Old Testament

Joshua 6:15

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

On the seventh day, they got up early at dawn and marched around the city in the same way, but this time they went around it seven times. That was the only day they marched around it seven times.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.

What Joshua 6:15 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Joshua 6:15, the Israelites followed God's command to march around the city of Jericho. On the seventh day, they woke up early and marched around the city seven times, which was different from the previous days when they only marched once. This act of obedience and perseverance was crucial, as it demonstrated their faith in God's promise to deliver the city into their hands. The number seven often symbolizes completion or perfection in the Bible, indicating that this final act was significant in fulfilling God's plan. The Israelites' actions were not just about physical marching; they were also a spiritual exercise in trust and reliance on God. By following these specific instructions, they prepared themselves for the miraculous victory that would follow, showing that sometimes, faith requires patience and consistent effort before seeing results.

How to apply Joshua 6:15 to your life

This verse teaches us the importance of obedience and faith in our daily lives. Just as the Israelites had to trust God's plan and follow His instructions, we too should remain faithful and patient, even when the path seems challenging. Our perseverance can lead to significant breakthroughs.

Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary

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.

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)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

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.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Joshua 6:15

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 6:15

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 6:15 teach about obedience?

Joshua 6:15 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Israelites followed specific instructions to march around Jericho, demonstrating their trust in God's plan. Their willingness to obey, even when the task seemed unusual, highlights that faith often requires action and adherence to divine guidance.

Why did the Israelites march around Jericho seven times on the seventh day?

The Israelites marched around Jericho seven times on the seventh day to fulfill God's command. The number seven symbolizes completion and perfection in the Bible, indicating that this final act was crucial for the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver the city. It was a demonstration of their faith and perseverance.

What is the significance of the number seven in Joshua 6:15?

In Joshua 6:15, the number seven signifies completion and perfection, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. By marching around Jericho seven times, the Israelites completed the divine instructions given to them. This act symbolized their total commitment to God's plan and their readiness to receive the victory He promised.

How can we apply the lessons from Joshua 6:15 in our lives?

We can apply the lessons from Joshua 6:15 by practicing obedience and patience in our own lives. Just as the Israelites trusted God's plan and followed His instructions, we should remain faithful even when faced with challenges. Our perseverance and commitment to following divine guidance can lead to significant breakthroughs and victories.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.