Old Testament
Joshua 6:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites on how to conquer the city of Jericho.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Have all your men of war march around the city once. Do this for six days.
And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites on how to conquer the city of Jericho. They are to march around the city once each day for six days. This command emphasizes obedience and faith in God's plan, even when it may seem unusual or illogical. The act of marching is a demonstration of their commitment to follow God's instructions, showing that victory comes through faith and reliance on divine guidance rather than conventional military tactics. The repetition of this action over six days builds anticipation and prepares the people for the miraculous event that will follow. This strategy highlights the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of challenges, as the Israelites are called to trust in God's timing and methods. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls, illustrating that God's ways are often different from human expectations, and that faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 6:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plans, even when they seem unconventional. It reminds us to be obedient and patient, as our faithfulness can lead to significant breakthroughs in our lives. Following God's guidance can yield unexpected results.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 6:3 teach about obedience?
Joshua 6:3 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Israelites were instructed to march around Jericho for six days, which may have seemed unusual. Their willingness to follow this directive without question demonstrates their faith in God's plan, showing that obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes.
Why did God command the Israelites to march around Jericho?
God commanded the Israelites to march around Jericho as a unique strategy for conquering the city. This method was designed to build their faith and trust in Him, highlighting that victory comes not from conventional warfare but from divine intervention. The act of marching was a physical demonstration of their commitment to God's instructions.
What can we learn about faith from Joshua 6:3?
Joshua 6:3 teaches us that faith often requires patience and trust in God's timing. The Israelites had to march around the city for six days before seeing any results. This illustrates that faith is not just about immediate outcomes but about believing in God's plan, even when it seems unconventional or takes time.
How does Joshua 6:3 relate to perseverance?
In Joshua 6:3, the Israelites' repeated action of marching around Jericho for six days exemplifies perseverance. They had to remain committed to God's command despite not seeing immediate results. This teaches us that perseverance in our faith and actions can lead to significant breakthroughs, even when the path seems challenging.

The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
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