So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

JOSHUA 6:20KJV
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Joshua 6:20 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:20 mean?

Joshua 6:20 describes how the people of Israel shouted loudly after the priests blew their trumpets, and at that moment, the walls of Jericho collapsed, allowing every Israelite to go straight into the city and capture it. This verse marks the dramatic moment when Jericho fell, just as God had promised, through the obedience and unified action of the Israelites.

In this scene, Joshua is leading the Israelites as they follow God’s instructions to conquer the city of Jericho. The people have marched around the city for seven days, and now, at the sound of the trumpet and the people’s great shout, the city’s defenses fall. The verse highlights the miraculous nature of the victory and the importance of the people acting together in faith.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:20

  • "Shouted" (רָעַע, ra‘a): This word means to raise a loud cry or shout, often used for battle cries. Here, it emphasizes the intensity and unity of the people’s action at a key moment.
  • "Trumpets" (שׁוֹפָר, shofar): The shofar is a ram’s horn used for signaling in battle or worship. Its sound marks the turning point in the story, signaling God’s intervention.
  • "Wall" (חוֹמָה, choma): This word refers to the city’s defensive wall, which was considered impenetrable. Its sudden collapse underlines the miraculous nature of the event.
  • "Flat" (נָפַל, naphal): This verb means “to fall,” and in this context, it shows that the wall didn’t just crack or break—it fell down completely, making a direct path for the people.

Why Joshua 6:20 matters

  • Joshua 6:20 clears up the idea that Jericho fell by military might; the verse stresses that the walls fell after the people obeyed God’s unusual instructions, not through their own strength.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by showing the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Israel the land, demonstrating that victory comes through faith and obedience.
  • The detail that “every man went straight before him” highlights the suddenness and completeness of the victory, as each person could enter the city directly without obstacles.