Joshua 3:1

KJV

¶ And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} rose early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}; and they removed {H5265} from Shittim {H7851}, and came {H935} to Jordan {H3383}, he and all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and lodged {H3885} there before they passed over {H5674}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua got up early in the morning, and they left Sheetim and came to the Yarden, he with all the people of Isra'el; they camped there before crossing.

Berean Standard Bible

Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.

American Standard Version

And Joshua rose up early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel; and they lodged there before they passed over.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 3:1 marks the pivotal moment when the Israelites, under the decisive leadership of Joshua, transition from their final encampment in the plains of Moab at Shittim to the banks of the Jordan River. This verse encapsulates the diligent preparation and strategic positioning of the entire nation, poised on the threshold of the Promised Land, anticipating the miraculous divine intervention that will enable their entry and the ultimate fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 3:1 immediately follows the successful reconnaissance mission of the two spies to Jericho, detailed in [Joshua 2](/joshua/2 "Joshua 2 - Rahab and the Spies"). The spies' report, confirming the fear of the Canaanites and Rahab's declaration of faith, provides the final impetus for the nation's advance. This verse initiates the climactic sequence of events leading to the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River in [Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Miraculous Crossing of the Jordan") and the subsequent conquest of Jericho in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"). It serves as the physical manifestation of the divine commission given to Joshua in [Joshua 1](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Charge to Joshua"), moving from divine instruction and human preparation to decisive action, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative of conquest and inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, a period of divine judgment and purification following the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea ([Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")), the new generation of Israelites stands ready to inherit the land promised to their forefathers. Shittim (also known as Abel-Shittim) was located in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, directly opposite Jericho. This site was infamous for the incident of Baal-Peor, where Israel engaged in idolatry and sexual immorality ([Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")). The departure from Shittim thus carries significant symbolic weight, representing a definitive break from past failures and a movement towards renewed covenant faithfulness. The Jordan River, typically swollen during the spring harvest season due to melting snows from Mount Hermon ([Joshua 3:15](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15 - The Jordan at Flood Stage")), presented a formidable natural barrier, emphasizing that the impending crossing would require a supernatural act of God, echoing the earlier Red Sea deliverance.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment:** The movement to the Jordan signifies the imminent fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")), Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. God is bringing His people into their inheritance, demonstrating His unwavering covenant loyalty despite Israel's past failures. This act underscores God's commitment to His word, even across generations.
* **Leadership and Obedience:** Joshua's decisive action ("rose early") underscores his divinely appointed leadership, echoing Moses's diligence and readiness. It highlights the importance of responsive obedience to God's commands, preparing the people for the next stage of God's plan, as outlined in [Joshua 1:7-9](/joshua/1-7-9 "Joshua 1:7-9 - Be Strong and Courageous and Obey the Law"). His proactive stance sets the tone for the nation's collective readiness.
* **Transition and New Beginnings:** The departure from Shittim and arrival at the Jordan marks a profound transition—from wilderness wandering to settled inheritance, from the Mosaic era to the Joshuaic era, and from a nomadic existence to a national identity rooted in the land. This moment is pregnant with the anticipation of God's mighty acts, signifying a new chapter in Israel's redemptive history and the initiation of their identity as a settled, covenanted people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joshua (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ'_):** From the root meaning "Jehovah-saved" or "the Lord is salvation," Joshua's name itself is profoundly significant, foreshadowing his role as the one chosen by God to lead Israel into the Promised Land. He is not merely a military commander but God's appointed deliverer, whose very name points to divine rescue and provision, a theme that will be powerfully demonstrated in the miraculous crossing of the Jordan.
* **rose early (Hebrew, _shâkam'_):** This verb conveys more than just the time of day; it implies earnestness, diligence, urgency, and a proactive readiness to act, particularly in response to a divine command or significant event. Joshua's "early rising" signals his focused determination and commitment to leading the people in obedience to God's will, setting a tone of purposeful action and demonstrating his exemplary leadership. It suggests a deliberate and immediate response to God's directive.
* **Jordan (Hebrew, _Yardên'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to descend," the Jordan River is the primary natural barrier separating the wilderness from the Promised Land. Its crossing represents the final, formidable obstacle to be overcome by divine power, signifying the entrance into the inheritance God had promised. More than just a geographical feature, it becomes a symbol of God's power to make a way where there is no humanly possible path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And Joshua rose early in the morning;":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Joshua's diligent and decisive leadership. His "early rising" is not merely a detail of time but an indicator of his readiness, earnestness, and commitment to fulfilling God's directives. It sets the tone for the disciplined and purposeful movement of the entire nation under his command, highlighting his proactive obedience and the urgency of the divine commission.
* **"and they removed from Shittim,":** This clause describes the physical relocation of the entire Israelite camp. The act of "removing" signifies a definitive departure from their last encampment in the plains of Moab. Given Shittim's association with past spiritual failures (Baal-Peor), this movement is not just geographical but also deeply symbolic—a turning away from a place of disobedience and a turning towards a new chapter of faithfulness and divine promise, leaving behind the wilderness era.
* **"and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel,":** This emphasizes the unified and comprehensive nature of the movement. Under Joshua's direct leadership, the entire nation, "all the children of Israel," arrives at the Jordan River. This river represents the final, significant natural barrier to the Promised Land, underscoring the magnitude of the impending divine intervention required for their entry. The collective arrival highlights the corporate nature of God's covenant with His people and their shared destiny.
* **"and lodged there before they passed over.":** The act of "lodging" indicates a deliberate pause or encampment at the river's edge, rather than an immediate crossing. This period of waiting (which we learn in [Joshua 3:2](/joshua/3-2 "Joshua 3:2 - Officers' Charge to the People") was three days) was crucial for preparation, consecration ([Joshua 3:5](/joshua/3-5 "Joshua 3:5 - Consecration for the Miracle")), and the reception of further divine instructions. It builds anticipation for the miraculous event to come, underscoring God's precise timing and the necessity of the people's readiness and faith.

