Joshua 3:4

Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed [this] way heretofore.

Yet there shall be a space {H7350} between you and it, about two thousand {H505} cubits {H520} by measure {H4060}: come not near {H7126} unto it, that ye may know {H3045} the way {H1870} by which ye must go {H3212}: for ye have not passed {H5674} this way {H1870} heretofore {H8543}{H8032}.

But keep a distance between yourelves and it of about a thousand yards - don't come any closer, so that you will understand which way to go, because you haven't gone this way before."

But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark. Do not go near it, so that you can see the way to go, since you have never traveled this way before.”

Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore.

Commentary

Joshua 3:4 marks a crucial instruction given to the Israelites as they prepare to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land. This verse outlines specific guidance regarding their proximity to the Ark of the Covenant, which was leading them into uncharted territory.

Context

Following forty years of wilderness wanderings, the book of Joshua opens with the Israelites poised on the eastern bank of the Jordan, ready to claim the land God had promised their ancestors. Moses has died, and Joshua has assumed leadership. The crossing of the Jordan is not just a geographical move but a momentous spiritual transition, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence and authority, is central to this miraculous endeavor. This particular instruction in Joshua 3:4 ensures that the entire nation can witness and follow the divine leading, especially since they were about to embark on a path they had "not passed heretofore."

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Leadership: The primary purpose of the instruction is to ensure that the people could clearly see the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's direct guidance. By maintaining a significant distance, no one's view would be obstructed, allowing all to follow the divine path. This highlights God's active role in leading His people into their destiny, much as the Ark often led Israel in the wilderness.
  • Reverence and Holiness: The "space" of two thousand cubits also underscored the sacredness of the Ark and the holiness of God. It was a reminder that while God was with them, His presence demanded respect and awe. Coming too close might imply presumption or disrespect for the divine.
  • A New and Uncharted Way: The phrase "for ye have not passed this way heretofore" is profoundly significant. It emphasizes that the Israelites were entering a new phase, a territory and experience entirely unfamiliar to them. This required absolute reliance on God's unique leading, as past methods or knowledge would not suffice. It speaks to God's ability to guide us through completely new paths in life.
  • Unity and Obedience: The command ensured that the entire congregation, comprising over two million people, would move in unison behind the Ark, depending on the same visible sign for direction. It fostered corporate obedience to God's specific instructions for this pivotal moment.

Linguistic Insights

The specified distance, "two thousand cubits by measure," is approximately 3,000 feet or 0.6 miles. This considerable gap served several practical and spiritual purposes: it allowed the vast multitude of Israelites to see the Ark clearly as it moved, and it maintained a respectful distance from the sacred object. The Hebrew phrase for "heretofore" (l'faneem) literally means "before now" or "in time past," emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the journey and the need for fresh, divine instruction.

Practical Application

Joshua 3:4 offers timeless principles for believers today. Just as the Israelites needed to keep their eyes on the Ark, we are called to keep our focus on Christ and His Word as we navigate life's uncertainties. When facing new challenges or entering unfamiliar seasons, we must rely on divine guidance rather than past experiences or human wisdom. The "space" can also remind us to maintain a holy reverence for God, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness, while still following His lead. It encourages us to embrace new paths with faith, knowing that God goes before us and will illuminate the way, even when we have "not passed this way heretofore." This verse is a powerful reminder that God's leadership is essential, especially when we are stepping into the unknown, requiring our complete trust and obedience.

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

  • Psalms 89:7

    God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all [them that are] about him.

  • Exodus 3:5

    And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy ground.

  • Hebrews 12:28

    Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

  • Hebrews 12:29

    For our God [is] a consuming fire.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:2

    And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou [wast] he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

  • Genesis 31:2

    And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it [was] not toward him as before.

  • Exodus 19:12

    And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, [that ye] go [not] up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:
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