And the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God's declaration, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand," isn't just a promise, but a statement that the victory is already accomplished in His sight, even before any battle begins. This highlights that the subsequent, seemingly peculiar actions like marching around the city are not about Israel's strength or strategy, but a demonstration of their faith and obedience to God's already decided plan.
And the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The city of Jericho, a formidable fortress, has sealed its gates against the Israelites, creating a seemingly impenetrable barrier. In response, God speaks to Joshua, not with a battle plan, but with a divine promise: the victory is already secured, and the formidable city, its king, and its warriors are about to fall into Israel's hands through an unusual, divinely orchestrated method. This encounter follows Joshua's renewed covenant-making with God and the Israelites' spiritual preparation, setting the stage for a conquest that will highlight God's power over human strength.
Jericho was a fortified city, and its people were renowned warriors. Yet, God declares victory before a single blow is struck. How can this be?
In this verse, God doesn't just predict a future victory; He states it as a present reality: 'I have given Jericho into your hand.' This isn't mere encouragement; it's a declaration of divine certainty.
A Completed Work
This language emphasizes that from God's perspective, the outcome is already decided. It's not about if Israel will win, but how God will bring it to pass. The fortifications, the king, and the mighty men are all already accounted for in God's plan.
Trust Over Tactics
This assurance shifts the focus from Israel's military strategy to their obedience. God's promise means the victory isn't dependent on human might or clever tactics, but on their willingness to follow His seemingly unusual instructions.
God explicitly mentions the king and his warriors. Why highlight the strength of the enemy if victory is assured?
God doesn't ignore the formidable nature of Jericho's defenses or its formidable army. He tells Joshua, 'I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor.' This acknowledgment serves a crucial purpose.
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Highlighting Divine Power
By including the enemy's strength in the promise, God magnifies His own power. The victory over a fortified city with seasoned warriors would be undeniably His, leaving no room for human boasting. It makes the eventual triumph a clear testament to God's intervention.
The Ultimate Futility of Resistance
Their might and valor are mentioned not to intimidate Israel, but to show that these very strengths are ultimately ineffective against God's sovereign will. The strongest human resistance is rendered powerless when set against the Almighty.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, the self-existent One who enters into covenant relationship with His people. It signifies His faithfulness, holiness, and sovereignty.
chayil · Hebrew Noun
A title for a person of noble character, strength, or high social/military rank. In a military context, it refers to soldiers who are physically powerful and skilled in battle.
This divine promise comes at the very beginning of the Israelite conquest, emphasizing that the victory is not dependent on human might but on God's direct intervention and Joshua's obedience to His extraordinary plan.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites cross the Jordan River
After 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, marking the beginning of their conquest.
c. 1406 BC
Circumcision and Passover observance
The Israelites newly arrived in Canaan observe circumcision and celebrate the Passover, symbolizing their renewed covenant with God and readiness for the conquest.
c. 1406 BC
Divine encounter at Gilgal
Joshua encounters the 'Captain of the Lord’s host,' signifying God’s direct leadership and strategic command for the upcoming campaigns.
c. 1406 BC
Jericho's defenses are noted
Jericho is described as 'shut up tightly' with no one entering or leaving, indicating strong fortifications and a fearful, defensive posture.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
God commissions Joshua
The LORD speaks directly to Joshua, assuring him of victory over Jericho and its inhabitants, setting the stage for the city's destruction.
c. 1406 BC
The battle plan for Jericho
God instructs Joshua on the unique, faith-testing method of conquering Jericho: a week of silent marching, trumpets, and a final shout.
c. 1406 BC
The fall of Jericho
Following God's commands, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapse, leading to the city's complete destruction and Israel's first major conquest.
This passage echoes the same divine assurance of a completed victory before the battle, similar to God telling Joshua Jericho is already given into his hand.
Joshua 11:6This verse shows a parallel to Joshua 6:2, where God reassures Joshua before a major military engagement by stating He has already delivered the enemy into his hands.
1 Samuel 17:45-47David's confidence in facing Goliath stems from the same belief that victory is assured by God, not by human strength or strategy, mirroring the divine guarantee to Joshua.
2 Chronicles 20:15This verse demonstrates a similar promise of divine intervention and assured victory in the face of overwhelming odds, where God declares the battle belongs to Him.
Isaiah 45:1-3God directly intervenes to grant victory and subdue nations before His chosen leader, Cyrus, just as He assures Joshua that Jericho's defeat is already ordained.
cambridgeJoshua 6:2: "And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour."
2 . And the Lord said ] The interview between the Hebrew leader and “the Prince of Jehovah’s host” is here resumed. See, I have given ] Compare for a similar expression Joshua 11:6 . As Israel had stood on the shores of the Red Sea and seen “the salvation of God,” so now they were themselves to adopt no warlike measures for the capture of the city, everythi…
gillJoshua 6:2: "And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour."
And the Lord said unto Joshua,.... The same divine Person called in the preceding chapter the Captain of the Lord's host, Joshua 5:14 , now with him, and who gave him the following orders, instructions, and assurances: see, I have given into thy hand Jericho, and the king thereof: which might be concluded from the fear that was fallen upon the inhabitants o…
God's declaration, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand," isn't just a promise, but a statement that the victory is already accomplished in His sight, even before any battle begins. This highlights that the subsequent, seemingly peculiar actions like marching around the city are not about Israel's strength or strategy, but a demonstration of their faith and obedience to God's already decided plan.
The city of Jericho, a formidable fortress, has sealed its gates against the Israelites, creating a seemingly impenetrable barrier. In response, God speaks to Joshua, not with a battle plan, but with a divine promise: the victory is already secured, and the formidable city, its king, and its warriors are about to fall into Israel's hands through an unusual, divinely orchestrated method. This encounter follows Joshua's renewed covenant-making with God and the Israelites' spiritual preparation, setting the stage for a conquest that will highlight God's power over human strength.
The city of Jericho, a formidable fortress, has sealed its gates against the Israelites, creating a seemingly impenetrable barrier. In response, God speaks to Joshua, not with a battle plan, but with a divine promise: the victory is already secured, and the formidable city, its king, and its warriors are about to fall into Israel's hands through an unusual, divinely orchestrated method. This encounter follows Joshua's renewed covenant-making with God and the Israelites' spiritual preparation, setting the stage for a conquest that will highlight God's power over human strength.
"And the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor." — God's declaration, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand," isn't just a promise, but a statement that the victory is already accomplished in His sight, even before any battle begins. This highlig…
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Last reviewed October 2026