Bible Strands
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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joshua addresses the assembled Israelite congregation immediately after instructing the priests to prepare the ark and trumpets. He issues marching orders to the nation just before the siege of Jericho commences.
The words — The command hinges on עִבְר֖וּ ('iv.Ru), meaning "pass on" or "advance," and וְ/סֹ֣בּוּ (ve./So.bu), meaning "and go round" or "march around." These verbs directly dictate the physical movement Joshua requires from the troops.
The thread — The directive echoes the initial siege plan in Joshua 6:3, which first established the circuit of the city. It also aligns with the armed advance described in Joshua 4:13, where forty thousand combatants moved ahead of the camp.
Why it lands — The verse requires immediate obedience to a specific tactical sequence before any spiritual action occurs. It places the people's physical movement and military positioning under direct command rather than autonomous strategy.
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 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.
Cross-references
- Joshua 4:13 About 40,000 troops armed for battle crossed over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho.
- Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them,
- Joshua 6:3 March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days.