Old Testament
Joshua 6:10
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Joshua had given the people strict orders: "Don't shout. Don't make a sound. Don't let a single word come out of your mouth until the day I tell you to shout. Then you'll shout."
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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.
What Joshua 6:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua instructs the Israelites to remain silent as they prepare to conquer Jericho. He emphasizes the importance of obedience and patience, telling them not to make any noise or speak until he commands them to shout. This silence is a test of their faith and trust in God's plan. The Israelites are to follow Joshua's orders without question, demonstrating their commitment to God's strategy for victory. The command to remain quiet also highlights the significance of the upcoming shout, which will mark a pivotal moment in their conquest. By waiting for the right moment, they show their reliance on God's timing rather than their own understanding. This verse sets the stage for the miraculous events that will follow, emphasizing the power of collective faith and obedience in achieving God's promises.
How to apply Joshua 6:10 to your life
This verse teaches us the value of patience and obedience in our lives. Sometimes, we need to wait for the right moment to act, trusting that God has a plan. By remaining silent and listening, we can better understand His guidance and timing.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:1–27)
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Joshua

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Joshua 6:10
Related Bible verses
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 6:10 teach about obedience?
Joshua 6:10 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. By instructing the Israelites to remain silent, Joshua highlights that following God's plan requires trust and patience. Their willingness to obey without question demonstrates their faith in God's strategy for victory over Jericho.
Why did Joshua tell the Israelites to be silent?
Joshua instructed the Israelites to remain silent as a test of their faith and obedience. This silence was crucial as it prepared them for the moment when they would shout, marking a significant event in their conquest of Jericho. It underscores the importance of waiting for God's timing before taking action.
What is the significance of the shout in Joshua 6:10?
The shout mentioned in Joshua 6:10 is significant because it represents a pivotal moment in the Israelites' conquest of Jericho. It symbolizes their collective faith and obedience to God's command. When they finally shout, it marks the culmination of their preparation and trust in God's plan, leading to their victory.
How can we apply Joshua 6:10 in our daily lives?
We can apply Joshua 6:10 by practicing patience and obedience in our own lives. Just as the Israelites waited for Joshua's command, we should learn to wait for God's timing before acting. This verse encourages us to listen for God's guidance and trust that He has a plan for us, even when we feel the urge to speak or act prematurely.
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