Joshua 6:15-16

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 6:15

And it came to pass on the seventh day ,.... Which Jarchi says was the Sabbath day, and which is a common notion of the Jews F3 Seder Olam Rabba, c. 11. p. 31. Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 14. fol. 312. 2. ; but whether it was or not, it is certain that one of these seven days must be a sabbath, in which the several things ordered were done, and the procession made. Kimchi observes, that their Rabbins say this was the sabbath day; and he adds, what is pretty remarkable,"though they slew and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 6:16

And it came to pass at the seventh time ,.... Of their going round the city on the seventh day: and at the seventh time: when the priests blew with the trumpets ; as they did every time they compassed the city: Joshua said unto the people, shout ; both those that were armed, and those that were not; they were to make one grand and general shout at once, as when victory is obtained, or is sure, and so it follows: for the Lord hath given you the city ; intimating that it would be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 6:15

The seventh day - they rose early - Because on this day they had to encompass the city seven times; a proof that the city could not have been very extensive, else this going round it seven times, and having time sufficient left to sack and destroy it, would have been impossible. It is evident that in the course of these seven days there must have been a Sabbath, and that on this Sabbath the host must have encompassed the city as on the other days: the Jews themselves allow this, and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 6:15

Verse 15 15.And it came to pass on the seventh day, etc Here, also, God seemed, by leading the people so often round the city, not only to keep the matter in suspense, but purposely to sport with the miseries of the people, who were fatiguing themselves to no purpose. For why does he not order them suddenly to attack the city? Why does he keep them in their former silence, even to weariness, and not open their mouths to shout? But the happy fruit of this endurance teaches us, that there is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 6:1-21

We come now to the command that was laid on Joshua. And hero we may observe three points. I. SUCCESS WAS CERTAIN IF GOD 'S COMMANDS WERE OBEYED . God does not say, "I will give," but, "I have given" Jericho into thine hand. Not only has the fiat gone forth, but the work is done, when the soldier of the Lord has made up his mind to obey the Lord's commands. Thus, whatever be the work to which we set our hands, be it public or private, in the world or in our own hearts, so... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 6:15

And it came to pass on the seventh day. Why did God command this long pause of suspense and expectation? Even to teach us that His ways are not as our ways, and that we had far better leave the issue in His hands, than by our impatience to anticipate, and not unfrequently frustrate, the course of His Providence.— Calvin. There is a time to act and a time to wait patiently. If we seek His guidance by prayer, God will tell us when to do either. And when it is our duty not to do anything... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 6:16

When the priests. There is no "when" in the original, nor is it needed (see Keil). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 6:15

On the seventh day - Most probably a Sabbath day. The rising early would be necessary to give time for encompassing the city seven times. Jericho appears to have been a city of considerable size and population; and each passage of the large host round it could hardly have taken less than an hour and a half. Thus, with the necessary intervals of rest, the evening would be at hand when Joshua gave the signal to shout Joshua 6:16; and the work of slaughter was probably commenced just as the hours... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 6:16

Joshua 6:16. At the seventh time Joshua said, Shout To testify your faith in God’s promise, and thankfulness for this glorious mercy; to encourage yourselves and brethren, and to strike a terror into your enemies. The Lord hath given you the city It is given to you to be devoted to God, as the first (and perhaps the worst) of all the cities of Canaan. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 6:1-27

Click image for full-size version6:1-12:24 CONQUEST OF THE LANDDestruction of the CanaanitesThe following chapters show that the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan was well planned. First they won control of the central region (Chapters 6-9). This created a division between the northern and southern regions, and so prevented Canaanite tribes throughout the country from joining forces. Israel then had a much easier task in conquering the rest of Canaan, first the south (Chapter 10), then the north... read more

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