The walls of Jericho collapsed through a unified trust in God’s plan.
The people of Israel had circled Jericho in obedience to God’s command, culminating in a dramatic and decisive moment. As Joshua 6:20 narrates, “So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city.” (v.20) This city of Jericho, located near the Jordan River to the west, held a strategic position in the ancient world. Excavations and historical records often refer to Jericho as one of the oldest settlements in existence, underscoring the magnitude of Israel’s triumph in conquering it around 1406 BC.
When the verse states that “the priests blew the trumpets” and “the people shouted with a great shout” (v.20), it highlights the complete unity and faith required to obey God’s instructions. Under the leadership of Joshua—a figure who assumed command of Israel after Moses’ death in 1406 BC—Israel had just crossed the Jordan River to begin the conquest of Canaan. Joshua’s pivotal role around this time (1406 BC-1390 BC) included directing the Israelite army according to God’s specific guidance. The dramatic falling of Jericho’s walls affirms that their obedience, combined with God’s power, yielded miraculous results that foreshadow future victories and divine interventions throughout Scripture. This event also offers a reminder of how faith in God’s promises can bring down even the most imposing obstacles (Hebrews 11:30).
Furthermore, “the wall fell down flat” and “they took the city” (v.20) demonstrates the fulfillment of the Lord’s earlier promise to Joshua that He would deliver Jericho into Israel’s hands (Joshua 6:2). According to the New Testament, believers in Jesus can likewise trust God’s remarkable ability to overcome spiritual strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The account in Joshua 6:20 stands out as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the importance of absolute reliance on His power. Just as the Israelites marched in obedience and witnessed the walls of Jericho crumble, Christians today are reminded that the Lord’s instructions remain the sure path to victory.
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Joshua 6:20 meaning
The people of Israel had circled Jericho in obedience to God’s command, culminating in a dramatic and decisive moment. As Joshua 6:20 narrates, “So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city.” (v.20) This city of Jericho, located near the Jordan River to the west, held a strategic position in the ancient world. Excavations and historical records often refer to Jericho as one of the oldest settlements in existence, underscoring the magnitude of Israel’s triumph in conquering it around 1406 BC.
When the verse states that “the priests blew the trumpets” and “the people shouted with a great shout” (v.20), it highlights the complete unity and faith required to obey God’s instructions. Under the leadership of Joshua—a figure who assumed command of Israel after Moses’ death in 1406 BC—Israel had just crossed the Jordan River to begin the conquest of Canaan. Joshua’s pivotal role around this time (1406 BC-1390 BC) included directing the Israelite army according to God’s specific guidance. The dramatic falling of Jericho’s walls affirms that their obedience, combined with God’s power, yielded miraculous results that foreshadow future victories and divine interventions throughout Scripture. This event also offers a reminder of how faith in God’s promises can bring down even the most imposing obstacles (Hebrews 11:30).
Furthermore, “the wall fell down flat” and “they took the city” (v.20) demonstrates the fulfillment of the Lord’s earlier promise to Joshua that He would deliver Jericho into Israel’s hands (Joshua 6:2). According to the New Testament, believers in Jesus can likewise trust God’s remarkable ability to overcome spiritual strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The account in Joshua 6:20 stands out as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the importance of absolute reliance on His power. Just as the Israelites marched in obedience and witnessed the walls of Jericho crumble, Christians today are reminded that the Lord’s instructions remain the sure path to victory.