Joshua 6:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →At the seventh circuit, as the trumpets sound, Joshua commands the people to shout because the Lord has given them the city.
What Does Joshua 6:16 Mean?
At the seventh time around, with the trumpets blowing, the long silence finally breaks. Joshua gives the awaited command: "Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city." The reason for the shout is stated as already accomplished -- the Lord has given them Jericho, even while its wall still stands.
The shout is a cry of faith before sight. Israel is told to declare the victory as a present reality on the strength of God's word alone. The credit is placed entirely with the Lord: it is He who "hath given" the city. This is how God's people are taught to live -- responding to His promise with confident praise before the evidence appears, because His word is sure. The breakthrough belongs to Him, and the people's part is to trust and proclaim it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 6:16
What does Joshua 6:16 mean?
At the seventh circuit, as the trumpets sound, Joshua commands the people to shout because the Lord has given them the city.