Joshua 3:14

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when the people {H5971} removed {H5265} from their tents {H168}, to pass over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}, and the priests {H3548} bearing {H5375} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} before {H6440} the people {H5971};

Complete Jewish Bible

So the people left their tents to cross the Yarden, with the cohanim carrying the ark for the covenant ahead of the people.

Berean Standard Bible

So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over the Jordan, the priests that bare the ark of the covenant being before the people;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 3:14 marks the critical moment when the Israelites, under divine command, broke camp and began their advance toward the Jordan River. This movement, led by the priests bearing the sacred Ark of the Covenant, sets the immediate stage for the miraculous parting of the Jordan, underscoring God's active presence and leadership in bringing His people into the promised inheritance after forty years of wilderness wandering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal juncture in the book of Joshua, following God's clear instructions to Joshua concerning the crossing of the Jordan (see [Joshua 3:7-8](/joshua/3-7 "Joshua 3:7-8 - God's Command to Joshua")). It immediately precedes the detailed account of the miraculous parting of the waters (see [Joshua 3:15-17](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15-17 - The Miraculous Crossing of the Jordan")). The preceding verses describe the people's consecration (see [Joshua 3:5](/joshua/3-5 "Joshua 3:5 - Consecration Before the Crossing")) and Joshua's charge to the priests. Thus, [Joshua 3:14](/joshua/3-14 "Joshua 3:14 - Israel's Movement Towards the Jordan") acts as the narrative trigger, initiating the physical movement that will culminate in the fulfillment of God's promise to bring Israel into Canaan. It transitions the narrative from preparation and instruction to concrete action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had spent forty years in the wilderness, and this moment represents the culmination of that long journey, standing at the threshold of the Promised Land. The Jordan River, particularly during the harvest season (as noted in [Joshua 3:15](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15 - Jordan at Flood Stage")), was at its flood stage, making a natural crossing impossible. This heightened the need for divine intervention. The Ark of the Covenant, central to this scene, was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's throne, His presence among His people, and the terms of His covenant with them. Its placement at the head of the procession, carried by the priests, was a powerful visual and theological statement that God Himself was leading the way into the challenges and promises of Canaan. The priests' role as bearers of the Ark underscored their mediatorial function and the holiness required for approaching God's presence.
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 3:14](/joshua/3-14 "Joshua 3:14 - Israel's Advance Towards the Jordan") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuchal narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, demonstrating that God is actively leading His people, not merely observing. The entire movement is orchestrated by Him, with the Ark symbolizing His personal presence going before them, much as it did during their wilderness wanderings (see [Numbers 10:33](/numbers/10-33 "Numbers 10:33 - The Ark Leading in the Wilderness")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Obedience and Faith**, as the people are called to step out in trust toward an impassable river based solely on God's command and promise. Their "removal from their tents" is an act of faith. Thirdly, the **Significance of the Ark of the Covenant** is paramount; its presence at the forefront signifies that God's covenant faithfulness is the foundation for their entry into the land, and His power will overcome all obstacles. Lastly, this verse marks the literal and symbolic **Transition** from the nomadic wilderness existence to the settled life in the Promised Land, signifying the fulfillment of centuries-old promises made to Abraham (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **removed (Hebrew, _nāsa'_):** This verb signifies "to pull up stakes," "to set out," or "to journey." It conveys a decisive and purposeful breaking of camp, indicating not just a casual stroll but a deliberate, commanded movement towards a specific destination. In this context, it implies an act of obedience and faith, as the people are moving towards an obstacle (the flooded Jordan) with no visible means of crossing, trusting that God will make a way.
* **tents (Hebrew, _'ohel'_):** The "tents" represent the temporary dwellings of the Israelites during their forty years of wilderness wandering. Their removal from these tents symbolizes the end of an era—the nomadic phase of their history—and the beginning of their permanent settlement in the Promised Land. It signifies a transition from a transient existence to an inheritance, marking a profound shift in their national identity and destiny.
* **ark of the covenant (Hebrew, _'aron habberith'_):** This is the most significant element in the verse. The Ark was the sacred chest containing the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenant with Israel. More than just a container, it symbolized God's very presence among His people, His throne, and His authority. Its leading position in the procession underscores that the entire undertaking is divinely initiated and empowered. It is God Himself, represented by the Ark, who is going before them to conquer the land and fulfill His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents,"**: This opening clause establishes the beginning of the decisive action. "It came to pass" signals a significant event in the narrative flow. The "people removed from their tents" highlights their collective obedience and the physical initiation of the journey, signifying their readiness to leave their past behind and step into their future.
* **"to pass over Jordan,"**: This phrase states the immediate objective and the formidable obstacle. The Jordan River, particularly at flood stage, represented an impassable barrier. This objective sets the stage for the miraculous intervention that is about to occur, emphasizing that human effort alone would be insufficient.
* **"and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;"**: This final, crucial clause reveals the divine strategy and the source of power. The priests, as consecrated intermediaries, carrying the Ark—the tangible symbol of God's presence and covenant—at the very front of the procession, demonstrates that God Himself is leading the charge. This arrangement ensures that the people understand that their success is not due to their own strength or planning, but solely to God's sovereign power and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the seemingly ordinary act of breaking camp, coupled with the extraordinary detail of the Ark leading, strongly hints at the miraculous event about to unfold at the Jordan. The **Symbolism** of the Ark of the Covenant is central; it is not merely a box but a profound representation of God's active, leading presence, His covenant fidelity, and His sovereign power. The **Narrative Progression** is clear, moving from preparation to the commencement of the decisive action, building suspense towards the climax of the river crossing. Finally, there is a strong **Emphasis** on divine leadership through the specific mention of the priests bearing the Ark "before the people," highlighting that God, not human strategy or might, is the true leader of Israel into their inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 3:14 is a profound theological statement about God's faithfulness and His method of leading His people. It teaches that entering into God's promises often requires an initial step of faith, a movement towards the seemingly impossible, with the assurance that God Himself goes before us. The Ark's leading role underscores that divine presence and covenant faithfulness are the true keys to overcoming obstacles and possessing what God has promised. This event echoes the earlier miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, establishing a pattern of God making a way through impassable waters to bring His people to freedom and inheritance. It reminds us that God's power is not limited by natural barriers, and His presence guarantees success for those who obey His leading.

