Topical Encyclopedia The trumpet holds significant importance in the biblical account of the Siege of Jericho, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. This event is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking the beginning of their conquest of the Promised Land. The trumpet, specifically the ram's horn or "shofar," is central to the miraculous victory that God grants to the Israelites.Biblical Account The narrative of the Siege of Jericho is found in Joshua 6. God instructs Joshua on the strategy to conquer the fortified city of Jericho. The Israelites are to march around the city once a day for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and the priests are to blow the trumpets. Joshua 6:4 states, "Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets." The climax of the event occurs when the priests sound the trumpets, and the people shout. Joshua 6:20 describes the moment: "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it." Symbolism and Significance The trumpet in the Siege of Jericho is not merely a musical instrument but a divine tool used to demonstrate God's power and faithfulness. The use of the trumpet signifies several key themes: 1. Divine Intervention: The fall of Jericho's walls is attributed to God's direct intervention. The trumpet blast, followed by the people's shout, symbolizes the obedience of Israel to God's command and His miraculous deliverance. 2. Faith and Obedience: The Israelites' faith in God's promise and their obedience to His unusual military strategy are crucial. The trumpet serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when it defies human logic. 3. Judgment and Victory: The trumpet is often associated with the announcement of significant events, including judgment and victory. In the context of Jericho, it heralds the impending judgment on the city and the victory granted to Israel. 4. Covenantal Presence: The presence of the Ark of the Covenant, accompanied by the trumpets, underscores the idea that God is with His people. The Ark represents God's covenant with Israel, and the trumpets announce His active presence in fulfilling His promises. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israel, the trumpet, particularly the shofar, was used for various purposes, including religious ceremonies, signaling in battle, and marking important events. Its use in the Siege of Jericho aligns with these functions, serving as a call to action and a declaration of God's sovereignty. The account of Jericho and the role of the trumpet have been subjects of theological reflection and artistic representation throughout history. They continue to inspire believers with the message of faith, obedience, and the assurance of God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 6:4-20And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day you shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. Nave's Topical Index Library The Siege of Jericho How Jericho was Captured. That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ... A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. The Captain of the Lord's Host The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources What is the meaning of wormwood in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Feast of Trumpets? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven seals of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Trumpet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trumpet in the Siege of Jericho Trumpet used for Assembling the People to War Trumpet used for Blowing at all Religious Processions and Ceremonies Trumpet used for Blowing Over the Sacrifices on the Feast Day Trumpet used for Calling Assemblies Trumpet used for Giving Alarm in Cases of Danger Trumpet used for Proclaiming Kings Trumpet used for Regulating the Journeys of the Children of Israel Trumpet used for Sounding for a Memorial when the People Went Into Battle Trumpet: An Instrument of Music Trumpet: At Jehoshaphat's Triumph Trumpet: At the Anointing of Kings Trumpet: At the Bringing up of the Ark of the Covenant from the Household of Obed-Edom Trumpet: At the Dedication of Solomon's Temple Trumpet: At the Dedication of the Wall Trumpet: At the Foundation of the Second Temple Trumpet: Miracles Connected With: Confusion Produced in the Camp of the Midianites by Sound Trumpet: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Trumpet: Miracles Connected With: Heard at Mount Sinai at Giving of the Law Trumpet: Moses Commanded to Make Two, for the Tabernacle Trumpet: On the Great Day of Atonement Trumpet: Required to Give an Intelligible and Understood Sound Trumpet: Solomon Made a Great Many, for the Service of the Temple Trumpet: Sounded in Time of Danger Trumpet: Sounding of, Illustrative of God's Power to Raise the Dead Trumpet: Sounding of, Illustrative of The Bold and Faithful Preaching of Ministers Trumpet: Sounding of, Illustrative of The Latter Day Judgments Trumpet: Sounding of, Illustrative of The Proclamation of the Gospel Trumpet: The Feast of Trumpets Celebrated by Blowing of Trumpet: The Jubilee Introduced by Blowing of Trumpet: The Priests to Blow the Sacred Trumpet: The War-Horse Acquainted With the Sound of Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Absalom Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Ehud Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Gideon Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Joab Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Nehemiah Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Phinehas Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Saul Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Sheba Trumpet: Uses of, Prescribed by Moses Related Terms |