Joshua 3:17

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.

And the priests {H3548} that bare {H5375} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068} stood {H5975} firm {H3559} on dry ground {H2724} in the midst {H8432} of Jordan {H3383}, and all the Israelites {H3478} passed over {H5674} on dry ground {H2724}, until all the people {H1471} were passed {H5674} clean {H8552} over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}.

The cohanim carrying the ark for the covenant of ADONAI stood fast on dry ground in the middle of the Yarden, while all Isra'el crossed on dry ground, until the entire nation had finished crossing the Yarden.

The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.

And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation were passed clean over the Jordan.

Commentary

Commentary on Joshua 3:17 (KJV)

Joshua 3:17 provides a vivid description of the miraculous culmination of the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River. This verse highlights God's power and faithfulness as His people, led by the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant, successfully entered the Promised Land. It marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, signifying the fulfillment of divine promises.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the generation that left Egypt had largely passed away. Now, under the leadership of Joshua, the new generation stood on the precipice of Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors. The Jordan River, which typically overflowed its banks during the spring harvest season (Joshua 3:15), presented a formidable natural barrier. God's command for the priests to step into the water first, bearing the sacred Ark of the Covenant, was a test of faith and a powerful demonstration of His sovereignty over nature. The Ark represented God's direct presence and covenant relationship with Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Power and Faithfulness: The parting of the Jordan is a clear display of God's omnipotence, echoing the earlier parting of the Red Sea. It assures Israel, and us, of God's ability to overcome any obstacle for His people.
  • God's Leading Presence: The priests, standing firm with the Ark in the riverbed, symbolize God's unwavering presence leading His people. He goes before them, making a way where there was none.
  • Obedience and Trust: The priests' act of stepping into the overflowing river required immense faith and obedience. Their steadfastness allowed the entire nation to pass safely, demonstrating the importance of trusting God's commands even when they seem impossible.
  • New Beginnings and Fulfillment: The crossing of the Jordan marked the end of the wilderness journey and the beginning of a new era in the Promised Land. It was a tangible fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham and Moses.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Dry ground" (Hebrew: yabbashah): This term emphasizes the complete dryness of the riverbed, indicating that the ground was not muddy or treacherous. It was as firm and walkable as dry land, highlighting the miraculous nature of the event.
  • "Ark of the covenant of the LORD" (Hebrew: aron habberith Yahweh): The full title underscores the Ark's significance as the physical representation of God's covenant (agreement) with Israel, and His personal name, Yahweh (LORD), emphasizes His active, relational presence among them.

Practical Application

Joshua 3:17 offers profound encouragement for believers today.

  • Facing Our "Jordans": We often encounter "Jordans" in our lives—seemingly insurmountable challenges, transitions, or obstacles that require a step of faith. This verse reminds us that God can make a way through the impossible.
  • Trusting God's Presence: Just as the Ark led Israel, God's presence, through the Holy Spirit, goes before us. We are called to fix our eyes on Him, knowing that He will provide the strength and path forward.
  • Stepping Out in Faith: Sometimes, God calls us to take a bold step of faith into uncertain territory. Like the priests, our obedience, even when it feels risky, can pave the way for breakthroughs not only for ourselves but for others around us.
  • Embracing New Seasons: This passage is a powerful reminder that God leads us into new seasons and fulfills His promises in our lives, often through miraculous interventions when we least expect them. It encourages us to anticipate God's work as we transition into new phases.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 14:29 (11 votes)

    But the children of Israel walked upon dry [land] in the midst of the sea; and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

  • Exodus 14:22 (10 votes)

    And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

  • Psalms 66:6 (6 votes)

    He turned the sea into dry [land]: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

  • Isaiah 25:8 (5 votes)

    He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • 2 Kings 2:8 (4 votes)

    And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

  • Joshua 4:3 (4 votes)

    And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.

  • Hebrews 11:29 (3 votes)

    By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.