Joshua 6 11

Joshua 6:11 kjv

So the ark of the LORD compassed the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.

Joshua 6:11 nkjv

So he had the ark of the LORD circle the city, going around it once. Then they came into the camp and lodged in the camp.

Joshua 6:11 niv

So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there.

Joshua 6:11 esv

So he caused the ark of the LORD to circle the city, going about it once. And they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp.

Joshua 6:11 nlt

So the Ark of the LORD was carried around the town once that day, and then everyone returned to spend the night in the camp.

Joshua 6 verses

Joshua 6 11 Meaning

Joshua 6:11 describes the initial, daily phase of the divinely ordained strategy for conquering Jericho. It states that the Ark of the Lord, carried by priests, encircled the city one time each day, after which the entire assembly returned to the Israelite camp to spend the night. This verse highlights obedience to God's precise instructions and the central role of the Ark, symbolizing God's presence and authority, in the unique spiritual warfare against Jericho.

Joshua 6 11 Context

Joshua 6 begins with a unique divine strategy for the capture of Jericho, Israel's first major obstacle in Canaan. God instructs Joshua on a seemingly illogical battle plan: a silent daily march around the city, led by the Ark and armed men, culminating in a dramatic seven-day assault. Verse 11 details the first six days' activities, emphasizing the procession of the Ark, the singular daily circuit, and the disciplined return to the camp for rest. This sequence establishes a pattern of absolute obedience to God's precise, yet humanly baffling, instructions. Historically, this event signifies the initiation of Israel's conquest of the promised land under God's supernatural leadership, demonstrating that victory comes not through military might or conventional siege tactics, but through unwavering faith and divine power. It subtly undermines reliance on human wisdom and celebrates God's sovereign command over creation and warfare, implicitly challenging the prevailing idolatrous beliefs in the power of Canaanite gods.

Joshua 6 11 Word analysis

• "So": Implies a logical consequence or a step following previous instructions, specifically those given by God to Joshua (Josh 6:2-5). It marks the immediate initiation of the divine plan.
• "he": Refers to Joshua, as the appointed leader of Israel, demonstrating his obedience and active role in executing God's command. His leadership ensures the collective obedience of the nation.
• "had": Indicates Joshua's directive, commissioning the specific actions. He gave the orders according to what he had received from the Lord.
• "the ark of the Lord": (אֲרוֹן יְהוָה, aron YHVH). "Ark" is a sacred chest, God's dwelling place (specifically, His presence) among His people, containing the tablets of the Covenant. "of the Lord" signifies its divine ownership and sacredness, underscoring that Yahweh Himself was symbolically leading the procession. The Ark symbolized God's power, covenant fidelity, and His active presence, not merely a ceremonial object.
• "encircle": (נָקַף, naqaf) To go around, surround. This is the precise action commanded by God. It wasn't a military siege by conventional standards (e.g., building ramps, sapping walls) but a divinely commanded ceremonial march. The repetition of this action was a test of faith and patience.
• "the city": Specifically Jericho (הָעִיר, ha'ir), the fortified target, whose walls would later fall miraculously. The specificity shows the directness of God's objective.
• "going about it once": This is a critical detail. The instruction was not for continuous marching, nor for multiple circuits in a single day, but a singular, disciplined act. This emphasis highlights the precision of God's command and the Israelite's strict adherence to it. It underscores that this was a faith exercise, not a practical military strategy.
• "then they came": The immediate consequence of completing the day's command. This indicates a disciplined, orderly withdrawal after the specified task was done.
• "into the camp": (הַמַּחֲנֶה, hammachaneh) The designated Israelite encampment. Returning to the camp marked the end of the day's divinely commanded duty and the transition back to regular community life and rest.
• "and spent the night": Signifies a period of rest and waiting. This repetitive act of marching, returning, and resting builds patience, trust, and demonstrates submission to God's timing and process. It reinforces the notion that God was working, even while His people were resting.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "So he had the ark of the Lord encircle the city": This phrase highlights Joshua's role as the instrument of God's command, focusing the action directly on the Ark. The Ark's presence made the action sacred and filled with divine authority, marking the 'battle' as belonging to the Lord. This was Yahweh Himself "marching" around the city through His symbolic presence.
• "going about it once; then they came into the camp and spent the night in the camp": This clause reveals the rhythmic, repetitive nature of the commanded action for the first six days. The daily, singular circuit followed by a return to camp for the night emphasizes structured obedience, discipline, and patient endurance. It prevented reliance on human strength or continued effort, making the ultimate victory clearly a divine act. The daily ritual tested their faith and prepared them for the crescendo on the seventh day.

Joshua 6 11 Bonus section

The seemingly unusual battle strategy for Jericho, as introduced in this verse, served multiple purposes beyond military engagement:

• A Public Declaration: The daily procession of the Ark was a visible declaration of Yahweh's claim over Canaan. It was a prolonged, silent act of defiance against Jericho and its deities, showing the omnipotence of Israel's God.
• A Test of Faith and Discipline: For Israel, the repetitive, non-violent circling tested their faith in God's peculiar method and their discipline to follow through without question, waiting on His perfect timing. This period cultivated spiritual resilience.
• Building Anticipation: Each daily circuit heightened the tension and anticipation, not only for the Israelites but also for the inhabitants of Jericho, fostering a climate where a miraculous intervention would be undeniable.
• Sanctification of the People and Land: By adhering to God's holy war instructions, Israel participated in the process of consecrating the land. The Ark, being a holy object, made the very ground around Jericho holy, preparatory to its divine judgment.

Joshua 6 11 Commentary

Joshua 6:11 concisely summarizes the daily routine established by God for the first six days of the Jericho campaign. It's not a mere description of military movements, but a profound theological statement. The central element is "the ark of the Lord," signifying that Yahweh, Israel's God, was personally engaged in the conquest, demonstrating His active presence and power. The instruction to "encircle the city, going about it once," emphasizes meticulous obedience to seemingly illogical commands. This method removed any possibility of human boasting in military prowess; victory would belong solely to God. The daily return to "the camp" underscored discipline and rest, acknowledging that human effort was prescribed by divine command, not self-generated. This phase of the conquest was an act of sustained faith and patient submission, demonstrating that God works through disciplined obedience to His Word, preparing His people for His decisive intervention.