* [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - The Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Numbers 10:33](/numbers/10-33 "Numbers 10:33 - The Ark Leading Israel in the Wilderness")
* [Hebrews 11:29](/hebrews/11-29 "Hebrews 11:29 - Faith in Crossing the Red Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 3:14 serves as a powerful reminder that our journey of faith often involves stepping out into the unknown, trusting in God's presence and power to make a way where there appears to be none. Just as the Israelites had to physically "remove from their tents" and move towards the daunting Jordan, we too are called to leave behind our comfort zones and familiar patterns, advancing towards the "Jordans" in our lives—whether they be challenging circumstances, new callings, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This verse encourages us to fix our gaze not on the size of the obstacle, but on the God who goes before us. It challenges us to cultivate a deep trust in His leading, recognizing that His presence is our ultimate assurance of success. Our obedience, even in the face of uncertainty, unlocks His miraculous intervention, allowing us to experience His faithfulness in new and profound ways as we step into the inheritance He has prepared for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jordans"—seemingly impassable obstacles or significant transitions—are you facing in your life right now?**
* **How does the imagery of the priests bearing the Ark before the people encourage you to trust in God's leading in your own challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can you "remove from your tents" and take a step of faith towards God's promises for your life today?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Ark of the Covenant so important in this event?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was supremely important because it symbolized the very presence of God among His people. It was not merely a religious artifact but the tangible representation of God's throne, His authority, and His covenant faithfulness to Israel. By having the priests carry the Ark at the forefront of the procession, God was demonstrating that He Himself was leading the way into the Promised Land and would overcome the obstacle of the Jordan River. This emphasized that the miracle was entirely of divine origin, not human strength or strategy, instilling faith and awe in the people. Its presence also underscored the holiness required for approaching God and receiving His blessings.

**What does "Jordan at flood stage" add to the narrative?**

Answer: The detail that the Jordan River was "at flood stage" (mentioned in [Joshua 3:15](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15 - Jordan at Flood Stage")) is crucial because it heightens the miraculous nature of the crossing. If the river had been low or easily fordable, the event would have been less impressive. By describing it as being at its fullest, during the harvest season, the text emphasizes that a natural crossing was impossible. This detail underscores God's absolute power over nature and His ability to make a way where there is no humanly conceivable path. It magnifies the divine intervention, demonstrating that God can remove any barrier, no matter how formidable, to fulfill His promises to His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 3:14, with its depiction of the Ark of the Covenant leading Israel through the impassable Jordan into the Promised Land, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is the ultimate "Ark of the Covenant," the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity, for in Him "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). Just as the Ark went before Israel, making a way through the waters, so Jesus, our Great High Priest (as seen in [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), has gone before us, passing through the "waters" of sin and death, to open the way into the true spiritual promised land—eternal life and fellowship with God. He is "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")), leading His people through the seemingly impossible obstacles of a fallen world into the inheritance secured by His sacrifice. Our "removal from our tents" of sin and self-reliance is a step of faith, following Him who has already conquered, trusting that His presence guarantees our passage into the abundant life He offers ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")).

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

Acts 7:44

Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

Acts 7:45

Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

1 Corinthians 1:24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:25

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Hebrews 9:4

Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein [was] the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

Joshua 3:3

And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

Joshua 3:6

And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.