New International VersionSo Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the LORD and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.”
New Living TranslationSo Joshua called together the priests and said, “Take up the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant, and assign seven priests to walk in front of it, each carrying a ram’s horn.”
English Standard VersionSo Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD.”
Berean Standard BibleSo Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.”
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionThen Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD.”
New American Standard BibleSo Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and have seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.”
NASB 1995So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD.”
NASB 1977So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD.”
Legacy Standard BibleSo Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Carry the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of Yahweh.”
Amplified BibleSo Joshua the son of Nun called for the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and have seven priests carry seven trumpets made of rams’ horns ahead of the ark of the LORD.”
Christian Standard BibleSo Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven ram’s horns in front of the ark of the LORD.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven trumpets in front of the ark of the LORD.”
American Standard VersionAnd 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 Jehovah.
Contemporary English VersionJoshua called the priests together and said, "Take the chest and tell seven priests to carry trumpets and march ahead of it."
English Revised VersionAnd 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJoshua, son of Nun, summoned the priests. He said to them, "Pick up the ark of the promise, and have seven priests carry seven rams' horns ahead of the LORD's ark."
Good News TranslationJoshua called the priests and told them, "Take the Covenant Box, and seven of you go in front of it, carrying trumpets."
International Standard VersionSo Nun's son Joshua called for the priests. "Pick up the Ark of the Covenant," he told them, "and have seven priests carry seven trumpets made from rams' horns in front of the ark of the LORD."
NET BibleSo Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and instructed them, "Pick up the ark of the covenant, and seven priests must carry seven rams' horns in front of the ark of the LORD."
New Heart English BibleJoshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.”
World English BibleJoshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before Yahweh’s ark.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joshua son of Nun calls to the priests and says to them, “Carry the Ark of the Covenant, and seven priests carry seven horns of the rams before the Ark of YHWH”;
Young's Literal Translation And Joshua son of Nun calleth unto the priests, and saith unto them, 'Bear ye the ark of the covenant, and seven priests do bear seven trumpets of the jubilee before the ark of Jehovah;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Joshua son of Nun will call to the priests and say to them, Lift up the ark of the covenant, and seven priests shall lift up seven trumpets of signals before the ark of Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen Josue the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them: Take the ark of the covenant: and let seven other priests take the seven trumpets of the jubilee, and march before the ark of the Lord.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen Joshua, the son of Nun, called the priests, and he said to them, “Take the ark of the covenant, and let seven other priests take the seven trumpets of the jubilee, and advance before the ark of the Lord.”
New American BibleSummoning the priests, Joshua, son of Nun, said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant with seven of the priests carrying ram’s horns in front of the ark of the LORD.”
New Revised Standard VersionSo Joshua son of Nun summoned the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and have seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark of the LORD.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, Take up the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets and blow them before the ark of the LORD.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Yeshua, son of Nun, called the Priests and said to them: “Take up the ark of the covenant of LORD JEHOVAH and seven Priests shall take seven horns and they shall blow reveille before the ark of LORD JEHOVAH” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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 rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Joshua the son of Naue went in to the priests, and spoke to them, saying, And let seven priests having seven sacred trumpets proceed thus before the Lord, and let them sound loudly; and let the ark of the covenant of the Lord follow.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Walls of Jericho… 5And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city.” 6So Joshuasonof Nunsummonedthe priestsand said,“Take upthe arkof the covenantand have sevenpriestscarrysevenrams’ hornsin frontof the arkof the LORD.”7And he told the people, “Advance and march around the city, with the armed troops going ahead of the ark of the LORD.”…
Cross References Hebrews 11:30By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
Exodus 25:10-22And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. / Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. ...
1 Samuel 4:3-4When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why has the LORD brought defeat on us before the Philistines today? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh, so that it may go with us to save us from the hand of our enemies.” / So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
2 Samuel 6:2-3And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it. / They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart,
1 Chronicles 15:11-15David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. / And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. / It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” ...
Numbers 10:8The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come.
Numbers 31:6And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling.
1 Kings 8:1-6At that time Solomon assembled before him in Jerusalem the elders of Israel—all the tribal heads and family leaders of the Israelites—to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Zion, the City of David. / And all the men of Israel came together to King Solomon at the feast in the seventh month, the month of Ethanim. / When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark, ...
