But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.

JOSHUA 6:19KJV
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Joshua 6:19 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:19 mean?

Joshua 6:19 states that all the silver, gold, and objects made of brass and iron taken from Jericho are to be set apart for God and placed in His treasury. These valuable items are not for personal use but are dedicated to the LORD as holy property.

In this verse, Joshua is relaying God's instructions to the Israelites as they conquer Jericho. The command sets apart certain spoils from the city—specifically precious metals and vessels—to be consecrated, meaning they are reserved for God alone. This act marks the firstfruits of conquest, showing that the victory and its gains belong to God, not to the people.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:19

  • "Consecrated" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means "set apart" or "holy." In this context, it signals that these items are not ordinary spoils but are reserved exclusively for God.
  • "Treasury" (אוֹצָר, otsar): This refers to a storehouse or collection place for valuables dedicated to God. It highlights that these items are not simply destroyed or ignored but are gathered for a sacred purpose.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The use of God's personal name underlines that the dedication is to the God of Israel specifically, not just a general religious act.

Why Joshua 6:19 matters

  • Joshua 6:19 clarifies that not everything taken in battle was for the Israelites' personal gain; some things were to be treated as holy and set aside for God.
  • This verse helps explain the seriousness of later events in the chapter, especially the consequences for anyone who disobeys this command.
  • The instruction connects to a broader biblical theme of giving the "firstfruits" or the best to God, especially at the start of a new chapter in Israel's history.

Where else these words appear

“iron” Hebrew H1270 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • 1 Kings 6:7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.
  • Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

“treasury” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:1 Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished: and Solomon brought in all the things that David his father had dedicated; and the silver, and the gold, and all the instruments, put he among the treasures of the house of God.
  • Isaiah 2:7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:

“brass” Hebrew H5178 · used in 119 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • Deuteronomy 8:9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:2 Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.