Bible Strands
Joshua 6:3
March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — God commands Joshua to direct the armed men of Israel to march around Jericho once daily for six days.
The words — The Hebrew verbs סַבֹּתֶם (sabotem) and הַקֵּיף (haqeqif) both literally mean to go around or encircle the city.
The thread — This encircling order aligns with the subsequent command to march around the city with the armed troops ahead of the ark in Joshua 6:7, while the repeated marching structure continues in the seven-day cycle of Joshua 6:4.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to obey a specific, non-conventional military routine without adding personal strategy or questioning the method.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
- Numbers 14:9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”
- Joshua 6:7 And he told the people, “Advance and march around the city, with the armed troops going ahead of the ark of the LORD.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
- Joshua 6:14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.