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,)

And as they that bare {H5375} the ark {H727} were come {H935} unto Jordan {H3383}, and the feet {H7272} of the priests {H3548} that bare {H5375} the ark {H727} were dipped {H2881} in the brim {H7097} of the water {H4325},(for Jordan {H3383} overfloweth {H4390} all his banks {H1415} all the time {H3117} of harvest {H7105},)

When those carrying the ark had come to the Yarden, and the cohanim carrying the ark had waded into the water (for throughout harvest season the Yarden overflows its banks),

Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge,

and when they that bare the ark were come unto the Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (for the Jordan overfloweth all its banks all the time of harvest),

Commentary

This verse describes the critical moment just before the children of Israel crossed the Jordan River into the promised land. The scene is set: the priests carrying the sacred Ark of the Covenant reach the riverbank.

Context

Joshua 3 details God's instructions for the Israelites to prepare to cross the Jordan River. Unlike the Red Sea crossing, where the waters parted before they entered, here they were commanded to step into the water first. Verse 15 specifically highlights a crucial detail: "for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest." This wasn't just a gentle stream; it was a powerful, flooded river at its peak, making the upcoming miracle all the more dramatic and undeniable as an act of God's mighty power.

Key Themes

  • Faith and Obedience: The priests had to step into the dangerous, overflowing waters before the miracle occurred. This act of faith, based on God's promise, was the trigger for the river to stop flowing.
  • God's Perfect Timing: God chose the most challenging moment (the river in flood) to demonstrate His power, ensuring that the crossing was clearly supernatural.
  • The Role of the Ark: The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence among His people, led the way, signifying that God Himself was opening the path.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The overflowing Jordan represents a significant barrier that only divine intervention could overcome, symbolizing how God enables His people to conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest" paints a vivid picture. The Hebrew term for 'harvest' here often refers to the barley harvest season (late spring), which corresponds to the time when the Jordan is swollen by melting snows from Mount Hermon. This detail isn't just descriptive; it emphasizes the magnitude of the obstacle the Israelites faced, making the subsequent drying up of the riverbed an even greater sign.

Reflection and Application

Joshua 3:15 reminds us that God often calls us to step out in faith into challenging circumstances before He reveals His solution. The overflowing Jordan is a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming difficulties we might face in life – financial crises, health issues, relational breakdowns. Just as the priests' feet touching the water preceded the parting, our obedience and trust, even when the situation seems impossible, can be the point where God begins to work. This verse encourages us to trust God's timing and power, knowing that He can make a way even through the flooded rivers of life, much like He parted the Red Sea for their ancestors.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 12:15 (5 votes)

    These [are] they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all [them] of the valleys, [both] toward the east, and toward the west.

  • Joshua 3:13 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Jeremiah 12:5 (4 votes)

    If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

  • Joshua 4:18 (4 votes)

    And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, [and] the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as [they did] before.

  • Jeremiah 49:19 (4 votes)

    Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who [is] a chosen [man, that] I may appoint over her? for who [is] like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who [is] that shepherd that will stand before me?

  • Deuteronomy 16:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

  • Deuteronomy 16:9 (2 votes)

    Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from [such time as] thou beginnest [to put] the sickle to the corn.