And he said vnto the people, Passe on, and compasse the city, and let him that is armed passe on before the Arke of the Lord. Joshua 6:7 (KJV)
The city of Jericho was the first major obstacle the Israelites faced as they entered the Promised Land. It was fortified with massive walls, making it a formidable stronghold, and God gave Joshua specific instructions on how to conquer it. In this verse Joshua tells the people to “pass on” and “compass the city.” The word “pass” means to move forward or advance, while “compass” means to encircle or surround. Thus the Israelites were to march around the city of Jericho in a deliberate, obedient procession.
Joshua also directs the armed men to go before the priests who carry the ark of the LORD. The ark was a sacred chest representing the presence of God among His people. Placing the armed forces before the ark emphasized the importance of God’s presence and leadership in the military campaign, and it showed that victory depended on divine guidance rather than human might alone.
The act of marching around the city was a powerful symbol of obedience and faith. By encircling Jericho exactly as God commanded, the Israelites demonstrated their trust in His power and His promise to give them victory. The ark leading the way indicated their reliance on God’s presence and guidance throughout the operation.
Joshua’s command highlights the necessity of obedience to God’s instructions, even when the plan seems unusual or unconventional. The Israelites had to trust that following God’s plan would bring success, and this passage underscores the need for the same obedience and faith in our own lives as we follow God’s guidance.
While the events at Jericho are specific to the Israelites’ conquest, the principles are timeless. This verse reminds believers to trust God’s leading, even when His methods appear 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 obedience, trust, and reliance on God’s presence and guidance. It serves as a reminder that God’s ways often differ from human expectations, and our role is to follow His instructions faithfully, even when they seem challenging or unfamiliar.
