TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.
KJV (with Strong's)
For the priests H3548 which bare H5375 the ark H727 stood H5975 in the midst H8432 of Jordan H3383, until every thing H1697 was finished H8552 that the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 Joshua H3091 to speak H1696 unto the people H5971, according to all that Moses H4872 commanded H6680 Joshua H3091: and the people H5971 hasted H4116 and passed over H5674.
Complete Jewish Bible
The cohanim carrying the ark stood in the Yarden riverbed until Y'hoshua had finished saying to the people everything that ADONAI had ordered him to say, in keeping with everything that Moshe had ordered Y'hoshua; then the people hurried across.
Berean Standard Bible
Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until the people had completed everything the LORD had commanded Joshua to tell them, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried across,
American Standard Version
For the priests that bare the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan, until everything was finished that Jehovah commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.
World English Bible Messianic
For the priests who bore the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan, until everything was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and passed over.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So the Priests, which bare ye Arke, stoode in the middes of Iorden, vntill euery thing was finished that ye Lord had comanded Ioshua to say vnto the people, according to all that Moses charged Ioshua: then the people hasted and went ouer.
Young's Literal Translation
And the priests bearing the ark are standing in the midst of the Jordan till the completion of the whole thing which Jehovah commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua, and the people haste and pass over.
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In the KJVVerse 5,921 of 31,102
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Commentary on Joshua 4 verses 10–19
10 ¶ For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.
11 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people.
12 And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them:
13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
14 On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
15 And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
16 Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.
17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.
18 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.
19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
The inspired historian seems to be so well pleased with his subject here that he is loth to quit it, and is therefore very particular in his narrative, especially in observing how closely Joshua pursued the orders God gave him, and that he did nothing without divine direction, finishing all that the Lord had commanded him (v. 10), which is also said to be what Moses commanded. We read not of any particular commands that Moses gave to Joshua about this matter: the thing was altogether new to him. It must therefore be understood of the general instructions Moses had given him to follow the divine direction, to deliver that to the people which he received of the Lord, and to take all occasions to remind them of their duty to God, as the best return for his favours to them. This which Moses, who was now dead and gone, had said to him, he had in mind at this time, and did accordingly. It is well for us to have the good instructions that have been given us ready to us when we have occasion for them.
I. The people hasted and passed over, v. 10. Some understand this of the twelve men that carried the stones, but it seems rather to be meant of the body of the people; for, though an account was given of their passing over (v. 1), yet here it is repeated for the sake of this circumstance, which was to be added, that they passed over in haste, either because Joshua by their officers ordered them to make haste, for it was to be but one day's work and they must not leave a hoof behind, or perhaps it was their own inclination that hastened them. 1. Some hasted because they were not able to trust God. They were afraid the waters should return upon them, being conscious of guilt, and diffident of the divine power and goodness. 2. Others because they were not willing to tempt God to continue the miracle longer than needs must, nor would they put the patience of the priests that bor the ark too much to the stretch by unnecessary delay. 3. Others because they were eager to be in Canaan, and would thus show how much they longed after that pleasant land. 4. Those that considered least, yet hasted because others did. He that believeth doth not make haste to anticipate God's counsels, but he makes haste to attend them, Isa 28:16.
II. The two tribes and a half led the van, Jos 4:12, Jos 4:13. So they had promised when they had their lot given them on that side Jordan, Num 32:27. And Joshua had lately reminded them of their promise, Jos 1:12-15. It was fit that those who had the first settlement should be the first in the encounter of difficulties, the rather because they had not the incumbrance of families with them as the other tribes had, and they were all chose men, and fit for service, ready armed. It was a good providence that they had so strong a body to lead them on, and would be an encouragement to the rest. And the two tribes had no reason to complain: the post of danger is the post of honour.
III. When all the people had got clear to the other side, the priests with the ark came up out of Jordan. This, one would think, should have been done of course; their own reason would tell them that now there was no more occasion for them, and yet they did not stir a step till Joshua ordered them to move, and Joshua did not order them out of Jordan till God directed him to do so, Jos 4:15-17. so observant were they of Joshua, and he of God, which was their praise, as it was their happiness to be under such good direction. How low a condition soever God may at any time bring his priests or people to, let them patiently wait, till by his providence he shall call them up out of it, as the priests here were called to come up out of Jordan, and let them not be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, in the depth of their adversity.
