Joshua Chapter 6 records one of the most famous victories in the Old Testament—the fall of Jericho. After Israel crosses the Jordan River and enters the Promised Land, the heavily fortified city of Jericho stands directly in their path. Instead of relying on conventional military tactics, Israel receives unusual instructions from God: march around the city for seven days, with priests carrying trumpets and the Ark of the Covenant leading the procession. Israel’s victory demonstrates that the conquest of the Promised Land will ultimately depend upon God’s power rather than human strength. The chapter also highlights obedience, judgment, faith, and mercy through the rescue of Rahab and her household.
Joshua Chapter 6 Summary
Joshua 6 begins with Jericho completely shut because of the Israelites. No one enters or leaves the fortified city.
The Lord tells Joshua that He has already given Jericho, its king, and its warriors into Israel’s hands. God then provides an unusual battle plan.
Israel’s armed men are to march around Jericho once each day for six days. Seven priests carrying seven trumpets made from rams’ horns are to walk before the Ark of the Covenant. The people must remain silent during the march until Joshua commands them to shout.
On the seventh day, everything changes.
Israel rises early and marches around Jericho seven times. During the seventh circuit, the priests sound their trumpets. Joshua then commands the people to shout because the Lord has given them the city.
Before the attack, Joshua reminds Israel that Jericho is devoted to destruction. However, Rahab and everyone with her inside her house are to be spared because she protected the Israelite spies. The Israelites are also warned not to take anything devoted to destruction for themselves. Silver, gold, bronze, and iron are to be placed in the Lord’s treasury.
At Joshua’s command, the people shout while the priests blow their trumpets. The walls of Jericho collapse, allowing Israel’s warriors to advance directly into the city.
Joshua then sends the two spies to Rahab’s house. They rescue Rahab, her father, mother, relatives, and everyone belonging to her household. Rahab is preserved and eventually lives among the Israelites.
Jericho is burned, while the designated precious metals are placed into the treasury of the Lord.
Joshua pronounces a curse upon anyone who attempts to rebuild Jericho, and the chapter concludes by declaring that the Lord was with Joshua, causing his reputation to spread throughout the land.
Key Lessons – Joshua Chapter 6
- Victory ultimately comes from God. Jericho’s massive defenses could not prevent the Lord from accomplishing His purpose.
- Faith requires obedience even when God’s instructions seem unusual. Israel had to follow God’s battle plan exactly before witnessing the walls fall.
- God’s timing requires patience. Israel marched for six days without seeing the walls move, yet they continued obeying until the appointed moment.
- God’s presence was central to Israel’s victory. The Ark of the Covenant occupied an important place in the procession, emphasizing that the Lord—not Israel’s military power—was leading them.
- God takes holiness and obedience seriously. Israel was warned not to take for themselves what had been devoted to destruction.
- Faith can lead to mercy in the midst of judgment. Rahab had trusted the God of Israel and protected His messengers, and she and her household were spared.
- God keeps His promises. The seemingly impossible fortress of Jericho fell exactly as God had promised Joshua.
Important Verses
- Joshua 6:2
- “And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.”
- Joshua 6:4
- “And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns.”
- Joshua 6:16
- “And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.”
- Joshua 6:17
- “And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house.”
- Joshua 6:20
- “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.”
- Joshua 6:25
- “And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father’s household, and all that she had.”
- Joshua 6:27
- “So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country.”
