And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.

JOSHUA 6:13KJV
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Joshua 6:13 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:13 mean?

Joshua 6:13 describes how seven priests, each carrying a ram’s horn trumpet, walked in front of the Ark of the LORD, blowing their trumpets as they went, while armed soldiers marched ahead of them and a rear guard followed behind the Ark. This verse gives a detailed picture of the procession as the Israelites circled Jericho.

The scene takes place as Joshua leads the Israelites in following God’s instructions to conquer Jericho. The priests and soldiers are carrying out a specific ritual: circling the city with the Ark at the center, priests blowing trumpets, and armed men forming the front and rear. This careful order highlights the sacredness and seriousness of the event, showing that the Ark—the symbol of God’s presence—is central to their actions.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:13

  • "Trumpets" (שׁוֹפָר, shofar): This word refers to a ram’s horn, not a metal trumpet. The use of the shofar signals a religious or ceremonial act, not just a military one.
  • "Ark" (אָרוֹן, aron): This is the Ark of the Covenant, the sacred chest representing God’s presence among the people. Its position in the procession emphasizes its importance.
  • "Rereward" (אָסַף, asaph): This word means the rear guard or those who gather behind. It shows that the people were protected on all sides, with the Ark in the center.

Why Joshua 6:13 matters

  • Joshua 6:13 clarifies that the Israelites’ actions around Jericho were not a typical military maneuver but a divinely ordered ritual, with the Ark and priests at the center.
  • The verse emphasizes the careful obedience of the people to God’s instructions, showing the importance of order and reverence in their approach.
  • This detail connects to the larger story of Jericho’s fall, highlighting that victory comes through following God’s unique guidance, not through conventional warfare.