“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, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.”– Joshua 6:20 (KJV)
“When the people heard the sound of the ram’s horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it.”– Joshua 6:20 (NLT)
“The people gave a loud shout, and the trumpet blared. The wall collapsed. The people charged straight into the city and took it.”– Joshua 6:20 (MSG)
What Does Joshua 6:20 Mean?
When we look at Joshua 6:20, we see a powerful moment in biblical history. This verse captures the conquering of Jericho, a key event for the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. It emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and the supernatural power of God.
The fall of the walls of Jericho came after the Israelites followed God’s instructions precisely. There was a unique battle plan that God had given to Joshua, and it did not involve traditional weapons or strategies. Instead, it included marching around the city, blowing trumpets, and shouting. This shows us that sometimes God’s ways can seem unconventional or illogical to us as humans. However, when we trust and obey Him, we can see miraculous outcomes.
Joshua 6:20 Explanation and Commentary
The victory at Jericho is more than just a military success for the Israelites. It signifies how God works through faith and His divine intervention. The Israelites had been wandering in the desert for 40 years, learning to trust in God’s promises. They were about to receive their long-awaited inheritance.
When the priests blew the trumpets, it was a moment filled with anticipation and hope. The shout from the people represented their faith. In Hebrews 11:30, it clearly states, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.” This means it was their faith—not their strength or strategy—that led to victory.
In every challenge we face, we might find ourselves at a “Jericho” moment. We may feel stuck, challenged, or in need of a breakthrough. The message from this verse resonates with us: by trusting in God and following His guidance, we can overcome obstacles, just as the Israelites did. The act of shouting signifies our belief that God has the power to help us triumph over our challenges. So, let us be encouraged by this example and remember that we too can claim victory when we rely on faith and God’s promise.
Moreover, we can reflect on the significance of the walls falling down. This is symbolic of the barriers we face in our lives. It serves as a reminder that no matter how fortified our challenges may feel, with faith and unity, we can see them crumble.
Context of Joshua 6:20
To fully appreciate Joshua 6:20, we must consider the context surrounding this event. The Israelites had arrived at the Promised Land, but standing in their way was the fortified city of Jericho, known for its impenetrable walls. They had been wandering for forty years, and now they faced their first major challenge. Jericho was a test of their faith and trust in God.
God instructed Joshua to lead the people in a unique battle plan that seemed absurd by worldly standards. They were to march around peacefully for six days, and on the seventh day, they were to encircle the city seven times before they shouted. This strategy was a divine command, requiring complete obedience and faith from the Israelites. They had to trust that God’s plan would bring the desired outcome, even though they could not see how it would happen.
As they completed this unusual plan, their excitement grew. After six days of marching, there was an increasing sense of anticipation in the air. Each day they followed the prescribed action in faith, fulfilling God’s instructions, and preparing their hearts. The seventh day came, and as the trumpets sounded and the shouts erupted, the walls that loomed over them crumbled. Suddenly, the long-awaited promise materialized right before their eyes.
This anticipatory moment can resonate within us as we seek our own promises from God. We may find ourselves in seasons of waiting, wondering when our “walls” will fall. Yet, just like the Israelites, we are reminded to hold onto hope, trust the process, and be ready to experience God’s miraculous interventions in our lives. Let us not forget that God has a plan, and He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Joshua 6:20
The verse is full of significant elements we can break down to understand its depth better. The components include the trumpets, the shout of the people, and the falling of the walls. Each element plays a crucial role in the narrative.
First, the trumpets sounded by the priests symbolize God’s call to action. In ancient Israel, trumpets were used to signal important events. Here, they represent God’s power and presence. The moment the trumpets were blown, it indicated that something significant was about to happen.
Next, we see the shout of the people. This act was not just a loud noise; it reflected their faith, unity, and belief in God’s promise to deliver them. Their shout was a declaration of victory before they saw the outcome. It encourages us to proclaim our faith even when we cannot see the evidence. It reminds us that God listens to our cries and knows our hearts.
Finally, the walls falling down symbolize the breaking of barriers and the realization of God’s promises. These walls represented not only a physical blockade but also spiritual and emotional barriers that can keep us from stepping into our destinies. As these walls crumbled, the people’s faith was rewarded with victory.
By understanding these key parts, we draw powerful lessons about God’s nature and His willingness to support us when we follow His plan and maintain faith in His promises.
Lessons to Learn From Joshua 6:20
This verse teaches us valuable lessons that we can apply to our lives today. We learn about faith, trust, obedience, and the effectiveness of communal effort in the face of challenges. These lessons can shape not only our understanding of biblical faith but also how we engage with our faith in everyday living.
One of the fundamental lessons is that true faith often requires action. The Israelites didn’t just sit around; they actively participated in a unique process. Their faith wasn’t passive. By marching around Jericho, they demonstrated trust in God’s plan. In our own lives, we must remember that faith often calls for us to take steps forward, even when it seems counterintuitive.
Another lesson we can gather is the importance of unity. The people of Israel were together, marching and shouting as one. There’s strength in harmony, and we can apply this in our own communities. When we come together in faith and worship, we can create powerful changes. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Similarly, our collective faith can help us overcome obstacles.
We also learn about God’s faithfulness. When the Israelites followed His instructions, they witnessed His faithfulness in action. God’s track record shows us that He keeps His promises. Isaiah 55:11 states, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” This assurance can help us during difficult times.
Ultimately, Joshua 6:20 encourages us to keep faith alive in our hearts. Whatever wall we face today—be it fear, doubt, or temptation—we can learn that with God, these walls can fall, and we can experience victory. It serves as a reminder to trust the process and cling tightly to faith.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Joshua 6:20 offers us a glimpse into a powerful moment of faith, victory, and divine intervention. It highlights the importance of obeying God’s plans, even when they seem strange. Through it, we witness how God responds to faith and obedience. We can face our Jerichos with courage and assurance, trusting that God will help us overcome obstacles.
Let us remember to encourage each other in faith, to share our stories of victory, and to uplift those who may be struggling with their own walls. God is still in the business of making walls fall. We can walk forward with confidence, shouting our praises and marching in faith.
As we consider our own lives and the challenges we face, let’s cultivate a spirit of trust, unity, and action. If you’re interested in exploring more about overcoming challenges, consider looking at John 7:10 which speaks of divine timing. Or read Numbers 13:20 which discusses courage in the face of adversity.
May our faith lead us boldly into the promises God has for us!