TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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;
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;
World English Bible Messianic
When the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant being before the people,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then when the people were departed from their tentes to goe ouer Iorden, the Priestes bearing the Arke of the Couenant, went before people.
Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, in the journeying of the people from their tents to pass over the Jordan, and of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people,
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Commentary on Joshua 3 verses 14–17
14 ¶ 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;
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,)
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.
17 And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
Here we have a short and plain account of the dividing of the river Jordan, and the passage of the children of Israel through it. The story is not garnished with the flowers of rhetoric (gold needs not to be painted), but it tell us, in short, matter of fact.
I. That this river was now broader and deeper than usually it was at other times of the year, Jos 3:15. The melting of the snow on the mountains of Lebanon, near which this river had its rise, was the occasion that at the time of harvest, barley-harvest, which was the spring of the year, Jordan overflowed all his banks. This great flood, just at that time (which Providence might have restrained for once, of which he might have ordered them to cross at another time of the year) very much magnified the power of God and his kindness to Israel. Note, Though the opposition given to the salvation of God's people have all imaginable advantages, yet god can and will conquer it. Let the banks of Jordan be filled to the brink, filled till they run over, it is as easy to Omnipotence to divide them, and dry them up, as if they were ever so narrow, ever so shallow; it is all one with the Lord.
II. That as soon as ever the feet of the priests dipped in the brim of the water the stream stopped immediately, as if a sluice had been led down to dam it up, Jos 3:15, Jos 3:16. So that the waters above swelled, stood on a heap, and ran back, and yet, as it should seem did not spread, but congealed, which unaccountable rising of the river was observed with amazement by those that live upward upon it many miles off, and the remembrance of it remained among them long after: the waters on the other side this invisible dam ran down of course, and left the bottom of the river dry as far downward, it is likely, as they swelled upward. When they passed through the red Sea, the waters were a wall on either hand, here only on the right-hand. Note, The God of nature can, when he pleases, change the course of nature, and alter its properties, can turn fluids into solids, waters into standing rocks, as, on the contrary, rocks into standing waters, to serve his own purposes. See Psa 114:5, Psa 114:8. What cannot God do? What will he not do for the perfecting of his peoples, salvation? Sometimes he cleaves the earth with rivers (Hab 3:9), and sometimes, as here, cleaves the rivers without earth. It is easy to imagine how, when the course of this strong rapid stream was arrested on a sudden, the waters roared and were troubled, so that the mountains seemed to shake with the swelling thereof (Psa 46:3), how the floods lifted up their voice, the floods lifted up their waves, while the Lord on high showed himself mightier than the noise of these many waters, Psa 93:3, Psa 93:4. With reference to this the prophet asks, Was the Lord displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? Hab 3:8. No, Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, Jos 3:13. In allusion to this, it is foretold, among the great things God will do for the gospel church in the latter days, that the great river Euphrates shall be dried up, that the way of the kings of the east may be prepared, Rev 16:12. When the time has come for Israel's entrance into the land of promise all difficulties shall be conquered, mountains shall become plains (Zac 4:7) and rivers become dry, for the ransomed of the Lord to pass over. When we have finished our pilgrimage through this wilderness, death will be like this Jordan between us and the heavenly Canaan, but the ark of the covenant has prepare us a way through it; it is the last enemy that shall be destroyed.
III. That the people passed over right against Jericho, which was, 1. An instance of their boldness, and a noble defiance of their enemies. Jericho was one of the strongest cities, and yet they dared to face it at their first entrance. 2. It was an encouragement to them to venture through Jordan, for Jericho was a goodly city and the country about it extremely pleasant; and, having that in view as their own, what difficulties could discourage them from taking possession? 3. It would increase the confusion and terror of their enemies, who no doubt strictly observed their motions, and were the amazed spectators of this work of wonders.
IV. That the priests stood still in the midst of Jordan while all the people passed over, Jos 3:17. There the ark was appointed to be, to show that the same power that parted the waters kept them parted as long as there was occasion; and had not the divine presence, of which the ark was a token, been their security, the waters would have returned upon them and buried them. there the priests were appointed to stand still, 1. To try their faith, whether they could venture to take their post, when god assigned it to them, with mountains of water over their heads. As they made a bold step when they set the first foot into Jordan, so now they made a bold stand when they tarried longest in Jordan; but they knew they carried their own protection with them. Note, Ministers in times of peril should be examples of courage and confidence in the divine goodness. 2. It was to encourage the faith of the people, that they might go triumphantly into Canaan, and fear no evil, no, not in this valley of the shadow of death (for so the divided river was), being assured of God's presence, which interposed between them and the greatest danger, between them and the proud waters, which otherwise had gone over their souls. Thus in the greatest dangers the saints are comforted with his rod and his staff, Psa 23:4.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–17. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON JOSHUA 4.1
And do not imagine that these deeds are only in former times and nothing so great as this is brought forth in you who are now the hearer of them. For all things are fulfilled in you according to a mystical reckoning. Indeed you who long to draw near to the hearing of the divine law have recently forsaken the darkness of idolatry and are now for the first time forsaking Egypt. When you are reckoned among the number of catechumens and have undertaken to submit to the precepts of the church, you have parted the Red Sea and, placed in the stations of the desert, you daily devote yourself to hearing the law of God and to looking upon the face of Moses, through which the glory of the Lord is revealed. But if, you also have entered the mystic font of baptism and in the presence of the priestly and levitical order have been instructed by those venerable and magnificent sacraments, which are known to those who are permitted to know those things, then, with the Jordan parted, you will enter the land of promise by the services of the priests. In this land, Jesus receives you after Moses and becomes for you the leader of a new way.
