And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.

JOSHUA 6:8KJV
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Joshua 6:8 (KJV)

What does Joshua 6:8 mean?

Joshua 6:8 describes how, after Joshua gave instructions to the people, seven priests carrying seven ram’s horn trumpets marched ahead of the LORD, blowing the trumpets, while the ark of the covenant followed behind them. This verse shows the beginning of the Israelites’ procession around Jericho, following God’s specific commands.

Joshua is leading the Israelites as they prepare to conquer Jericho. He has just finished speaking to the people, and now the priests and the ark—the sacred container representing God’s presence—are moving in a set order. The priests’ blowing of the ram’s horns signals both a religious act and a sign of God’s involvement in what is about to happen.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 6:8

  • The word for “trumpets” is שׁוֹפָרוֹת (shofarot), which refers to ram’s horn trumpets. These were not metal instruments but curved animal horns, often used in Israelite worship and for signaling in battle.
  • “Before the LORD” uses the word לִפְנֵי (lifnei), meaning “in the presence of” or “ahead of.” This highlights that the priests are leading the way, but ultimately, they are moving before God, not just before the people.
  • The “ark” is אֲרוֹן (aron), and “covenant” is בְּרִית (berit). Together, אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית (aron habrit) means “ark of the covenant,” the most sacred object in Israel’s worship, symbolizing God’s promise and presence.

Why Joshua 6:8 matters

  • Joshua 6:8 clarifies that the priests and the ark are central to the procession, showing that this is not just a military maneuver but a religious act led by God’s representatives.
  • The verse helps clear up that the trumpets used were shofarot—ram’s horns—emphasizing the spiritual and ceremonial nature of the event, not just a call to battle.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the Israelites’ obedience to God’s unusual instructions, setting the stage for the miraculous fall of Jericho’s walls.

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.

“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.