And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.

JOSHUA 6:4KJV
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Joshua 6:4 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:4 mean?

Joshua 6:4 describes God’s instructions for the Israelites as they prepare to conquer Jericho: seven priests are to walk in front of the ark of the covenant, each carrying a ram’s horn trumpet, and on the seventh day, they are to circle the city seven times while the priests blow the trumpets. This verse sets out a specific ritual for the Israelites to follow as part of God’s plan for taking the city.

In this scene, God is speaking to Joshua, the leader of Israel, giving him detailed directions for the siege of Jericho. The focus on the number seven and the involvement of priests and the ark highlight the religious and ceremonial nature of the event. The instructions are unusual for a military campaign, showing that the victory will come through obedience to God’s command rather than conventional warfare.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:4

  • The word for “seven” (שֶׁבַע, shevaʿ) appears several times, emphasizing completeness or perfection in Hebrew thought. Its repetition underlines that this act is set apart and significant.
  • “Priests” (כֹּהֵן, kohen) refers to those specially chosen to serve in religious duties, showing that this is a sacred procession, not just a military maneuver.
  • “Trumpets” (שׁוֹפָר, shofar) are ram’s horn instruments used in worship and signaling; their use here marks the event as both a call to action and a spiritual declaration.
  • “Ark” (אָרוֹן, aron) refers to the ark of the covenant, the symbol of God’s presence among the people, making it clear that God is at the center of this event.

Why Joshua 6:4 matters

  • Joshua 6:4 clarifies that the conquest of Jericho is not won by force, but by following God’s specific instructions, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience.
  • The verse connects the ritual actions to the larger story of Israel’s journey, showing that God’s presence (through the ark) and leadership are essential.
  • The repeated use of the number seven and the involvement of priests reveal that this is a divinely orchestrated event, not just a historical battle, setting the tone for the miraculous fall of Jericho that follows.

Where else these words appear

“horns” Hebrew H3104 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 19:13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.
  • Leviticus 25:31 But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubile.
  • Leviticus 27:21 But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's.

“blow” 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.

“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.