Joshua 6:20

Authorized King James Version

So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּרִ֤יעוּ

H7321

shouted

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

הָעָ֤ם

H5971

So the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַֽיִּתְקְע֖וּ

H8628

when the priests blew

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

הַשּׁוֹפָ֗ר

H7782

of the trumpet

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

וַיְהִי֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הָעָ֤ם

H5971

So the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

ק֣וֹל

H6963

the sound

a voice or sound

#10

הַשּׁוֹפָ֗ר

H7782

of the trumpet

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

#11

וַיָּרִ֤יעוּ

H7321

shouted

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

#12

הָעָ֤ם

H5971

So the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#13

תְּרוּעָ֣ה

H8643

shout

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

#14

גְדוֹלָ֔ה

H1419

with a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#15

וַתִּפֹּ֨ל

H5307

fell down flat

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#16

הַֽחוֹמָ֜ה

H2346

that the wall

a wall of protection

#17

תַּחְתֶּ֗יהָ

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#18

וַיַּ֨עַל

H5927

went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#19

הָעָ֤ם

H5971

So the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#20

הָעִֽיר׃

H5892

into the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#21

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#22

נֶגְדּ֔וֹ

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

#23

וַֽיִּלְכְּד֖וּ

H3920

straight before him and they took

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

#24

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#25

הָעִֽיר׃

H5892

into the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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