#### Literary Devices
**Foreshadowing** is prominently employed in this verse, as the encampment at the Jordan riverbank clearly anticipates the miraculous crossing that will follow, powerfully echoing the Red Sea event in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"). The seemingly ordinary act of "lodging there" effectively builds **Suspense**, creating an atmosphere of eager expectation for the divine intervention that is about to unfold. The journey from **Shittim** to the **Jordan** functions as powerful **Symbolism**; Shittim, a place associated with past sin and rebellion, represents the wilderness era and its failures, while the Jordan, the threshold to the Promised Land, symbolizes new beginnings, divine promise, and the imminent fulfillment of God's covenant. The phrase "rose early in the morning" is a recurring biblical **Motif** often signifying earnestness, diligence, and readiness for divine action, adding a layer of **Narrative Pacing** that signals the urgency and importance of the events to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 3:1 is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even after decades of wilderness wandering and instances of Israel's rebellion. The movement from Shittim to the Jordan signifies God's active leading of His people into their inheritance, demonstrating that His purposes will be fulfilled regardless of human obstacles. It highlights the principle that divine intervention often follows human obedience and diligent preparation. Joshua's "early rising" exemplifies the kind of responsive leadership and readiness God seeks from His servants, positioning the entire nation to receive and participate in His miraculous work. The impending crossing of the Jordan, a formidable natural barrier, underscores that God's power is not limited by circumstances, and He alone makes a way where there appears to be none, solidifying His sovereignty over creation and history and reaffirming His covenant loyalty.

