Joshua 3:13

KJV

And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles {H3709} of the feet {H7272} of the priests {H3548} that bear {H5375} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068}, the Lord {H113} of all the earth {H776}, shall rest {H5117} in the waters {H4325} of Jordan {H3383}, that the waters {H4325} of Jordan {H3383} shall be cut off {H3772} from the waters {H4325} that come down {H3381} from above {H4605}; and they shall stand {H5975} upon an {H259} heap {H5067}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As soon as the cohanim carrying the ark of ADONAI, the Lord of all the earth, put the soles of their feet in the water of the Yarden, the water of the Yarden will be cut off upstream and stand piled up like an embankment."

Berean Standard Bible

When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—touch down in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.”

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, when the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of Jehovah, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, even the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand in one heap.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 3:13 details God's precise instruction for the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, a pivotal moment in Israel's entry into the Promised Land. This verse underscores the divine sovereignty of "the Lord of all the earth" over creation, demonstrating His power to remove formidable obstacles through the obedient faith of His people, specifically the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant, thereby making a dry path for the nation to inherit their promised inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate context of Joshua 3:13 is the culmination of Israel's wilderness wanderings and their imminent entry into Canaan. Chapters 1 and 2 establish Joshua's leadership and the reconnaissance mission to Jericho. Chapter 3 begins with Israel encamped at Shittim, preparing to cross. Verses 1-6 detail the instructions for the people to follow the Ark of the Covenant, sanctify themselves, and for the priests to carry the Ark. Verse 7 explicitly affirms Joshua's leadership, promising to magnify him in the eyes of all Israel, just as Moses was magnified. Verse 13, therefore, is the specific divine command and promise regarding the mechanics of the miracle, setting the stage for the actual crossing described in verses 14-17, where the waters indeed part as the priests' feet touch the Jordan. This event directly parallels the [Red Sea crossing](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Parting of the Red Sea") and serves as a powerful testament to God's continued faithfulness to His covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jordan River, particularly during the spring harvest season (as noted in [Joshua 3:15](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15 - Jordan at flood stage")), was typically at flood stage, making it a significant natural barrier. Its width and depth would have rendered a mass crossing by hundreds of thousands of people, including women, children, and livestock, virtually impossible without divine intervention. The act of crossing a major river was often seen in ancient Near Eastern cultures as a symbolic act of conquest or divine favor, signifying a transition from one domain to another. For Israel, this crossing was not merely a logistical challenge but a profound theological statement: God was actively leading them into the land promised to their patriarchs, demonstrating His power over the very forces of nature, contrasting sharply with the limited, localized deities of the Canaanites.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 3:13 is rich with several overarching themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, as God, identified as "the Lord of all the earth," demonstrates absolute control over creation, commanding the waters to cease their flow. This miracle powerfully affirms God's covenant faithfulness, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham regarding the land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The verse also highlights the crucial role of **Faith and Obedience**, as the miracle is contingent upon the priests stepping into the rushing waters *before* they part, demanding profound trust in God's word. Furthermore, the presence of the [Ark of the Covenant](/numbers/10-33 "Numbers 10:33 - The Ark leading Israel") at the forefront underscores the theme of **God's Presence and Leadership**, signifying that God Himself is leading His people into their inheritance. Finally, this event serves to **Confirm Joshua's Leadership**, publicly validating his divine appointment to succeed Moses, just as the Red Sea crossing had affirmed Moses' authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark (Hebrew, _'ărôn'_):** This refers to the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence, His throne, and the covenant relationship with His people. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. Its presence at the forefront of the crossing signified that God Himself was leading the way.
* **Lord of all the earth (Hebrew, _'ăḏôn kol-hā'āreṣ'_):** This majestic title emphasizes God's universal dominion and absolute authority, not just over Israel, but over all creation. It contrasts sharply with the localized, tribal deities of the Canaanites, asserting Yahweh's unique supremacy and His power to command the very elements, such as the Jordan River.
* **Heap (Hebrew, _nēḏ_):** This word describes the piled-up waters, creating a wall or dam. It is the same word used in [Exodus 15:8](/exodus/15-8 "Exodus 15:8 - Waters stood as a heap") to describe the waters of the Red Sea standing up like a wall. This linguistic parallel reinforces the connection between the two miraculous crossings and highlights the supernatural nature of God's intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan":** This clause sets the precise condition and timing for the miracle. The priests, specifically designated as those carrying the sacred Ark of the LORD, must initiate the act of faith by stepping into the river. The description "the Lord of all the earth" is strategically placed here to emphasize the divine authority behind this seemingly impossible command, assuring both the priests and the nation that the One who commands them possesses ultimate power over creation. The act of "resting" their feet implies a deliberate, obedient step into the rushing waters, not a tentative dip.
* **"that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above":** This describes the immediate and dramatic consequence of the priests' obedience. The upstream flow of the Jordan River would be supernaturally severed or halted. The phrase "cut off" (Hebrew: _yikkārᵉtûn_) denotes a complete cessation, indicating a divine intervention that defies natural hydrological processes. This interruption of the natural flow would create the dry path necessary for the vast Israelite multitude to cross.
* **"and they shall stand upon a heap":** This final clause vividly portrays the result of the waters being cut off. The upstream waters would not merely dissipate but would pile up, forming a stationary "heap" or wall. This imagery underscores the miraculous nature of the event, demonstrating God's direct control over the elements, holding back a massive volume of water against its natural inclination, thus creating a dry passage for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 3:13 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Foreshadowing** is evident as this miracle intentionally echoes the [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), establishing a pattern of divine intervention at critical junctures in Israel's history and confirming God's consistent faithfulness. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Dramatic Irony** is present in the description of the Jordan at flood stage ([Joshua 3:15](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15 - Jordan at flood stage")), emphasizing the seemingly insurmountable obstacle that God effortlessly overcomes, thereby magnifying His power. The repetitive emphasis on the "waters of Jordan" being "cut off" and standing "upon a heap" creates a sense of **Antithesis** between the natural state of the river and its supernatural transformation. Finally, the Ark of the Covenant functions as a potent **Symbolism**, representing God's active presence and covenant faithfulness, its leading role signifying that God Himself is the true leader of Israel, paving the way for their inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 3:13 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The miracle of the Jordan crossing serves as a tangible demonstration that no obstacle, however formidable, can thwart God's plans for His people. It underscores the principle that divine intervention often awaits human obedience and a step of faith, even when the path ahead seems impossible. This event is not merely a historical account but a theological statement about God's character as the "Lord of all the earth," who actively clears the way for His people to enter into their promised inheritance, both literally and spiritually. It confirms that His presence, symbolized by the Ark, is the true guiding force, ensuring the fulfillment of His purposes.

