Joshua 3:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Joshua 3:1 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, setting the stage for their miraculous entry into the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. This verse highlights the immediate preparations and the strategic positioning of the Israelites before one of the most significant events in their journey.

Context

After forty years of wandering in the wilderness and the death of Moses, the nation of Israel is poised on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. They have been encamped at Shittim (meaning "acacia trees"), a place in the plains of Moab known for past challenges, including the incident of Baal-peor (Numbers 25:1-9). From this location, Joshua had dispatched spies to Jericho (Joshua 2:1). Now, the entire nation, led by Joshua, moves to the banks of the Jordan River, the final natural barrier separating them from the land promised to their forefathers (Genesis 12:7). This movement signifies the end of one era and the imminent beginning of another, transitioning from wilderness life to settled inheritance.

Key Themes

  • Diligent Preparation: Joshua's act of "rising early in the morning" underscores his diligence, readiness, and commitment to leading the people according to God's will. It speaks to the importance of proactive obedience in spiritual endeavors.
  • Divine Direction and Anticipation: The move from Shittim to the Jordan bank, and their lodging there, indicates a deliberate, ordered progression. The Israelites are positioned to receive further divine instructions for the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, emphasizing God's precise timing.
  • Transition of Leadership: This verse reaffirms Joshua's role as the new leader of Israel, taking the mantle from Moses (Joshua 1:1-9). His leadership is characterized by readiness and action, preparing the people for the fulfillment of God's promises.
  • Proximity to Promise: The encampment at the Jordan signifies that the Israelites are literally on the threshold of their inheritance. The long journey of forty years is culminating in this moment of anticipation before entering the land God had sworn to give them.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rose early in the morning" (Hebrew: hashkēm) often conveys a sense of earnestness, urgency, and dedication in biblical narratives. It's not merely about the time of day but about the immediate and decisive action taken in response to God's leading. The name Shittim itself, while a geographical location, carries the historical weight of past failures, making the departure from it symbolic of leaving behind old ways and moving towards a new covenant experience with God.

Practical Application

Joshua 3:1 reminds believers that significant spiritual progress often requires intentional preparation and diligent obedience. Just as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, we are called to prepare ourselves for God's next steps in our lives, whether it's a new season, a challenging task, or a deeper walk of faith. It encourages us to leave behind the "Shittims" of our past—places or patterns associated with spiritual setbacks—and position ourselves in readiness for God's divine timing and miraculous intervention. Our eagerness to respond to God's call, like Joshua's early rising, can be a key to unlocking new blessings and fulfilling His purposes.

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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.