2 Chronicles 5:2-5At that time Solomon assembled in Jerusalem the elders of Israel—all the tribal heads and family leaders of the Israelites—to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Zion, the City of David. / So all the men of Israel came together to the king at the feast in the seventh month. / When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the Levites took up the ark, ...
1 Samuel 6:1-2When the ark of the LORD had been in the land of the Philistines seven months, / the Philistines summoned the priests and diviners, saying, “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us how to send it back to its place.”
2 Samuel 6:13-15When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. / And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, / while he and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sounding of the ram’s horn.
1 Chronicles 13:7-8So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding the cart. / David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.
1 Chronicles 16:4-6David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. / Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.
2 Chronicles 29:25-28Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ...
Psalm 132:8Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.
Treasury of Scripture And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD. Take up the ark. Joshua 6:8,13 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them… Joshua 3:3,6 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it… Exodus 25:14 And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them. Jump to Previous AgreementArkBearBlast-TrumpetsCarryCovenantHandsHornsJoshuaNunPriestsRamsSevenTrumpetsJump to Next AgreementArkBearBlast-TrumpetsCarryCovenantHandsHornsJoshuaNunPriestsRamsSevenTrumpetsJoshua 6 1.Jericho is shut up2.God instructs Joshua how to beseige it12.The city is composed17.It is accursed20.The walls fall down22.Rahab is saved26.The builder of Jericho is cursedSo Joshua son of Nun summoned the priestsJoshua, the leader of Israel after Moses, is identified as the son of Nun, emphasizing his role as a divinely appointed leader. The summoning of the priests highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in Israel's military campaigns. Priests played a crucial role in religious and national life, serving as mediators between God and the people. This action underscores the theocratic nature of Israel, where religious and military actions were intertwined. and said, “Take up the ark of the covenant
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and manna, representing God's guidance, authority, and provision. The Ark's presence in battle signified divine intervention and assurance of victory. This reflects the belief that success in battle depended on God's presence and favor. and have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns
The number seven is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or perfection. The use of seven priests and seven rams' horns indicates a divinely ordained plan. Rams' horns, or shofars, were used in religious ceremonies and as signals in battle. Their use here signifies a spiritual battle, where God's power, not military might, would bring victory. in front of the ark of the LORD.”
Positioning the priests and the horns in front of the Ark emphasizes the precedence of spiritual over military strategy. The Ark is referred to as the Ark of the LORD, highlighting God's sovereignty and the sacredness of the mission. This procession demonstrates faith and obedience, as the Israelites rely on God's instructions rather than conventional warfare tactics. This act prefigures the ultimate victory through faith in God's promises, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. His name in Hebrew, Yehoshua, means "The LORD is salvation." 2. PriestsThe religious leaders of Israel, responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant and performing sacred duties. They play a crucial role in the spiritual and military strategy of Israel. 3. Ark of the CovenantA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. It was central to Israel's worship and identity. 4. Seven PriestsA specific group chosen to carry the trumpets, symbolizing completeness and divine perfection in biblical numerology. 5. Trumpets of Rams’ Horns (Shofars)Instruments used in religious ceremonies and battles, symbolizing God's power and the call to worship or war. Teaching Points Obedience to Divine InstructionJoshua's immediate response to God's command demonstrates the importance of obedience in leadership and faith. We are called to trust and act on God's instructions, even when they defy human logic. The Role of Spiritual LeadersThe priests' involvement underscores the necessity of spiritual leadership in guiding God's people. We should support and pray for our spiritual leaders as they carry out their God-given responsibilities. Symbolism of the ArkThe Ark's presence signifies God's guidance and protection. In our lives, we should seek to carry God's presence with us, ensuring that our actions align with His will. Power of Worship and ProclamationThe use of trumpets highlights the power of worship and proclamation in spiritual warfare. We are encouraged to use worship as a tool to declare God's sovereignty and victory in our lives. Faith in ActionThe Israelites' faith was demonstrated through their actions. Our faith should likewise be active, manifesting in obedience and trust in God's promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Joshua 6:6?
2.How does Joshua 6:6 demonstrate obedience to God's specific instructions for victory?
3.What role does faith play in the actions of the priests in Joshua 6:6?
4.How can we apply the principle of following God's commands in our lives today?
5.What scriptural connections exist between Joshua 6:6 and other acts of faith in Scripture?
