Old Testament
Joshua 5:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years until all the men of war who had left Egypt were gone, because they did not obey the voice of the LORD. The LORD had sworn that he would not show them the land he had sworn to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Compare translations
For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
What Joshua 5:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights a significant moment in Israel's history, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience to God. The Israelites spent forty years wandering in the wilderness because the men who had left Egypt failed to listen to God's commands. As a result, God decreed that they would not enter the Promised Land, a place described as abundant and prosperous, often referred to as 'a land flowing with milk and honey.' This reflects God's faithfulness to His promises, but also His justice in dealing with disobedience. The wandering period served as a time of judgment and preparation for the next generation, who would eventually inherit the land. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's voice and the serious consequences that can arise from ignoring it. The mention of the land flowing with milk and honey symbolizes not just physical abundance but also spiritual blessings that come from following God's will.
How to apply Joshua 5:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen to God's guidance in our lives. Disobedience can lead to missed opportunities and prolonged struggles. By being attentive to God's voice and following His commands, we can experience the blessings He has promised and avoid unnecessary hardships.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 5:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 5:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 5:6 teach about obedience to God?
Joshua 5:6 emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years due to the disobedience of the men who left Egypt. This verse serves as a reminder that ignoring God's voice can lead to significant consequences, including missed opportunities and prolonged hardships. It highlights that obedience is crucial for receiving God's blessings.
Why did the Israelites wander for forty years according to Joshua 5:6?
The Israelites wandered for forty years because the men of war who left Egypt did not obey the voice of the LORD. As a consequence of their disobedience, God decreed that they would not enter the Promised Land. This period of wandering was a time of judgment and preparation for the next generation, who would eventually inherit the land promised to them.
What does 'a land flowing with milk and honey' mean in Joshua 5:6?
The phrase 'a land flowing with milk and honey' symbolizes abundance and prosperity. It represents not only the physical richness of the Promised Land but also the spiritual blessings that come from following God's will. This imagery conveys the idea that obedience to God leads to a fulfilling and blessed life.
How can we apply the lessons from Joshua 5:6 in our lives today?
We can apply the lessons from Joshua 5:6 by being attentive to God's guidance and commands in our lives. This verse encourages us to listen to God's voice to avoid the pitfalls of disobedience, which can lead to missed opportunities and struggles. By following God's will, we can experience the blessings He has promised and prepare ourselves for the future.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.