“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.”
Here’s a breakdown of the verse and its significance within the broader context:
Context:The city of Jericho was the first major obstacle the Israelites faced as they entered the Promised Land. The city was fortified with massive walls, making it a formidable stronghold. God gave Joshua specific instructions on how to conquer it.
Passing on and compassing the city:In this verse, Joshua tells the people to “pass on” and “compass the city.” The word “pass” here means to move forward or advance, while “compass” means to encircle or surround. Joshua is instructing the Israelites to march around the city of Jericho.
Armed ones before the ark of the LORD:Joshua also tells the armed men to go before the ark of the Lord. The ark of the Lord was a sacred chest representing the presence of God among His people. By placing the armed men before the ark, Joshua emphasizes the importance of God’s presence and leadership in their military campaign.
Symbolic significance:The act of marching around the city of Jericho was a significant symbol of obedience and faith in God’s instructions. It demonstrated the Israelites’ trust in God’s power and His promise to give them victory. The ark of the Lord leading the way indicated their reliance on God’s presence and guidance.
Obedience and trust:Joshua’s command reflects the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. The Israelites had to trust that following God’s plan, even if it seemed unusual or unconventional, would lead to victory. This passage highlights the need for obedience and faith in our own lives as we follow God’s guidance.
Application:While the events of Jericho are specific to the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land, there are timeless principles we can apply to our lives. This verse reminds us to trust in God’s leading, even when His methods may seem unconventional or beyond our understanding. It encourages us to be obedient to God’s instructions, knowing that His ways are higher than ours.
Overall, Joshua 6:7 emphasizes the importance of obedience, trust, and reliance on God’s presence and guidance. It serves as a reminder that God’s ways are often different from ours, and our role is to follow His instructions faithfully, even if they seem unconventional or challenging.