6.How does Joshua's leadership in Joshua 6:6 inspire us to lead with faith?
7.How does Joshua 6:6 demonstrate God's power and authority over human plans and actions?
8.What archaeological evidence supports the historical accuracy of events in Joshua 6:6?
9.How does Joshua 6:6 reflect the theme of obedience to divine commands?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 6?
11.How could the walls of Jericho have collapsed simply from trumpet blasts and shouting (Joshua 6:20)?
12.Why does the destruction narrative of Jericho differ from other historical records about the city's downfall (Joshua 6)?
13.Is there any archeological evidence supporting a sudden destruction of Jericho's walls in this manner (Joshua 6)?
14.What defines a holy war?What Does Joshua 6:6 Mean So Joshua son of NunJoshua steps forward as the faithful successor to Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9;Joshua 1:1–9). His name is repeated here to remind the people that God has already commissioned him. Just as Moses once obeyed the Lord at the Red Sea, Joshua now prepares to trust the Lord at Jericho (Exodus 14:13-16;Joshua 3:7-8). The verse begins with “So,” signaling that Joshua is acting immediately on God’s earlier command (Joshua 6:2-5). Obedience is neither delayed nor debated.
summoned the priests and saidJoshua’s first move is to gather those set apart for sacred service (Exodus 28:1;Numbers 3:5-10). The priests stood between God and the nation, carrying the symbols of covenant grace. By addressing them first, Joshua underscores that Israel’s victory will be spiritual before it is military (2 Chronicles 20:20-21). This is a battle the Lord Himself will fight; the priests simply facilitate His presence.
Take up the ark of the covenantThe Ark held the tablets of the Law, Aaron’s rod, and the manna (Hebrews 9:4;Exodus 25:16). It tangibly represented the throne of God among His people (Numbers 7:89). Lifting the Ark ensured Israel remembered that the Holy One was leading (Joshua 3:11, 13). No human general commands Jericho’s walls to fall; the Lord of hosts does (Psalm 24:8-10).
have seven priests carry seven rams’ hornsSeven is the Bible’s number of completeness (Genesis 2:2-3;Revelation 8:2). Rams’ horns—or shofars—signaled sacred moments: Jubilee, warfare, and worship (Leviticus 25:9;Numbers 10:8-10). Here, the paired sevens announce a perfectly ordained plan. The horns are not weapons but worship instruments, declaring that victory will resound to God’s glory alone (Judges 7:18-22).
in front of the ark of the LORDThe priests and their trumpets go ahead, but the Ark remains central, visually preaching that God’s presence is the decisive factor (Joshua 6:8-9). Military logic would put warriors first; divine strategy puts worship first (1 Samuel 4:4-5, though later misused). By positioning the Ark behind the horn-blowers, Joshua ensures every step, blast, and eventual shout stays under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1).
summaryJoshua 6:6 shows immediate, trusting obedience as Joshua orders a priest-led procession centered on the Ark. Every detail—the consecrated leaders, the sacred Ark, the symbolic sevens, the forward-marching horns—proclaims that Jericho’s fall will be God’s miraculous work, achieved through worshipful faith rather than human force.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ(yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091:Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelitessonבִּן־(bin-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Nunנוּן֙(nūn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5126:Nun -- father of Joshuasummonedוַיִּקְרָ֞א(way·yiq·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readthe priestsהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים(hak·kō·hă·nîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548:Priestand said,וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Take upשְׂא֖וּ(śə·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takethe arkאֲר֣וֹן(’ă·rō·wn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727:A chest, arkof the covenantהַבְּרִ֑ית(hab·bə·rîṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285:A covenantand have sevenוְשִׁבְעָ֣ה(wə·šiḇ·‘āh)Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7651:Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite numberpriestsכֹֽהֲנִ֗ים(ḵō·hă·nîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548:Priestcarryיִשְׂאוּ֙(yiś·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takesevenשִׁבְעָ֤ה(šiḇ·‘āh)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7651:Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite numbertrumpetsשֽׁוֹפְרוֹת֙(šō·wp̄·rō·wṯ)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7782:A cornet, curved hornin frontלִפְנֵ֖י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceof the arkאֲר֥וֹן(’ă·rō·wn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727:A chest, arkof the LORD.”יְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
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OT History: Joshua 6:6 Joshua the son of Nun called (Josh. Jos) |