* [Deuteronomy 31:7-8](/deuteronomy/31-7-8 "Deuteronomy 31:7-8 - God's Charge to Joshua and Promise of Presence")
* [Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1-9 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal-Peor and the Plague")
* [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21-22 "Exodus 14:21-22 - Moses Divides the Red Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 3:1 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as Israel was called to leave behind the "Shittims" of their past—places or patterns of sin, stagnation, or spiritual failure—we too are called to forsake old ways and press forward into God's new purposes for our lives. Joshua's diligence in "rising early" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intentionality, readiness, and proactive obedience in our spiritual journey. Significant spiritual breakthroughs and the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives often require us to position ourselves in anticipation, preparing our hearts and minds for His next move. We are encouraged to trust God's timing, even when it involves a period of waiting at the "Jordan"—a seemingly insurmountable obstacle—knowing that He will make a way for us to enter into the "Promised Land" of His blessings and purposes. This verse calls us to move forward in faith, leaving behind what hinders us, and diligently preparing for the miraculous work God desires to do in and through us, confident in His faithfulness to complete what He has started.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Shittims" (past failures, habits, or mindsets) might God be calling you to leave behind as you move forward in faith?**
* **In what areas of your life is God calling for "early rising"—a greater diligence, intentionality, or readiness to obey His promptings?**
* **How does the idea of "lodging there before they passed over" speak to seasons of waiting or preparation in your own life, and what might God be teaching you in those times?**
* **What "Jordan Rivers" (seemingly insurmountable obstacles or challenges) are you currently facing, and how does this passage encourage your trust in God's miraculous power to make a way?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joshua and the Israelites "lodge there" before crossing?**

Answer: The act of lodging at the Jordan's bank was a crucial period of waiting and preparation, demonstrating God's precise timing and the need for the people's readiness. It wasn't an immediate crossing, but a strategic pause (likely three days, as indicated in [Joshua 3:2](/joshua/3-2 "Joshua 3:2 - Officers' Charge to the People")) during which the people were commanded to consecrate themselves ([Joshua 3:5](/joshua/3-5 "Joshua 3:5 - Consecration for the Miracle")). This pause built anticipation, allowed for the priests to prepare the Ark of the Covenant, and underscored that the crossing would be a divinely orchestrated miracle, not a human feat. It also served as a moment for the entire nation to witness and remember God's mighty power, much like the crossing of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")), thereby strengthening their faith for the challenges ahead.

**What is the significance of moving from Shittim?**

Answer: Shittim, located in the plains of Moab, was the notorious site of Israel's grievous sin with the Moabite women and the worship of Baal-Peor ([Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1-9 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")). Moving from Shittim is deeply symbolic. It represents leaving behind a place associated with past disobedience, moral failure, and the wilderness generation's rebellion. This departure signifies a spiritual cleansing and a turning towards renewed covenant faithfulness as the new generation prepares to enter the Promised Land. It emphasizes a definitive break from the failures of the past and a readiness for God's new work and the fulfillment of His promises, highlighting a fresh start and a commitment to holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 3:1, with its depiction of Israel poised at the Jordan, powerfully foreshadows the greater spiritual journey and the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua, whose Greek name is the equivalent of Jesus, led Israel into the earthly Promised Land, Jesus is the true and greater Joshua who leads His people into their spiritual inheritance. The crossing of the Jordan, a formidable barrier overcome by divine power, prefigures Christ's victory over sin and death, which were the ultimate barriers to our true spiritual "Promised Land"—eternal life and communion with God. Our "Shittim" is the old life of sin and rebellion, which we are called to leave behind through repentance and faith in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus has "passed over" the Jordan of death, opening the way for all who believe to enter into the rest and inheritance prepared for them ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). He is the one who goes before us, making a way through the impossible, leading us not into an earthly Canaan, but into the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")), secured by His blood and the indwelling of His Spirit ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 2:1

¶ And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Jeremiah 25:3

From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that [is] the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened.

Numbers 25:1

¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

Jeremiah 26:5

To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending [them], but ye have not hearkened;

Micah 6:5

O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.

Genesis 22:3

¶ And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.