquest of Jericho, and what lessons can we apply to our own lives?
  4. In what ways does the chapter highlight God's covenant faithfulness and promise-keeping nature?
  5. How does the story of Jericho's conquest encourage us to trust in God's power and promises in our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-5)

6:1 The Lord gives Joshua instructions on how to capture Jericho, emphasizing His sovereignty and power over the conquest.
6:2 God assures Joshua of the conquest, stating that He has already delivered Jericho into their hands, highlighting His faithfulness and power.

2. Marching Around Jericho (Joshua 6:6-14)

6:6 Joshua passes on God's instructions to the priests and the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.
6:10 The Israelites are commanded not to shout or make any noise until the seventh day, illustrating their trust in God's plan and power.

3. The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:15-27)

6:15 The Israelites march around Jericho once a day for six days, demonstrating their obedience to God's commands and trust in His power.
6:20 After the seventh march on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho collapse, and the Israelites take the city, fulfilling God's promise and demonstrating His power.

4. The Salvation of Rahab (Joshua 6:22-25)

6:22 Joshua sends the two men who had spied out the land to bring out Rahab and all who belonged to her, illustrating God's redeeming work and salvation.
6:25 Rahab and her family are spared because of her faith and kindness to the Israelite spies, serving as an example of God's universal offer of salvation through faith.

5. Conclusion and Warning (Joshua 6:26-27)

6:26 Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho, serving as a reminder of God's judgment on disobedience and the importance of trusting in His power and promises.
6:27 The chapter concludes with the Lord being with Joshua, and his reputation spreading throughout the land, highlighting God's presence and power among His people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of marching around Jericho?

The marching around Jericho was a demonstration of the Israelites' trust in God's power and plan, as well as an act of obedience to His commands, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in achieving victory over the challenges we face (Joshua 6:1-5).

Why was Rahab spared?

Rahab was spared because of her faith and kindness to the Israelite spies, illustrating God's universal offer of salvation through faith and demonstrating that salvation is available to all who put their trust in God, regardless of their background or past (Joshua 6:25).

What does the conquest of Jericho teach us about God's power?

The conquest of Jericho teaches us that God's power is supreme and that He is able to accomplish what seems impossible to us, encouraging us to trust in His power and promises, even in the face of overwhelming challenges (Joshua 6:1-27).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Joshua 6:2 → Hebrews 11:30 The conquest of Jericho by faith is referenced in Hebrews 11:30 as an example of trust in God's power and promises, highlighting the importance of faith in achieving victory over the challenges we face.
2 Joshua 6:25 → Matthew 1:5 Rahab's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5 underscores the universal offer of salvation through faith, demonstrating that God's salvation is available to all who put their trust in Him, regardless of their background or past.
3 Joshua 6:1 → Deuteronomy 7:1-2 The command to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan is rooted in Deuteronomy 7:1-2, which emphasizes the importance of separating from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations and trusting in God's power and promises.
4 Joshua 6:17 → Leviticus 27:28 The concept of dedicating things to the Lord as an offering is discussed in Leviticus 27:28, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, as well as the need to separate from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations.
5 Joshua 6:20 → Hebrews 11:31 The faith of Rahab is commended in Hebrews 11:31, alongside other examples of faith from the Old Testament, demonstrating the importance of faith and obedience in achieving victory over the challenges we face and trusting in God's power and promises.
6 Joshua 6:26 → 1 Kings 16:34 The curse pronounced by Joshua on anyone who would rebuild Jericho is later referenced in 1 Kings 16:34, which records the fulfillment of this curse, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, as well as the need to obey His commands.
7 Joshua 6:1 → Joshua 5:13-15 The appearance of the commander of the Lord's army to Joshua in Joshua 5:13-15 sets the stage for the conquest of Jericho, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, as well as the need to obey His commands.
8 Joshua 6:27 → Joshua 8:1 The conclusion of the conquest of Jericho in Joshua 6:27 leads into the next chapter, where the Israelites face a new challenge at Ai, highlighting the ongoing need to trust in God's power and promises, as well as the importance of obedience to His commands.
9 Joshua 6:24 → Deuteronomy 20:16-18 The destruction of Jericho and its inhabitants is in accordance with the commands given in Deuteronomy 20:16-18, emphasizing the importance of separating from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations and trusting in God's power and promises.
10 Joshua 6:25 → Matthew 1:1-17 Rahab's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17 underscores the theme of God's grace and redemption, demonstrating that God's salvation is available to all who put their trust in Him, regardless of their background or past.

Sermons on Joshua 6

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Hebrews 11 - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and how it will be tested. He shares a personal anecdote about a young girl who remembered his sermon from three yea
Warren Wiersbe Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha
Carter Conlon The Devil Is After One Thing in Your Trial by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having God's word deeply rooted within us to resist the devices of darkness. They rebuke depression and lies of the devil,
Art Katz The Cosmic Setting by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and opposing the spirit power realm that seeks to manipulate and possess individuals and societies. The church
Roy Hession (Men Who Saw God) 4. Joshua by Roy Hession In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho. Joshua, feeling inadequate with his small army, encounters a man with a drawn sword who revea
J. Vernon McGee (Guidelines) Archaeology by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses how archaeology has provided evidence that supports the authenticity of the Word of God. They mention that in the past, some people denied the
George Warnock Cranbrook 1993 10-4-93 Am by George Warnock In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the direction and orders of the captain of the hosts of the Lord. He uses the example of Joshua receiving the blu
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Joshua 1-8 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses the excitement and importance of walking after the Spirit. He references the story of Joshua encountering a man with a drawn sword near Jeric
Art Katz K-051 Anatomy of a Shout by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of a shout in the spiritual realm. They explain that a shout of a certain quality and constitution has the ability to break the pow
Roy Hession The Ark of the Covenant: Around Jericho Part Iii by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of cooperating with God's instructions, even when they seem feeble or unlikely to bring about victory. He uses the story of Jo

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 6

In Joshua 6, we see the marvelous display of God's power and faithfulness in the conquest of Jericho. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem irrational or impossible, demonstrating that true faith is about trusting and obeying. The salvation of Rahab serves as a powerful example of God's redeeming work, showing that salvation is available to all who put their faith in Him. As Matthew Henry notes, the conquest of Jericho is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His people, encouraging us to trust in His power and promises, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Through this event, we are reminded of the importance of separating from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations and trusting in God's power and promises, highlighting the ongoing relevance of this chapter to our lives today. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Initiative

It's notable how the conquest of Jericho is initiated by God, with detailed instructions given to Joshua, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all events.

Obedience and Faith

The Israelites' obedience to God's seemingly irrational commands is a striking example of faith in action, demonstrating that true faith is not about understanding but about trusting and obeying.

The Role of Rahab

Rahab's story within the chapter serves as a powerful illustration of God's grace and the inclusivity of the gospel, showing that faith in God can come from unexpected places and lead to salvation.

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