Joshua 3:9

KJV

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} said {H559} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, Come hither {H5066}, and hear {H8085} the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua said to the people of Isra'el, "Come here, and listen to the words of ADONAI your God."

Berean Standard Bible

So Joshua told the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.”

American Standard Version

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 3:9 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Israel's entry into the Promised Land, immediately preceding the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. In this verse, Joshua, divinely appointed successor to Moses, issues a direct and authoritative command to the entire nation of Israel, urging them to draw near and give their undivided attention to "the words of the LORD your God." This directive underscores the absolute necessity of divine instruction and obedience as the foundation for witnessing and participating in God's mighty acts, establishing the spiritual prerequisite for the impending supernatural intervention that would confirm Joshua's leadership and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 3:9 is strategically placed at the climax of the preparations for Israel's entry into Canaan. The preceding verses detail the specific instructions for the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant, the people's sanctification, and the precise distance they must maintain from the Ark. This meticulous preparation highlights the holiness of the event and the divine presence leading them. Following Joshua's command to "hear the words of the LORD," the narrative immediately proceeds to God's direct instruction to Joshua regarding the crossing, culminating in the miraculous parting of the Jordan River in [Joshua 3:14-17](/joshua/3-14 "Joshua 3:14-17 - The Miraculous Crossing of the Jordan"). This verse thus serves as the crucial verbal bridge, transitioning from human preparation to divine action, emphasizing that the miracle is contingent upon hearing and heeding God's voice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For forty years, the generation that had rebelled against God's command to enter Canaan had perished in the wilderness. Now, a new generation, born in the wilderness, stood on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, the final natural barrier to the Promised Land. The Jordan, often swollen during harvest season, represented an impassable obstacle without divine intervention. Culturally, the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua was monumental; Joshua's authority needed divine validation, much like Moses' leadership was confirmed at the [Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"). Joshua's call to "hear the words of the LORD your God" echoes the covenantal relationship established at Sinai, reminding Israel of their unique identity as God's chosen people and the foundational importance of obedience in their journey. This moment was not merely a geographical crossing but a spiritual renewal and a test of faith for a people about to inherit their divine promise.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 3:9 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Authority and Leadership**, affirming Joshua's role as God's chosen instrument, through whom God speaks directly to His people, fulfilling the promise made in [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Obedience and Attentiveness**, as the command "Come hither, and hear" is an urgent summons for the entire nation to engage in active, responsive listening, which implies a readiness to act upon God's instructions. This concept of "hearing" (Hebrew: *shama*) is deeply tied to covenant faithfulness, as seen in the foundational command of the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema, Hear O Israel"). Thirdly, it underscores **Preparation for Miracle**, positioning the act of hearing God's word as the essential prerequisite for witnessing and participating in the great works God is about to perform, specifically the [crossing of the Jordan](/joshua/3-17 "Joshua 3:17 - The Miraculous Crossing of the Jordan"). Finally, the phrase "the LORD your God" reinforces the **Covenant Relationship** between Yahweh and Israel, reminding them of His unwavering faithfulness and their identity as His treasured possession.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (*shama'*) is far more profound than merely perceiving sound. In this context, it carries the rich connotation of "listening with attention and understanding, so as to obey." It implies a readiness to internalize and act upon what is heard. This is a foundational concept throughout the Old Testament, where true hearing is synonymous with obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, distinguishing passive reception from active, life-transforming response.
* **Words (Hebrew, _devarim'_):** The Hebrew word דְּבָרִים (*devarim*) refers to "words," "matters," or "commands." When used in conjunction with "the LORD your God," it signifies divine utterances, decrees, and instructions that carry absolute authority and truth. These are not mere suggestions but the authoritative revelation of God's will and plan, demanding the people's complete attention and submission.
* **The LORD your God (Hebrew, _YHWH Eloheykhem'_):** This covenantal phrase, יהוה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם (*YHWH Eloheykhem*), is profoundly significant. "YHWH" (often rendered "LORD" in English translations) is the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His unchanging faithfulness and His active presence among His people. "Eloheykhem" (your God) highlights the exclusive and intimate relationship God has with Israel, reminding them that the One who speaks is their sovereign, covenant-keeping God, who has chosen them and committed Himself to them. This phrase reinforces His authority and the unique identity of Israel as His chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua said unto the children of Israel":** This opening clause establishes Joshua's role as the divinely appointed leader and God's chosen mouthpiece. It signifies a formal address to the entire congregation, underscoring the universal importance of the message that follows. Joshua is not speaking on his own authority but as the mediator of God's word to His people.
* **"Come hither":** This is an imperative command, an urgent summons for the people to draw near, physically and mentally. It implies a call to gather, to focus their attention, and to prepare themselves for a direct encounter with divine instruction. It's an invitation to a sacred moment, demanding proximity and readiness.
* **"and hear the words":** This imperative reinforces the primary action required: active listening and comprehension. As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, "hear" (shama) implies not just auditory perception but attentive, obedient reception. The focus is on the content—"the words"—which are the divine revelation about to be imparted.
* **"of the LORD your God":** This final phrase identifies the ultimate source and authority of the "words." It is not Joshua's wisdom or human counsel, but the direct communication from Yahweh, Israel's covenant God. This attribution elevates the message to the highest possible level of authority and truth, demanding absolute reverence and obedience from the people.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 3:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, where Joshua speaks directly and urgently to the "children of Israel," creating an immediate and personal connection with the audience and emphasizing the critical nature of the impending event. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in "Come hither, and hear" creates a sense of urgency and command, reflecting the authoritative nature of both Joshua's leadership and the divine message he conveys. There is also an element of **Anticipation**, as the command to "hear the words of the LORD" builds suspense for the miraculous events that are about to unfold, positioning the divine word as the catalyst for the supernatural. Furthermore, the phrase "the LORD your God" serves as a powerful instance of **Covenantal Language**, reinforcing the unique relationship between God and Israel and reminding them of His faithfulness and their identity. The entire verse functions as a **Call to Attention**, a literary technique designed to focus the audience's mind and spirit on the profound significance of the divine revelation that is about to be given.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 3:9 stands as a foundational text for understanding the relationship between divine revelation, human obedience, and supernatural intervention. It encapsulates the principle that God's mighty acts are often preceded by His word, and His people's receptivity to that word is paramount. This verse underscores God's active involvement in the history of His people, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His expectation of their responsive obedience. It also highlights the continuity of divine leadership, as Joshua, like Moses before him, serves as the conduit for God's authoritative voice. The "words of the LORD" are not merely informative but transformative, preparing the people for a new phase of their journey and a deeper experience of God's power and presence. This moment of collective listening is a spiritual act of submission, positioning Israel to witness and participate in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [John 8:47](/john/8-47 "John 8:47 - Those Who Are of God Hear God's Words")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 3:9 offers a timeless and profound challenge to believers today. In a world saturated with noise and distractions, the command to "Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God" remains an urgent call to prioritize divine revelation above all else. Before embarking on any significant endeavor, facing new challenges, or navigating periods of uncertainty, our primary focus must be to quiet our spirits and actively incline our ears to God's voice as revealed in Scripture. This is not passive listening, but a posture of attentive readiness, seeking to understand His will and committing to obey His directives. Just as Israel's successful crossing of the Jordan was contingent upon their heeding God's word through Joshua, our ability to walk in God's power and experience His provision in our lives is directly linked to our willingness to listen and obey. This verse reminds us that true spiritual progress begins with a humble and hungry heart, eager to hear from the One who holds all wisdom and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What distractions in my life prevent me from truly "coming hither" to hear God's words?**
* **How does my daily routine reflect a prioritization of hearing God's word over other voices or demands?**
* **In what specific area of my life am I currently needing to "hear the words of the LORD your God" before taking a step of faith?**
* **What does "hearing" God's word truly mean for me beyond intellectual understanding, in terms of obedience and application?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Joshua's command "Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God"?**

