King James Version

What Does Joshua 6:15 Mean?

Joshua 6:15 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.”

Joshua 6:15 · KJV

Context

13

And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rereward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.

14

And the second day they compassed the city once , and returned into the camp: so they did six days.

15

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.

16

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.

17

And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. accursed: or, devoted

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The seventh day marks the climax—they rose early, about the dawning of the day. The Hebrew sha'ar hashachar (שַׁעַר הַשָּׁחַר) means the gates of dawn, emphasizing the earliest light. This special timing sets the seventh day apart. Rising earlier than previous days shows heightened anticipation and obedience. They compass the city seven times on this day—a complete, divine number. Seven circuits on the seventh day equals forty-nine (7×7), approaching the Jubilee pattern of fullness and liberation (Leviticus 25). The sevenfold circling intensifies the proclamation and prophetically enacts Jericho's complete doom. What required one circuit for six days requires seven circuits on the culminating day. This isn't arbitrary but reflects divine design. The pattern teaches that God's final acts of judgment or deliverance often intensify before completion. The church's witness may intensify before Christ's return; spiritual battles often crescendo before breakthrough. Perseverance is crucial in the final stages.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The seventh day's significance was deeply rooted in Israel's theology. The Sabbath, seventh day of creation, represented God's rest and completed work (Genesis 2:2-3). The seventh year was Sabbath for the land (Leviticus 25:4). Seven connected to covenant completeness throughout Scripture. For Jericho's defenders, the seventh day brought something different—seven circuits instead of one. By the fourth or fifth circuit, panic likely set in. The relentless repetition, the increasing intensity, the ominous trumpet blasts—all signaled that climax approached. Archaeological evidence suggests Jericho's walls indeed fell suddenly, consistent with the biblical account. Whether through earthquake, supernatural intervention, or both, God acted decisively to fulfill His word. The early morning timing meant Israel began in darkness and completed as full daylight arrived—symbolically, from darkness to light, from siege to victory.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does rising early on the climactic day teach about preparation and anticipation for God's appointed times?
  2. How does the intensification (seven circuits) before breakthrough speak to your current spiritual battles?
  3. In what ways does the sevenfold pattern on the seventh day reveal God's complete and perfect work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 21

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י3 of 21

“And it came to pass on the seventh”

H7637

seventh

וַיַּשְׁכִּ֙מוּ֙4 of 21

“that they rose early”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

כַּֽעֲל֣וֹת5 of 21

“about the dawning”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַשַּׁ֔חַר6 of 21

“of the day”

H7837

dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)

סָֽבְב֥וּ7 of 21

“and compassed”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶת8 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעִ֖יר9 of 21

“the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֥ט10 of 21

“after the same manner”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

הַזֶּ֖ה11 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

שֶׁ֥בַע12 of 21

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

פְּעָמִֽים׃13 of 21

“times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

רַ֚ק14 of 21
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

בַּיּ֣וֹם15 of 21

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֔וּא16 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

סָֽבְב֥וּ17 of 21

“and compassed”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶת18 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעִ֖יר19 of 21

“the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

שֶׁ֥בַע20 of 21

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

פְּעָמִֽים׃21 of 21

“times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 6:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 6:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:147Matthew 28:12 Peter 1:19

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