IV. As soon as ever the priests and the ark had come up out of Jordan, the waters of the river, which had stood on a heap, gradually flowed down according to their nature and usual course, and soon filled the channel again, v. 18. This makes it yet more evident that the stop which had now been given to the river was not from any secret natural cause, but purely from the power of God's presence, and for the sake of his Israel; for when Israel's turn was served, and the token of God's presence was removed, immediately the water went forward again; so that if it be asked, What ailed thee, O Jordan! that thou wast driven back? It must be answered, It was purely in obedience to the God of Israel, and in kindness to the Israel of God. There is therefore none like unto the God of Jeshurun; happy also art thou, O Israel! who is like unto thee, O people? Some observe here, by way of allusion, that when the ark, and the priests that bor it, are removed from any place, the flood-gates are drawn up, the defence has departed, and an inundation of judgments is to be expected shortly. Those that are unchurched will soon be undone. The glory has departed if the ark is taken.
V. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua by all this (v. 14): On that day the Lord magnified Joshua, both by the fellowship he admitted him to with himself, speaking to him upon all occasions and being ready to be consulted by him, and by the authority he confirmed him in over both priests and people. Those that honour God he will honour, and when he will magnify a man, as he had said he would magnify Joshua (Jos 3:7), he will do it effectually. Yet it was not for Joshua's sake only that he was thus magnified, but to put him in a capacity of doing so much the more service to Israel, for hereupon they feared him as they feared Moses. Se here what is the best and surest way to command the respect of inferiors, and to gain their reverence and observance, not by blustering and threatening, and carrying it with a high hand, but by holiness and love, and all possible indications of a constant regard to their welfare, and to God's will and honour. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it to appear that God is with them, and that they set him before them. Those that are sanctified are truly magnified, and are worthy of double honour. Favourites of heaven should be looked on with awe.
VI. An account is kept of the time of this great event (v. 19): it was on the tenth day of the first month, just forty years since they came out of Egypt, wanting five days. God had said in his wrath that they should wander forty years in the wilderness, but, to make up that forty, we must take in the first year, which was then past, and had been a year of triumph in their deliverance out of Egypt, and this last, which had been a year of triumph likewise on the other side Jordan, so that all the forty were not years of sorrow; and at last he brought them into Canaan five days before the forty years were ended, to show how little pleasure God takes in punishing, how swift he is to show mercy, and that for the elects' sake the days of trouble are shortened, Mat 24:22. God ordered it so that they should enter Canaan four days before the annual solemnity of the passover, and on the very day when the preparation for it was to begin (Exo 12:3), because he would have their entrance into Canaan Graced and sanctified with that religious feast, and would have them then to be reminded of their deliverance out of Egypt, that, comparing them together, God might be glorified as the Alpha and Omega of their bliss.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–19. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON JOSHUA 5.1
It seems to me the words "the people hastened to cross" were not added idly by the Holy Spirit. For this reason, I also think that when we come to baptism for salvation and receive the sacraments of the Word of God, we should not do it idly or negligently, but we should hurriedly press on all the way until we cross over everything.For to cross over everything is to accomplish all the things that are commanded. Therefore let us hasten to cross, that is, to fulfill at the beginning, what is written: "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Then, when we have set aside all arrogance and taken up the humility of Christ, we may deserve to attain the blessed promise.
Yet even when we have accomplished this, we must not stand still or loiter but cross over the other things that follow, so that "we may hunger and thirst after righteousness." We must also cross over that which follows so that in this world "we may mourn." Then we must quickly cross the remaining things so that we may be made "meek" and remain "peaceable" and thus be able to hear as "sons of God." Also we must hasten so that we may pass through the burden of persecution with the virtue of patience. Whenever we seek earnestly and swiftly—not slowly and languidly—those individual things that pertain to the glory of virtue, this, it seems to me, is "to cross over the Jordan with haste."
