And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.

JOSHUA 6:15KJV
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Joshua 6:15 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:15 mean?

Joshua 6:15 describes how, on the seventh day of the Israelites’ campaign against Jericho, they got up early at dawn and marched around the city seven times, unlike the previous days when they circled it only once. This verse highlights a specific change in their routine, marking the climax of their obedience to God’s instructions before the city’s walls fell.

In this passage, the people of Israel, led by Joshua, are carrying out God’s unusual command for conquering Jericho. For six days, they had marched around the city once each day, but on the seventh day, they circled it seven times. This detail sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, showing their careful attention to God’s directions and building anticipation for what is about to happen.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:15

  • "Seventh" (שְּׁבִיעִי, shevi‘i) and "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva): These words emphasize the repeated use of the number seven, which often signals completeness or fulfillment in Hebrew thought. The repetition underlines the special significance of this day in the story.
  • "Compassed" (סָבַב, savav): This word means to go around or circle. The action is deliberate and methodical, showing the Israelites’ obedience and persistence.
  • "Early" (שָׁכַם, shakham) and "dawning" (עָלָה, ‘alah): These words stress that the people started at daybreak, suggesting eagerness and readiness to follow God’s command without delay.

Why Joshua 6:15 matters

  • Joshua 6:15 clarifies that the Israelites’ actions on the seventh day were different from the previous six, which is key to understanding the miracle that follows.
  • The emphasis on the number seven connects this event to broader biblical themes of completion and God’s timing, helping readers see the story’s deeper layers.
  • This verse shows the Israelites’ careful obedience, setting an example of trust and faithfulness that is central to the whole account of Jericho.

Where else these words appear

“day” Hebrew H7837 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
  • Job 38:12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;
  • Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

“early” Hebrew H7925 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

“seventh” Hebrew H7637 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Leviticus 23:16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
  • 1 Kings 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

“times” Hebrew H6471 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • Deuteronomy 9:19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.
  • 2 Kings 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.