Joshua 4:10

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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,

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.

Commentary

Context

Joshua 4:10 describes a crucial moment during Israel's miraculous crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Following the death of Moses, Joshua had assumed leadership, and God commanded him to lead the people over the Jordan, which was at flood stage. The previous chapter details how the waters miraculously stopped flowing upstream when the priests, bearing the Ark of the Covenant, stepped into the riverbed. This verse emphasizes the enduring commitment of the priests, who stood firm in the midst of the dry riverbed until every Israelite had safely passed over, signifying God's complete control and the people's total dependence on Him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Power: The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people, was central to the miracle. Its stationary position in the Jordan riverbed underscored God's active power in enabling the crossing and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel.
  • Obedience and Trust: The priests' steadfast obedience in remaining in the perilous riverbed, and the people's swift passage, highlight the importance of trusting and obeying God's commands through His appointed leaders. Their faith was a prerequisite for the miracle's full completion.
  • Fulfillment of God's Promises: The successful crossing marked a significant step in the tangible fulfillment of God's long-standing promise to bring Abraham's descendants into the land of Canaan, demonstrating His faithfulness to His word.
  • Joshua's Leadership and Authority: The verse reiterates that the people acted "according to all that Moses commanded Joshua" and "the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people," solidifying Joshua's divinely appointed role as Moses' successor and validating his leadership in the eyes of the nation. See Joshua 1:7 for God's charge to Joshua.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hasted and passed over" (Hebrew: וַיְמַהֲרוּ וַיַּעֲבֹרוּ – vaymahǎrû vayyaʿǎvōrû) suggests a prompt and perhaps urgent movement by the people. This speed could indicate the awe they felt witnessing the miracle, their eagerness to reach the dry ground of the Promised Land, or simply an efficient and disciplined execution of the command. It emphasizes the swift and complete nature of the crossing, leaving no one behind.

Practical Application

Joshua 4:10 provides a powerful lesson for believers today. It reminds us that when God's presence (symbolized by the Ark) is central to our journey, seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. Just as the Jordan River was held back, God can clear paths for us when we walk in obedience and trust His timing and instructions. The steadfastness of the priests teaches us the importance of unwavering faith and perseverance in our roles, even when it means standing in a difficult place until God's work is fully accomplished. This verse assures us that God finishes what He starts, bringing His plans and promises to fruition for those who follow Him faithfully.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 3:13 (4 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10 (2 votes)

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

  • Isaiah 28:16 (2 votes)

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:2 (2 votes)

    (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)

  • Proverbs 27:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

  • Numbers 27:21 (2 votes)

    And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

  • Numbers 27:23 (2 votes)

    And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.