King James Version

What Does Joshua 6:8 Mean?

Joshua 6:8 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' ... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.

Joshua 6:8 · KJV


Context

6

And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.

7

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.

8

And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.

9

And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets. rereward: Heb. gathering host

10

And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. any noise: Heb. your voice to be heard


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The people's immediate obedience—'as Joshua had spoken'—demonstrates covenant faithfulness. The seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns (shophar yobel, שׁוֹפַר יוֹבֵל) before Yahweh emphasizes the theocentric nature of this military operation. These weren't battle trumpets but ritual instruments, particularly associated with Jubilee celebrations (Leviticus 25:9) and divine revelation (Exodus 19:16). The trumpet blast proclaimed God's kingship and coming judgment. 'Before the LORD' (lifnei YHWH, לִפְנֵי יְהוָה) indicates the action occurs in God's presence, under His direction, for His glory. The ark following symbolizes God accompanying His people into battle. This coordination creates a unified act of worship-obedience. This prefigures spiritual warfare where believers advance not by carnal weapons but through prayer and God's presence (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The use of rams' horns (shofar) connects this conquest to Israel's worship life. The shofar sounded at Mount Sinai when God gave the Law (Exodus 19:16-19), at Jubilee announcing liberty, and at festivals celebrating God's kingship. By using liturgical instruments in warfare, Joshua signals that conquest of Canaan is fundamentally about establishing God's kingdom rule, not merely territorial acquisition. The Ancient Near East commonly believed that warfare involved conflict between national deities—when armies clashed, so did their gods. Israel's procession with the ark declared that Yahweh was personally present to fight for His people. The silent marching (verse 10) heightened the solemnity, turning military campaign into sacred ritual. This was holy war in the truest sense—God Himself waging war against wickedness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should understanding spiritual warfare as fundamentally about God's kingdom change our strategies?
  2. What is the significance of using instruments of worship in the context of judgment?
  3. In what ways does the church advance through worship rather than worldly power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 21
H1961

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

כֶּֽאֱמֹ֣ר2 of 21

had spoken

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮3 of 21

And it came to pass when Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

אֶל4 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָם֒5 of 21

unto the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

שִׁבְעָ֨ה6 of 21

that the seven

H7651

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

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֡ים7 of 21

priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

נֹֽשְׂאִים֩8 of 21

bearing

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

שִׁבְעָ֨ה9 of 21

that the seven

H7651

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

בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֑וֹת10 of 21

trumpets

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

הַיּֽוֹבְלִים֙11 of 21

of rams' horns

H3104

the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus i

לִפְנֵ֣י12 of 21

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֔ה13 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עָֽבְר֕וּ14 of 21

passed on

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

וְתָֽקְע֖וּ15 of 21

and blew

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֑וֹת16 of 21

trumpets

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

וַֽאֲרוֹן֙17 of 21

and the ark

H727

a box

בְּרִ֣ית18 of 21

of the covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֔ה19 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֹלֵ֖ךְ20 of 21

followed

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃21 of 21

them

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)


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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study