Joshua 3:5

KJV

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} said {H559} unto the people {H5971}, Sanctify {H6942} yourselves: for to morrow {H4279} the LORD {H3068} will do {H6213} wonders {H6381} among {H7130} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves, because tomorrow ADONAI is going to work wonders among you."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

American Standard Version

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves; for to-morrow Jehovah will do wonders among you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 3:5 records a pivotal divine command issued by Joshua to the Israelite nation on the verge of entering the Promised Land. Standing before the formidable barrier of the Jordan River, Joshua instructs the people to "sanctify yourselves," a call to spiritual and ceremonial purity, in anticipation of the Lord's imminent and miraculous intervention. This directive underscores the essential spiritual readiness required for God to manifest His awe-inspiring power and unwavering faithfulness, setting the stage for the miraculous crossing and the fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Joshua, immediately following the Israelites' encampment at Shittim and the successful reconnaissance mission to Jericho (Joshua 2). After forty years of wilderness wandering, a new generation of Israelites now stands poised to enter the land promised to their forefathers. [Joshua 3:1-4](/joshua/3-1-4 "Joshua 3:1-4 - Preparations for Crossing the Jordan") details the logistical preparations for the crossing: the people breaking camp, the Ark of the Covenant being carried by the Levitical priests, and the instruction to maintain a significant distance from the Ark. Joshua's command in this verse serves as the spiritual prerequisite for the extraordinary event that will unfold in [Joshua 3:7-17](/joshua/3-7-17 "Joshua 3:7-17 - The Miraculous Parting of the Jordan"), where the Jordan River, at its flood stage, will be miraculously parted, allowing the entire nation to cross on dry ground. This command resonates with similar calls for sanctification before direct encounters with God's holiness, such as the preparations made prior to the giving of the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-10 "Exodus 19:10 - Sanctification Before Sinai").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the eastern bank of the Jordan River, specifically during the harvest season (Joshua 3:15), when the river typically swelled its banks due to melting snows from Mount Hermon, making it a formidable natural barrier. For the Israelites, "sanctification" (Hebrew: _qadash_) was a multifaceted concept deeply embedded in their covenant relationship with God, particularly as defined by the Mosaic Law. It involved both ceremonial purity (e.g., washing clothes, abstaining from certain activities, as detailed in [Exodus 19:10-15](/exodus/19-10-15 "Exodus 19:10-15 - Preparations for God's Appearance")) and an internal spiritual readiness, a setting apart of oneself for a holy purpose or an imminent encounter with the divine. This act of purification was not merely ritualistic but signified a conscious turning of the heart towards God, acknowledging His holiness and preparing to receive His mighty acts. The crossing of the Jordan was not just a geographical shift but a profound theological transition, marking the end of wilderness wandering and the beginning of covenant fulfillment in the land, demanding a renewed commitment to God's commands and a posture of reverent expectation.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 3:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God**, demonstrating that the Lord Himself is the initiator and executor of His promises, performing "wonders" that transcend human capability. This echoes God's faithfulness in bringing Israel out of Egypt through the [Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Parting of the Red Sea"). Secondly, the command to "sanctify yourselves" emphasizes the theme of **Human Responsibility and Preparation** in response to divine initiative; while God acts, His people are called to a posture of spiritual readiness and obedience. This sanctification is a prerequisite for experiencing God's manifest presence and power. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **God's Presence and Covenant Fulfillment**, as the miraculous crossing of the Jordan serves as a powerful sign that the Lord, who led them through the Red Sea and sustained them in the wilderness, is still with them and faithful to bring them into the land promised to their forefathers. This event also solidifies Joshua's leadership, confirming him as God's chosen successor to Moses, a theme developed further in [Joshua 3:7](/joshua/3-7 "Joshua 3:7 - God Exalts Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joshua (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ'_):** From H3091, derived from H3068 (Jehovah) and H3467 (to save), meaning "Jehovah-saved" or "Jehovah is salvation." This name is highly significant, foreshadowing his role as the one chosen by God to lead Israel into the Promised Land, a land of rest and inheritance. It also points to the ultimate deliverer, Jesus, whose Greek name is derived from the same Hebrew root.
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, meaning "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally); appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly." In its reflexive form, as used here ("sanctify yourselves"), it implies an active, intentional effort on the part of the people to make themselves holy or set themselves apart for a sacred purpose. This involved both external ritual purification (e.g., washing clothes, abstaining from marital relations, as seen in [Exodus 19:10-15](/exodus/19-10-15 "Exodus 19:10-15 - Preparation for God's Presence")) and an internal, spiritual readiness—a turning of the heart and mind towards God in anticipation of His holy presence and mighty acts. It signifies a state of purity and dedication essential for encountering the divine.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It means "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord." The use of YHWH here emphasizes that the imminent "wonders" are not random occurrences but the deliberate, powerful acts of the faithful, covenant-keeping God who has chosen Israel and is actively fulfilling His promises to them. This name underscores His unchanging character and His active presence among His people.