Answer: This command is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it publicly validates Joshua's leadership, demonstrating that God speaks through him just as He did through Moses. It establishes that the upcoming miraculous event—the parting of the Jordan—is not a human feat but a divine act, initiated and guided by God's direct instruction. Secondly, it emphasizes the absolute necessity of divine revelation and human obedience as prerequisites for experiencing God's power. The people are called to a posture of active listening and readiness to obey, underscoring that their success in entering the Promised Land depends entirely on their adherence to God's word. It sets a spiritual tone for the entire conquest, rooting it in divine authority rather than human might.

**How does this event relate to the earlier parting of the Red Sea?**

Answer: The crossing of the Jordan River in [Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Crossing of the Jordan") is presented as a direct parallel and theological echo of the parting of the Red Sea in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"). Both events involve God miraculously dividing waters to create a path for His people, confirming His covenant faithfulness and the authority of His chosen leader (Moses then, Joshua now). The Red Sea crossing marked the liberation from Egyptian bondage and the birth of Israel as a nation; the Jordan crossing marks their entry into the Promised Land, signifying the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. Both miracles served to instill awe in Israel and fear in their enemies, demonstrating that "the LORD your God is He who fights for you" ([Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The LORD Fights for You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 3:9, with its emphasis on hearing the "words of the LORD your God" before entering the promised inheritance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Joshua, whose name (Yeshua) is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel into their physical inheritance by divine word and power, Jesus, our ultimate Joshua, leads believers into their spiritual inheritance—the Kingdom of God and eternal life. The command to "hear the words of the LORD" foreshadows the New Covenant emphasis on listening to and obeying the voice of Jesus, who is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate revelation of God, and His words are [spirit and life](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life") ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")). The miraculous crossing of the Jordan, a barrier overcome by divine power, prefigures the spiritual transformation and new life available through Christ, particularly symbolized in Christian baptism, where believers identify with Christ's death and resurrection, crossing from death to life ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3 "Romans 6:3-4 - Buried with Christ in Baptism")). Ultimately, Joshua 3:9 calls us to fix our gaze and attention not on human leaders or earthly obstacles, but on the living Word, Jesus Christ, through whom we receive the ultimate promise of eternal inheritance and the power to overcome every spiritual barrier ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - Rest in Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

Deuteronomy 12:8

Ye shall not do after all [the things] that we do here this day, every man whatsoever [is] right in his own eyes.