Joshua 3:14

¶ 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;

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};

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

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

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

Joshua 3:14 in the King James Version describes a pivotal moment in the history of Israel: the movement of the people from their encampment towards the Jordan River, preparatory to entering the Promised Land. This verse sets the scene for the miraculous crossing that is about to occur, highlighting the central role of the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant.

Context

This verse follows the command from Joshua, given according to God's instructions, for the people to prepare to cross the Jordan. They have been staying in Shittim and are now moving towards the riverbank. The Jordan is described in the following verses as being at flood stage during the harvest season, making a natural crossing impossible. The instruction for the priests to lead the way, bearing the Ark, is crucial to understanding the event that follows and emphasizes divine guidance and intervention.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance: The movement is orchestrated by God, with the Ark symbolizing His presence leading the way.
  • Faith and Obedience: The people are responding in faith by preparing to step into the river based on God's promise and command, a demonstration of their trust in God's power to make a way.
  • The Significance of the Ark: The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence and the covenant relationship with Israel, is placed at the forefront, signifying that God Himself is leading His people into the inheritance He promised. This echoes its role in leading Israel through the wilderness (see Numbers 10:33).
  • Transition: This verse marks the literal beginning of the transition from the wilderness wandering to possessing the land of Canaan, the culmination of decades of journeying.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ark of the covenant" (Hebrew: aron habrit) is significant. The aron (ark or chest) was the vessel containing the tablets of the Law, representing the covenant between God and Israel. Its presence signified God's dwelling among His people and His leadership, particularly important as they faced the daunting task of crossing the impassable Jordan River.

Reflection

Joshua 3:14 reminds us that entering into God's promises often requires steps of faith and obedience, following where God leads. Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence going before Israel, believers today are called to follow Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence among His people. Our movement forward is not based on our ability to overcome obstacles, but on God's power and faithfulness to make a way where there seems to be none.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 7:44 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 1:25 (2 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 9:4 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.