* **Wonders (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** From H6381, this root means "to separate, i.e. distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful; accomplish, (arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do, do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles, perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make) wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things, works, -ly)." The plural noun form, _niphla'ot_, refers to extraordinary, miraculous, or astonishing deeds. These are actions that are beyond human capability and are specifically attributed to God, demonstrating His unique power, majesty, and sovereignty. The term often carries the connotation of awe-inspiring acts that reveal God's character and His intervention in human history. In this context, it specifically refers to the miraculous parting of the Jordan River, an event comparable in its divine magnitude to the parting of the [Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Parting of the Red Sea").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua said unto the people":** This opening clause establishes Joshua's authoritative role as God's chosen leader and mediator for the nation. He is not speaking on his own accord but delivering a divine mandate, positioning him as the legitimate successor to Moses and the one through whom God's instructions are conveyed to the nation. His leadership is crucial for unifying the people and guiding them into the Promised Land, demonstrating God's continued provision of leadership for His people.
* **"Sanctify yourselves":** This is the central command of the verse, a direct imperative calling for spiritual and ceremonial preparation. The reflexive nature ("yourselves") emphasizes the people's active participation and responsibility in this process. It is a call to intentional purity and dedication, setting themselves apart from the ordinary and profane, in anticipation of a sacred encounter with the holy God. This act of sanctification is not for earning God's favor but for properly positioning themselves to witness and receive His holy work, demonstrating reverence and obedience.
* **"for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you":** This clause provides the divine motivation and certain promise for the command. "To morrow" indicates the immediacy and certainty of God's impending action, building anticipation. "The LORD" (YHWH, the covenant name of God) underscores that it is the faithful, covenant-keeping God who will act, not Joshua or human strength. The "wonders" refer to extraordinary, miraculous deeds that will unequivocally demonstrate God's power and faithfulness to His covenant promises. The phrase "among you" highlights God's immanent presence and active involvement within the community, confirming His commitment to His people and their journey into the land.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 3:5 employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The primary device is **Command and Promise**, where Joshua issues a direct imperative ("Sanctify yourselves") immediately followed by a divine assurance ("for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you"). This structure highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between human obedience and divine action, emphasizing God's faithfulness to respond to His people's preparation. The use of **Foreshadowing** is also evident; the command to sanctify before a great divine act echoes the preparation before the giving of the Law at Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears at Sinai")), suggesting that the upcoming Jordan crossing will be an equally monumental display of God's power and presence, marking a new phase in Israel's covenant relationship. Furthermore, the phrase "do wonders" functions as a form of **Divine Manifestation** and **Hyperbole**, indicating an act so profound and supernatural that it transcends normal human experience, serving as a clear revelation of God's omnipotence and His active involvement in the history of His people. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast** between human limitation and divine omnipotence, as the people's humble act of sanctification precedes God's grand, impossible feat, emphasizing that the power belongs solely to the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 3:5 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that human preparation and spiritual purity are often prerequisites for experiencing God's manifest power and presence. It underscores that God, in His holiness, requires His people to set themselves apart when He is about to reveal His glory in extraordinary ways. This act of sanctification is not about earning God's favor or manipulating His hand, but about aligning oneself with His will and character, cultivating a receptive and reverent posture for divine intervention. The "wonders" are a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that He is actively involved in fulfilling His word, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This passage connects the physical journey into the Promised Land with a necessary spiritual journey of consecration, revealing that the land is not merely a geographical inheritance but a sacred space where God dwells among His sanctified people, and where His glory is to be revealed.