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 4:10 vividly portrays the culmination of Israel's miraculous crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land, emphasizing the divine orchestration of the event. It highlights the unwavering faithfulness of the priests, who, bearing the sacred Ark of the Covenant, stood steadfastly in the dry riverbed until the entire nation had safely passed over. This pivotal moment underscores God's meticulous fulfillment of His commands, delivered through Joshua as a continuation of Moses' legacy, and showcases the people's prompt and complete obedience, signifying God's sovereign control over their entry into their promised inheritance.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Joshua 4:10 is strategically placed within the narrative of Israel's entry into Canaan, serving as the climactic point of the Jordan River crossing. It immediately follows the dramatic account in Joshua 3, where the waters of the Jordan are miraculously cut off as the priests' feet touch the river. While Joshua 3 describes the initiation of the miracle and the people's passage, Joshua 4:10 specifically emphasizes the completion of this monumental task. It acts as a crucial transition, ensuring the reader understands that the entire nation has safely crossed before the narrative shifts to the command for memorial stones in Joshua 4:1-9 and their subsequent erection in Joshua 4:19-24. This verse reinforces the scale and thoroughness of God's provision, ensuring no one was left behind, and sets the stage for Israel's new life in the land.
Historical & Cultural Context: The crossing of the Jordan occurred during the spring harvest season, a time when the river was typically at its highest flood stage due to melting snow from Mount Hermon, making a natural crossing utterly impossible. This timing dramatically amplifies the miraculous nature of the event, showcasing God's absolute power over creation. The Ark of the Covenant, central to this passage, was the holiest object in Israelite worship, symbolizing God's tangible presence, His throne, and the very essence of His covenant with His people. The priests, specifically the Levites, were divinely appointed as the exclusive bearers of the Ark, signifying their unique role as mediators and custodians of divine holiness. The corporate act of millions of Israelites crossing on dry ground was a profound, shared experience, designed not only to instill unwavering faith in God but also to affirm Joshua's divinely appointed leadership, echoing the foundational miracle of the Red Sea crossing under Moses. This event marked a definitive end to their forty years of wilderness wandering and the tangible beginning of their inheritance in the land promised to Abraham in Genesis 12:7.
Key Themes: Joshua 4:10 powerfully articulates and contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. It prominently displays Divine Faithfulness, as God meticulously fulfills His ancient covenant promises to bring His chosen people into the land He swore to their ancestors. The Ark's leading role and the miraculous parting of the waters underscore God's Active Presence and Omnipotent Power, demonstrating His direct intervention on behalf of His people. The steadfastness of the priests and the swift, unified passage of the people exemplify Obedience and Trust in God's commands and His appointed leadership. Joshua's repeated mention as the recipient of divine commands, both directly from the LORD and echoing Moses' instructions, firmly establishes the theme of Legitimate Leadership and Succession, assuring the people of God's continued guidance. The collective act of crossing signifies Corporate Identity and Unity under God's covenant, as the entire nation moves forward together into their destiny. Finally, the completion of the crossing, where "every thing was finished," powerfully points to the theme of God's Finished Work, assuring the people that what God initiates, He will faithfully bring to completion, a truth echoed in Philippians 1:6.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 4:10 employs several literary devices to enhance its theological and narrative impact. Repetition is notably evident in the phrase "commanded Joshua," appearing twice. This repetition serves to reinforce the divine authority vested in Joshua and underscore the continuity of leadership from Moses. It emphasizes the unbroken chain of command, from God to Moses, and then from God to Joshua, solidifying Joshua's legitimacy in the eyes of the people. Symbolism is paramount, with the Ark of the Covenant representing God's active presence, omnipotent power, and unwavering covenant faithfulness. Its position in the riverbed is a powerful visual symbol of God holding back the forces of nature for His people, acting as a divine anchor. The entire event is a profound instance of Divine Intervention or Miracle, where the natural order is suspended by God's direct power, underscoring His sovereignty and omnipotence over creation. The phrase "hasted and passed over" contributes to the Narrative Pacing, suggesting a swift, efficient, and decisive conclusion to the crossing, creating a sense of urgency and thoroughness that contrasts with the static, enduring presence of the priests.