Joshua 3:14-17

14 So when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan with the priests carrying 1the ark of the covenant before the people,
15 and when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water (for the 2Jordan overflows * all its banks all the days of harvest ),
16 3the waters which were flowing down from above * stood and rose up in 4one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside * Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the 5Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho.
17 And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm 6on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until * all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

Joshua 3:14-17 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 6

  • 1. Psalms 132:8; Acts 7:44
  • 2. 1 Chronicles 12:15; Jeremiah 12:5; Jeremiah 49:19
  • 3. Psalms 66:6; Psalms 74:15; Psalms 114:3, 5
  • 4. Joshua 3:13
  • 5. Deuteronomy 1:1
  • 6. Ex 14:21, 22, 29

Footnotes 2

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