* [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Psalm 114:3-5](/psalms/114-3 "Psalm 114:3-5 - Nature Obeys God")
* [Isaiah 43:16](/isaiah/43-16 "Isaiah 43:16 - God Making a Way in the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Jordan crossing in Joshua 3:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is still the "Lord of all the earth," capable of overcoming any "Jordan" that stands between us and His purposes for our lives. Just as the priests were called to step into the rushing waters *before* they parted, we are often called to exercise faith and obedience in seemingly impossible situations, trusting that God will make a way where there appears to be none. This passage encourages us to prioritize God's presence and His Word (symbolized by the Ark) in our lives, knowing that He will lead us through challenges and into the "promised land" of His blessings and fulfillment. It challenges us to move beyond fear and doubt, embracing the truth that our God is a God of breakthrough, who delights in demonstrating His power on behalf of those who trust and obey Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jordan River" obstacles are you facing in your life that seem insurmountable without divine intervention?**
* **Where is God calling you to take a "step of faith" before you see the full path or solution?**
* **How does remembering God as "the Lord of all the earth" impact your perspective on current challenges or fears?**
* **In what ways can you prioritize God's presence (His "Ark") to guide your decisions and actions today?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Jordan River at flood stage, and why is this significant?**

Answer: [Joshua 3:15](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15 - Jordan at flood stage") explicitly states that the Jordan "overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest." This refers to the spring harvest, when the melting snows from Mount Hermon in the north would swell the river, making it wide, deep, and fast-flowing. This detail is crucial because it magnifies the miracle. If the river had been low, the crossing would have been less remarkable. Its flood stage emphasized that the parting was not a natural phenomenon or a seasonal low, but a direct, supernatural intervention by God, demonstrating His absolute power over nature and making the miracle undeniable to both Israel and the surrounding nations ([Joshua 4:23-24](/joshua/4-23 "Joshua 4:23-24 - The Lord Dried Up the Jordan")).

**What was the significance of the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant?**

Answer: The priests, specifically the Levites, were the designated custodians of the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's manifest presence, His covenant faithfulness, and His throne among His people. Their role in leading the crossing underscored that this was not a military maneuver but a divinely orchestrated event. By carrying the Ark into the river first, they symbolized that God Himself was leading His people, making a way for them. This act also required immense faith from the priests, as they were the first to step into the rushing waters, demonstrating that obedience to God's command, even when it seems illogical, precedes divine breakthrough. This also confirmed Joshua's leadership, as God had promised in [Joshua 3:7](/joshua/3-7 "Joshua 3:7 - God Magnifies Joshua")).

**How does this event relate to the parting of the Red Sea?**

Answer: The Jordan River crossing is presented as a deliberate echo and continuation of the [Red Sea parting](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") generations earlier. Both events involved God miraculously dividing waters to create a dry path for His people, marking significant transitions in their journey (from slavery to freedom, and from wilderness to inheritance). The linguistic parallel of the waters standing "upon a heap" (Hebrew _ned_) is used in both [Exodus 15:8](/exodus/15-8 "Exodus 15:8 - Waters stood as a heap") and Joshua 3:13. These parallels serve to remind Israel of God's consistent power and faithfulness across generations, to establish Joshua's authority as a leader like Moses, and to instill fear and awe in the surrounding nations ([Joshua 5:1](/joshua/5-1 "Joshua 5:1 - Fear of the Canaanites")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 3:13, with its dramatic depiction of God making a way through an impassable barrier, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, led Israel through the Jordan into their promised land, so too does Jesus Christ, the ultimate embodiment of God's presence among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), lead His people into their true spiritual inheritance. He is the "Lord of all the earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), whose authority extends over all creation, including the spiritual "waters" of sin and death that separate humanity from God. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has "cut off" the power of sin and opened a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - New and Living Way")) for all who believe, leading us out of the wilderness of sin and into the promised land of eternal life and communion with God. He is our true Joshua, who brings us not merely into a physical land, but into the spiritual rest and abundant life found in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The obedient step of the priests into the Jordan foreshadows the faith required to follow Christ, who calls us to trust Him even when the path seems impossible, knowing that He has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Has Overcome the World")).

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

Exodus 15:8

And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, [and] the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

Psalms 78:13

He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.

Joshua 3:15

And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)

Joshua 3:16

That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

Psalms 33:7

He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

Joshua 3:11

Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.

Exodus 14:19

And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: