Old Testament

Joshua 6:14

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ClearClear Bible Translation

On the second day, they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.

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KJVKing James Version

And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.

What Joshua 6:14 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Joshua 6:14, the Israelites continued their unique strategy to conquer Jericho by marching around the city once each day for six days. This was part of God's command to Joshua, demonstrating obedience and faith. The act of marching was not just a military tactic but a spiritual exercise, emphasizing reliance on God rather than conventional warfare. Each day, the Israelites would circle the city, returning to their camp afterward, which likely built anticipation and tension among both the Israelites and the inhabitants of Jericho. This repetitive action served to reinforce their commitment to God's plan and prepared them for the miraculous events that would follow on the seventh day. The passage highlights the importance of patience and perseverance in following divine instructions, even when the purpose may not be immediately clear. It teaches that sometimes, faith requires us to engage in seemingly mundane tasks as part of a larger divine strategy.

How to apply Joshua 6:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when it seems unusual or slow. It reminds us that consistent, faithful actions can lead to significant outcomes. We should remain committed to our goals and trust that our efforts, combined with faith, will yield results in due time.

Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary

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A painting of Joshua shouting with his hand raised as priests blow rams' horns, the ark is carried behind them, the people shout, and the walls of Jericho fall

Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:1–27)

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Joshua

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

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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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 6:14 mean?

Joshua 6:14 describes the Israelites marching around Jericho once each day for six days as part of God's instructions. This act symbolizes their obedience and faith in God's plan for conquering the city.

What is the significance of marching around Jericho in Joshua 6:14?

The marching around Jericho in Joshua 6:14 signifies a spiritual exercise of faith and reliance on God rather than conventional military tactics. It emphasizes the importance of following divine instructions with patience.

How does Joshua 6:14 relate to faith and obedience?

Joshua 6:14 illustrates the connection between faith and obedience, showing that the Israelites followed God's unusual strategy without question. Their consistent actions reflect their trust in God's plan.

What lessons can we learn from Joshua 6:14?

From Joshua 6:14, we learn the importance of patience and commitment in following God's instructions. It teaches that consistent, faithful actions can lead to significant outcomes, even when the purpose isn't immediately clear.

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