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
Know the Bible

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.

Where else these words appear

“shout” Hebrew H8643 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • 2 Samuel 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
  • Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

“shouted” Hebrew H7321 · used in 42 verses

  • Numbers 10:7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
  • Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
  • Psalms 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

“blew” Hebrew H8628 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 31:25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.
  • Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
  • Proverbs 6:1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

“trumpets” Hebrew H7782 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • 2 Samuel 2:28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
  • Isaiah 27:13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.