* [Exodus 19:10-11](/exodus/19-10-11 "Exodus 19:10-11 - Preparation for God's Descent on Sinai")
* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Call to Holiness")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 3:5 offers a timeless and profound principle for believers today: before God moves in powerful, transformative ways, He often calls His people to a season of spiritual preparation and sanctification. This is not about earning His favor or manipulating His hand, but about cultivating a heart and life that are aligned with His holiness and purposes, demonstrating our reverence and readiness. To "sanctify yourselves" in a contemporary context means actively pursuing purity—confessing sin, seeking forgiveness, and intentionally setting apart our lives (our time, resources, thoughts, and actions) for God's glory. It involves cultivating spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and worship; seeking intimacy with God; and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from within, conforming us to the image of Christ. When we respond to this call with expectant faith and obedient hearts, we position ourselves to witness God's "wonders" in our personal lives, our families, our churches, and our communities. Just as the Israelites prepared for a physical breakthrough into their inheritance, we prepare for spiritual breakthroughs, trusting that God is faithful to reveal His power and accomplish His purposes through a consecrated people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life or my community's life need to be "sanctified" or intentionally set apart for God's purposes right now?**
* **How does my daily pursuit of holiness and spiritual disciplines connect with my expectation of God doing "wonders" in my life or through my church?**
* **In what ways can we, as a collective body of believers, intentionally prepare ourselves to be used by God for extraordinary acts in our generation, demonstrating our readiness for His manifest presence?**

### FAQ

**What was involved in "sanctifying yourselves" for the Israelites in Joshua's time?**

Answer: For the ancient Israelites, "sanctifying yourselves" involved both ritual and spiritual preparation. Ritually, it meant performing acts of ceremonial cleansing, such as washing their clothes, abstaining from marital relations, and refraining from anything considered ritually impure, for a specified period (as seen in [Exodus 19:10-15](/exodus/19-10-15 "Exodus 19:10-15 - Preparations for God's Appearance") before the giving of the Law). Spiritually, it implied a turning of the heart towards God, a conscious decision to set themselves apart for a holy encounter or task. It was about acknowledging God's holiness and preparing their minds and hearts to receive His divine instructions and witness His mighty acts, demonstrating reverence and readiness for His manifest presence and power.

**Does God still require us to "sanctify ourselves" today to see His wonders?**

Answer: Yes, the principle of sanctification remains vital for believers today, though its expression has shifted from ceremonial rituals to an inward, spiritual transformation. Through Christ, believers are already declared holy and set apart positionally ([1 Corinthians 1:2](/1_corinthians/1-2 "1 Corinthians 1:2 - Sanctified in Christ Jesus")), but there is also a progressive, ongoing process of sanctification ([1 Thessalonians 4:3](/1_thessalonians/4-3 "1 Thessalonians 4:3 - God's Will for Sanctification")). This involves daily repentance, pursuing purity of heart and action, dedicating our lives to God's will, and allowing the Holy Spirit to conform us to the image of Christ ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice")). While God's wonders are ultimately by His grace and sovereignty, our spiritual readiness and obedience position us to better perceive, participate in, and be used by Him in His extraordinary work in the world. As [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness") states, "without holiness no one will see the Lord."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 3:5, with its call to sanctification preceding divine wonders, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament requirement for ceremonial and spiritual purity before encountering God's holiness pointed forward to the perfect and complete sanctification accomplished by Christ. We are no longer required to wash clothes or abstain from certain activities to prepare for God's presence, for Christ Himself is our sanctification ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, Jesus made us holy and set us apart for God ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Offering")), enabling us to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Full Assurance of Faith")). The "wonders" God performed through Joshua, parting a river to bring His people into a physical land, foreshadow the far greater "wonders" of salvation, spiritual rebirth, and new creation accomplished through Christ. He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making us fit to dwell in God's presence eternally. Furthermore, the indwelling Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a life of ongoing, progressive sanctification, enabling us to participate in and witness the "greater works" that Jesus promised His followers would do ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")) as the Kingdom of God advances. Thus, the call to sanctify ourselves in Joshua 3:5 is ultimately fulfilled in our union with Christ, who is our holiness, and through whom God continues to do wonders in and through His people by the power of His Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 7:13

Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [There is] an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.

Leviticus 20:7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Joel 2:16

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

1 Samuel 16:5

And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

John 17:19

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Exodus 19:10

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,

Exodus 19:15

And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.