Joshua 3:2-12

2 Three days later the officers went through the camp.

3 They told the people, "As soon as you see the ark of the promise of the LORD your God and the Levitical priests who carry it, break camp and follow them.

4 However, stay about half a mile behind them. Don't come any closer to them so that you will know which way to go because you have not gone this way before."

5 Joshua told the people, "Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy because tomorrow the LORD will do miracles among you."

6 Joshua also told the priests, "Take the ark of the promise, and go ahead of the people." They did as they were told.

7 Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to honor you in front of all the people of Israel. I will do this to let them know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.

8 Order the priests who carry the ark of the promise, 'When you step into the water of the Jordan River, stand there.'"

9 So Joshua said to the people of Israel, "Come here, and listen to the words of the LORD your God."

10 Joshua continued, "This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly force the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites out of your way.

11 Watch the ark of the promise of the Lord of the whole earth as it goes ahead of you into the Jordan River.

12 Choose one man from each of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Joshua 3:2-12 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.