Gregory of NyssaAD 395
THE LIFE OF GREGORY THE WONDERWORKER 7.55
Joshua son of Nun made the Jordan River stop, but only as long as the ark was in the water. As soon as the people had crossed to the other side and the ark had come through, he gave the river back its usual flow again. The bottom of the deep in the Red Sea was denuded of water when the sea was driven back to either side by the Spirit, but the duration of the marvel was the passage of the army through the deep on the dry strip. But after that the surface of the sea became one again, and the temporary gap was flooded over. So this remains a unique event which occurred in such a way that the marvel did not lose credibility because of the passage of time, since it continues to be testified to by visible traces.
Paulinus of NolaAD 431
POEM 27.511
Then there are the deeds of Joshua, who was marked out with Christ’s name; under his guidance the Jordan kept its stream stationary and its waters still as it recoiled from the countenance of the divine ark. A strange power divided the river. One section came to a halt, its stream flowing back, while another section hastened in its gliding course to the sea, leaving the river bed exposed. Where the current surged strongly from its source, it held back and piled high its waves, so that a threatening mountain of water hung poised in quivering formation and looked down to see human feet passing across the dry, deep bed, and grimy soles hastening over the congealed mud, dry-footed in mid-river.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 3:14 marks the pivotal moment when the Israelites, under divine command, broke camp and began their advance towards the Jordan River. This crucial 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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its theological significance. Foreshadowing is prominently featured, as the seemingly ordinary act of breaking camp, combined with the extraordinary detail of the Ark leading the way, strongly hints at the miraculous event about to unfold at the Jordan River. The Symbolism of the Ark of the Covenant is central; it is not merely a physical container but a profound representation of God's active, leading presence, His unwavering covenant fidelity, and His sovereign power over creation. The Narrative Progression is clear and deliberate, moving from a state of preparation to the commencement of the decisive action, effectively building suspense and anticipation towards the climax of the river crossing. Furthermore, 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 and ultimate leader of Israel into their inheritance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 3:14 is a profound theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness and His distinctive method of leading His people into their inheritance. It teaches that entering into God's promises often necessitates an initial, courageous step of faith—a deliberate movement towards the seemingly impossible—with the absolute assurance that God Himself goes before us. The Ark's leading role profoundly underscores that divine presence and covenant faithfulness are the true keys to overcoming formidable obstacles and possessing what God has promised. This event powerfully echoes the earlier miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, establishing a consistent pattern of God making a way through impassable waters to bring His people to freedom and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as an enduring reminder that God's power is not constrained by natural barriers, and His active presence guarantees success for those who obediently follow His leading.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 3:14 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that our spiritual journey of faith frequently involves stepping out into the unknown, trusting implicitly in God's manifest presence and sovereign power to make a way where there appears to be none. Just as the Israelites were compelled to physically "remove from their tents" and advance towards the daunting, flooded Jordan, we too are called to leave behind our comfort zones, familiar patterns of thought, and self-reliance, advancing towards the "Jordans" in our own lives—whether they represent challenging circumstances, new divine callings, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles that block our path to God's promises. This verse profoundly encourages us to fix our gaze not on the imposing size or nature of the obstacle, but steadfastly on the God who goes before us. It challenges us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in His leading, recognizing that His presence is our ultimate assurance of success and breakthrough. Our obedience, even in the face of profound uncertainty, is the key that 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
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 the living God among His people. It was not merely a religious artifact but the tangible representation of God's throne, His ultimate authority, and the enduring terms of His covenant faithfulness to Israel. By having the priests, who were consecrated for sacred service, carry the Ark at the forefront of the procession, God was unequivocally demonstrating that He Himself was leading the way into the Promised Land and would personally overcome the formidable obstacle of the Jordan River. This emphasized that the impending miracle was entirely of divine origin, not attributable to human strength, strategy, or ingenuity, thereby instilling profound faith and awe in the people. Its presence also underscored the holiness required for approaching God and receiving His blessings and provisions.
What does the detail "Jordan at flood stage" add to the narrative?
Answer: The crucial detail that the Jordan River was "at flood stage" (explicitly mentioned in Joshua 3:15) is vital because it dramatically heightens the miraculous nature of the crossing. If the river had been low, easily fordable, or at its typical dry-season level, the event would have been far less impressive and its divine origin less apparent. By describing it as being at its fullest, swelled by the spring harvest rains, the text emphasizes that a natural crossing for such a vast multitude was absolutely impossible. This detail powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty and 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 and bring them into their inheritance.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 3:14, with its vivid depiction of the Ark of the Covenant leading Israel through the impassable Jordan River into the long-awaited Promised Land, profoundly foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Christ is the ultimate "Ark of the Covenant," the very embodiment of God's manifest presence among humanity, for in Him "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Colossians 2:9). Just as the Ark went before Israel, making an impossible way through the waters, so Jesus, our Great High Priest (as powerfully affirmed in Hebrews 4:14), has gone before us. He has passed through the "waters" of sin, death, and God's righteous judgment, opening the only way into the true spiritual promised land—eternal life, reconciliation, and intimate fellowship with God. He is unequivocally "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), leading His redeemed people through the seemingly impossible obstacles of a fallen world into the glorious inheritance secured by His perfect sacrifice. Our "removal from our tents" of sin, self-reliance, and worldly security is a decisive step of faith, a call to follow Him who has already conquered, trusting that His abiding presence guarantees our passage into the abundant and eternal life He so freely offers (John 10:10).