John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long [blast] with the ram’s horn , etc.] Continue blowing, and protracting, and drawing out the sound a long time; which they did only on the seventh day; on the other days it was but a short blast they made at a time; so that this being different, it would be a good sign and token to the people to do what they are next directed to: [and] when ye hear the sound of the trumpet ; drawn out to a great length: all the people shall shout with a great shout ; at once, as when an onset is made in battle, or a victory is obtained: and the wall of the city shall fall down flat ; or “under itself” f86 ; which Jarchi interprets, in its place; that is, where it stood, and be swallowed up in it: so the Targum, “and it shall be swallowed up under it;” yet so that somewhat of it should be seen, as an attestation and proof of the miracle, as Kimchi; who says, “it means that it should be swallowed up in its place under the earth, and a little of it appear above ground for a memorial of the miracle:” and the people shall ascend up, every man straight before him ; just as they were in the order of procession; for the wall being fallen everywhere, they would have no occasion to make up to one certain place, as when a breach is only made in one place, and the besiegers are obliged to go so many a breast to enter at it; but in this case they might go straight up from whence they were, and enter the city without any obstruction and difficulty.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Jericho resolves Israel shall not be its master. It shut itself up being strongly fortified both by art and nature. Thus were the foolish, and their hearts hardened to their destruction; the miserabl case of all that strengthen themselves against the Almighty. God resolves Israel shall be its master, and that quickly. No warlik preparations were to be made. By the uncommon method of besieging the city, the Lord honoured the ark, as the symbol of his presence, an showed that all the victories were from him. The faith and patience of the people were proved and increased.
Original Hebrew והיה1961 במשׁך4900 בקרן7161 היובל3104 בשׁמעכם8085 את853 קול6963 השׁופר7782 יריעו7321 כל3605 העם5971 תרועה8643 גדולה1419 ונפלה5307 חומת2346 העיר5892 תחתיה8478 ועלו5927 העם5971 אישׁ376 נגדו׃5048
