And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass on before the ark of the LORD.

JOSHUA 6:7KJV
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Joshua 6:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:7 mean?

Joshua 6:7 describes Joshua commanding the people to march around the city of Jericho, with the armed men leading the way ahead of the ark of the LORD. The verse shows the careful order and preparation as the Israelites begin to carry out God's unusual instructions for conquering the city.

Joshua is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to begin their march around Jericho, following the plan given by God. The command is specific: those who are armed should go first, and they are to move ahead of the ark, which represents God's presence. This verse highlights the seriousness and organization of the moment, as well as the central role of the ark in their actions.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:7

  • "said" (אָמַר, amar): This word is used for Joshua's command, emphasizing that he is giving a direct and authoritative instruction to the people.
  • "compass" (סָבַב, savav): This word means to go around or encircle, making it clear that the people are not attacking but circling the city as part of a ritual or strategy.
  • "armed" (חָלוּץ, chaluts): This refers to those prepared for battle, showing that the Israelites are ready for conflict even though they are following an unusual plan.
  • "ark" (אֲרוֹן, aron): This is the sacred chest that symbolizes God's presence, and its placement at the center of the procession highlights its importance in the event.

Why Joshua 6:7 matters

  • Joshua 6:7 clarifies that the Israelites' actions were not random but carefully ordered, with armed men and the ark both having specific roles.
  • The verse shows that the ark of the LORD was central to the Israelites' approach, underlining the spiritual dimension of the conquest rather than just military might.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the unique strategy for Jericho, which relied on obedience to God's instructions rather than conventional warfare.

Where else these words appear

“armed” Hebrew H2502 · used in 44 verses

  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

“compass” Hebrew H5437 · used in 147 verses

  • Genesis 2:11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
  • 2 Samuel 20:12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
  • Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.