Joshua 6:7

Unto the people. This expression does not refer to all the people. The reference is still only to the divisions specified in vs. 3 and 4. The command was for the designated groups to proceed with the divine order to compass the city.

Compass the city. They made the circuit once each day. The solemn, silent procession struck terror to the hearts of the watchers from the walls of the doomed city. They recalled how God miraculously wrought for His people in opening up a passage for them through the Red Sea, and more recently through the Jordan, and they tried to fathom the mystery of these strange proceedings. But the lesson was rather for the Israelites. God commanded that these solemn ceremonies be extended over seven days before He brought down the city walls. He wished to give the Israelites time to develop faith (PP 493). “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down” (Heb. 11:30). The people needed to understand fully that the battle was not theirs but the Lord’s. He could do great things for them if they cooperated with Him. Faith is simply the acceptance of God’s program and full cooperation with His plan. This is the kind of faith that will accomplish as great things for us as it did for the ancients.