יהושע, פרק ו׳, פסוק י״א

The siege of Jericho began with a quiet, disciplined procession. All the warriors marched together, with the vanguard walking just ahead of the Ark. The only sound breaking the strict silence was the blowing of the horns [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Joshua personally directed this movement, guiding the Ark as it circled the city exactly one time [רד״ק].

This initial march took place on the first day of the siege, which was also the first day of the week [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This timeline reveals a significant detail about the conclusion of the battle: the seventh day, when Jericho was ultimately captured, fell on the Sabbath. The final conquest involved acts of war, including killing and burning. However, God, who originally established the Sabbath, specifically commanded that it be broken to ensure the defeat of Jericho. This aligns with the legal tradition that once a siege begins, it continues without interruption until the city falls, even on the Sabbath, just as offering sacrifices overrides Sabbath restrictions [רד״ק].

After completing their single circuit around the city, the people returned to their camp located at Gilgal, where they spent the night [מלבי״ם].