“And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord. 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.”
In this verse, Joshua gives specific instructions to the priests and the people regarding the conquest of Jericho. To better understand the significance of this verse, let’s consider the broader context and explore its spiritual implications.
Preparation and obedience:Prior to the events described in Joshua 6:6, God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites in the conquest of the Promised Land. The people had already crossed the Jordan River, and now they stood before Jericho, a fortified city. Joshua, as their leader, sought guidance from God and received specific instructions on how to proceed. The verse emphasises the importance of obedience and preparation in carrying out God’s commands.
The ark of the covenant:The ark of the covenant was a sacred symbol of God’s presence among His people. It contained the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, signifying the covenant between God and the Israelites. In Joshua 6:6, Joshua instructs the priests to carry the ark, representing the divine presence, as they marched around Jericho. The ark symbolised God’s power and protection, reminding the people that their victory depended on His presence and guidance.
The role of the priests and the trumpets:Joshua instructs the priests to bear seven trumpets made of rams’ horns. These trumpets were used as a form of proclamation and worship. The priests were responsible for blowing the trumpets as they circled the city of Jericho. The significance of this act lies in its demonstration of faith and reliance on God’s power rather than military strategies or human strength. The use of the trumpets served as an act of worship, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and inviting His intervention.
Strategic obedience:Joshua further directs the armed men to pass before the ark of the Lord. This positioning signifies their readiness to defend and protect the sacred symbol of God’s presence. By placing the armed men before the ark, Joshua emphasises the importance of strategic obedience. The Israelites were to trust in God’s plan and provision while actively participating in His work.
