Jubilee. (Numbers x. 2.) The number seven, is often used to express an indefinite number. But here a particular stress is laid upon it. See Masius. As, on the 7th year the Hebrews regained the possessions which they had sold: so now they assert their rights to the land of Chanaan. The sound of the trumpets announced joyful tidings to them. (Menochius) read more
Tune, with certain modulations, continued for a long time, Numbers x. 5. (Haydock) --- Ground. The Rabbins say they sink in, so that the ruins might not impede the march of the army. Some think only a large breach was made, opposite to the Israelites, as the house of Rahab upon the walls was preserved. (Calmet) read more
1-5 Jericho resolves Israel shall not be its master. It shut itself up, being strongly fortified both by art and nature. Thus were they foolish, and their hearts hardened to their destruction; the miserable case of all that strengthen themselves against the Almighty. God resolves Israel shall be its master, and that quickly. No warlike preparations were to be made. By the uncommon method of besieging the city, the Lord honoured the ark, as the symbol of his presence, and showed that all the... read more
The Siege of Jericho v. 1. Now Jericho was straitly shut up, not only strongly fortified, but also guarded with all strictness, because of the children of Israel; none went" out and none came in. This remark is inserted by the historian by way of explanation, before he continues to describe the meeting between Joshua and the Prince of the heavenly host. v. 2. And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho and the king thereof and the mighty men of valor. This was... read more
SECTION SECONDThe Contests of Israel with the CanaanitesJoshua 6-11A. Contests against particular citiesJoshua 6-8______________1. The Capture of JerichoJoshua 6:0a. Preparation for the CaptureJoshua 6:1-141Now Jericho was straitly shut up [lit. had shut up (her gates) and was shut up], because of the children [sons] of Israel: none went out, and none came in. 2And the Lord [Jehovah] said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and [omit: and] the mighty... read more
the Commander and His Plan of Campaign Joshua 5:13-15 ; Joshua 6:1-11 When the heart is perfect with God we may count on His presence and help. It is to the separated and obedient servant that the vision of Christ, as Ally and Captain, is given. Here were three hosts marshaled by Jericho-of the Canaanites, of Israel, and of the heavenly armies, waiting to war against the evil spirits which ruled the darkness of the land, Ephesians 6:12 . The answer to Joshua’s question depended on whether... read more
All the preparation being completed, the hosts of God moved forward as the scourge of God in judgment on the corrupt peoples of the land. It is impossible to imagine anything more calculated to impress on these hosts their own absolute weakness than the method of their first victory. Those marching hosts and those blatant horns were patently utterly inadequate to the work of capturing a city, and by the standards of all ordinary human methods of warfare they were the instruments of... read more
“ And you shall surround the city, all the men of war, going about the city once. Thus shall you do for six days.” Each day for six days the men of war were to surround the city. It would not take long, for the mound was not large (see above). The purpose was to terrify the occupants, and also possibly to bring home to the Israelites the difficulty they would have in breaching the wall. The men of war were probably the younger men of war most suited to battle. Each time they came the... read more
“ And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark, and the seventh day you shall surround the city seven times, and the priests will blow with the trumpets.” Seven was the number of divine completeness among many nations. It was seen by all as a sacred number. Something sevenfold was total. (In Sumerian religious literature seven, along with three, were the only numbers ever used even though they were a highly numerate nation, and it was from Sumer that Abram came).... read more
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George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Joshua 6:3
Men. These went first. Afterwards the priests bore the ark, which was followed by all the people. (Calmet) --- The procession began on a Sunday. (Rabbins) read more