Joshua 3:1-7

Israel Crosses the Jordan

1 Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and he and all the sons of Israel set out from 1Shittim and came to the Jordan, and they lodged there before they crossed.
2 2At the end of three days the officers went through the midst of the camp;
3 and they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the 3ark of the covenant of the LORD your God with the Levitical priests carrying it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it.
4 "However, there shall be between you and it a distance of about 2,000 cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before *."
5 Then Joshua said to the people, "4Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you."
6 And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, "Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people." So they took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people.
7 Now the LORD said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to 5exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.

Joshua 3:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA 3

Joshua removed from Shittim to Jordan, where he stayed three days, Jos 3:1,2; the people are directed to move when they saw the ark bore by the priests, and what distance they should keep from it, Jos 3:3,4; are bid to sanctify themselves against the morrow, when wonders would be wrought, Jos 3:5; and the priests are ordered to take up the ark, Jos 3:6; Joshua is encouraged by the Lord, and instructed to command the priests when they come to Jordan to stand still in it, Jos 3:7,8; and he declares to all the people, as a token that God would drive the Canaanites from before them, that as soon as the feet of the priests bearing the ark should rest in the waters of Jordan, they should be parted, and make way for them to pass through, Jos 3:9-13; which accordingly came to pass, so that all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, Jos 3:14-17.

Cross References 5

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. I.e. One cubit equals approx 18 in.
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