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:10 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His active, sovereign presence in the lives of His people. It demonstrates that God not only initiates His promises but also meticulously orchestrates their fulfillment, ensuring every detail is "finished" according to His perfect will. The steadfastness of the priests, bearing the Ark, underscores the necessity of God's presence for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, while the people's swift obedience highlights the corporate responsibility in responding to divine commands. This passage prefigures God's consistent character throughout salvation history: He is a God who makes a way where there is no way, who empowers His chosen leaders, and who brings His people into their promised inheritance through acts of miraculous power and by requiring their trust and obedience. It serves as a foundational narrative for understanding the nature of divine leadership, corporate faith, and the certainty of God's covenant promises, assuring believers that God is always with them, leading them to their destined inheritance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:10 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that our journey of faith often requires both steadfast endurance and decisive action. Just as the priests stood firm in the Jordan, holding the Ark, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith and calling, even when we are in seemingly difficult or uncomfortable positions, trusting that God's presence (our "Ark") is with us, holding back the "waters" of life's challenges until His work is fully accomplished. This verse challenges us to consider if we are truly waiting on God's timing and obeying His commands completely, or if we are prone to rushing ahead or giving up too soon. The collective "hasted and passed over" of the people reminds us of the importance of corporate obedience and unity within the body of Christ, moving forward together under divine leadership into the promises of God. Ultimately, this passage assures us that God is faithful to finish what He starts, and He will bring us through our "Jordans" into the fullness of His promises, provided we walk in faith and obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the priests have to stand in the Jordan for so long?
Answer: The priests remained in the midst of the Jordan riverbed, bearing the Ark of the Covenant, for the entire duration of the crossing to ensure that every single Israelite—including the women, children, and livestock—had safely passed over. Their sustained presence was a continuous, visible sign of God's miraculous power holding back the waters. This emphasized the divine commitment to a complete and thorough deliverance, leaving no one behind. This prolonged act of standing also served to deeply impress upon the people the magnitude of the miracle and the centrality of God's presence (symbolized by the Ark) in their entry into the Promised Land, reinforcing their faith and dependence on Him.
What is the significance of the people "hasting" to pass over?
Answer: The word "hasted" (Hebrew, mahar) suggests promptness, urgency, or efficiency in the people's movement. This swift passage highlights several aspects: it could indicate their eager anticipation to finally enter the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering; it might reflect a disciplined and efficient execution of the command to cross, demonstrating their corporate obedience; or it could simply emphasize the rapid and complete nature of the crossing itself, ensuring that the entire nation moved through the miraculous path without delay once it was opened by God. It underscores the decisive and successful conclusion of the crossing, reflecting both human responsiveness and divine enablement.
How does this event relate to the Ark of the Covenant?
Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was absolutely central to the miracle of the Jordan crossing. It symbolized God's holy presence among His people, His covenant faithfulness, and His active power. By having the priests, bearing the Ark, step into the river first and remain there, God demonstrated that it was His presence and power alone that held back the mighty waters. The Ark was not merely a good luck charm but the tangible representation of the invisible God, who was actively leading His people into their inheritance. Its position in the riverbed served as a constant, visible reminder to the Israelites that their success and safe passage were entirely dependent on the LORD's presence and intervention, not on their own strength, numbers, or strategy.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous crossing of the Jordan in Joshua 4:10, with the Ark of the Covenant leading the way and the priests standing firm until all had passed over, profoundly foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence among His people, Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's presence among humanity, Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). He is the true and greater Ark, through whom we access the very presence of God and enter into a new covenant relationship. The Jordan crossing, marking Israel's entry into the Promised Land, serves as a powerful type of spiritual new birth and entry into the new covenant through Christ. His death on the cross is the ultimate "finished" work, accomplishing salvation for all who believe, just as "every thing was finished" at the Jordan before the people passed over (John 19:30). Christ, our great High Priest, "stood" in the chasm of sin and death, enduring the full wrath of God, making a way for us to pass from death to life, from the wilderness of sin to the spiritual promised land of His kingdom (Hebrews 4:14). He leads us, not into a physical land, but into a spiritual inheritance of eternal life and communion with God, ensuring that none of His own are left behind, but all who "haste and pass over" in faith are brought safely into His glorious presence (John 6:37).