Joshua 4:10

KJV

¶ 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 4:10 describes the pivotal moment when the entire Israelite nation completed their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It highlights the steadfastness of the priests, who bore the Ark of the Covenant and remained firmly planted in the midst of the riverbed until every single person had passed over. This act underscored the divine command given through Joshua, echoing the legacy of Moses, and demonstrated the people's swift and complete obedience, signifying God's sovereign control over their entry into the promised inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 4:10 is nestled within the narrative of Israel's entry into Canaan, immediately following the dramatic account of the Jordan River parting in [Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Jordan Crossing"). Chapter 3 culminates with the priests standing firm in the dry riverbed, holding the Ark, as the people cross. This verse, Joshua 4:10, serves as a crucial bridge, emphasizing the *completion* of the crossing before the narrative shifts to the setting up of memorial stones (Joshua 4:1-9, 4:19-24) and the subsequent events in the Promised Land. It reinforces the scale of the miracle and the thoroughness of God's provision, ensuring no one was left behind. The subsequent verses detail the precise moment the priests ascended from the riverbed, causing the waters to return, further cementing the miraculous nature of the event.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crossing of the Jordan occurred during the harvest season, when the river was typically at its flood stage, making a natural crossing impossible. This timing amplifies the miraculous nature of the event, demonstrating God's power over creation. The Ark of the Covenant, central to this passage, was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people and serving as the throne of His invisible presence. The priests, specifically the Levites, were the designated bearers of the Ark, signifying their unique role as mediators and custodians of divine holiness. The act of the entire nation, estimated to be millions, crossing on dry ground was a powerful, corporate experience, designed to instill faith in God and affirm Joshua's divinely appointed leadership, much like the crossing of the Red Sea under Moses (cf. [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")). This event marked a definitive end to their wilderness wanderings and the tangible beginning of their inheritance in the land promised to Abraham (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. It underscores **Divine Faithfulness** as God fulfills His ancient promises to bring His people into the land. The presence of the Ark highlights **God's Active Presence and Power**, demonstrating that He is with His people, actively intervening on their behalf. The steadfastness of the priests and the swift 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, solidifies the theme of **Legitimate Leadership and Succession**. The collective act of crossing signifies **Corporate Identity and Unity** under God's covenant, as the entire nation moves forward together into their destiny. The completion of the crossing also points to the theme of **God's Finished Work**, assuring the people that what God starts, He will bring to completion (cf. [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Completes His Work")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stood (Hebrew, _'amad_ עָמַד):** This verb signifies not merely a passive standing, but a firm, fixed, and enduring posture. In this context, it emphasizes the unwavering stability of the priests and the Ark in the midst of the miraculously dry riverbed. It conveys a sense of divine power holding them in place, resisting the natural flow of the river, and symbolizing God's steadfast presence and control over the entire crossing. The priests' "standing" is an act of sustained obedience and faith.
* **Finished (Hebrew, _tamam_ תָּמַם):** This word denotes completion, totality, or being brought to an end. It implies that every single command given by the LORD to Joshua regarding the crossing was meticulously fulfilled, and every person had safely passed over. The use of "finished" here highlights the comprehensive and perfect execution of God's plan, leaving no detail overlooked and no one abandoned. It speaks to the divine thoroughness and the successful conclusion of a monumental task.
* **Hasted (Hebrew, _mahar_ מָהַר):** This verb suggests swiftness, urgency, or promptness. The people "hasted and passed over," indicating a rapid and efficient movement. This speed could reflect their awe and eagerness to reach the Promised Land, their disciplined obedience to the command to cross, or simply the efficient logistics of such a large-scale movement. It underscores the decisive and complete nature of the crossing, without delay or hesitation, once the path was opened by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan":** This clause establishes the central role of the priests and the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark, symbolizing God's presence, power, and covenant faithfulness, is the focal point. The priests' "standing" in the very heart of the Jordan, where the waters had been miraculously cut off, emphasizes their unwavering obedience and the direct, sustained intervention of God. Their position served as a visible sign to the entire nation that God was actively upholding the dry path.
* **"until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people":** This segment highlights the divine origin of the commands and Joshua's mediatorial role. The priests remained in their precarious position for the entire duration required for the completion of God's detailed instructions. This speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's plan and the necessity of full obedience until the divine purpose is entirely accomplished, not just partially.
* **"according to all that Moses commanded Joshua":** This phrase serves to legitimate Joshua's leadership and connect it directly to the legacy of Moses. It assures the people that Joshua is indeed God's chosen successor, operating under the same divine authority and principles that guided Moses. This continuity was crucial for the nation's trust and obedience as they transitioned into a new era of leadership and conquest.
* **"and the people hasted and passed over":** This final clause describes the action of the Israelite multitude. Their swift passage signifies their corporate obedience, unity, and eagerness to enter the Promised Land. The successful and complete crossing of the entire nation, without incident, is the culmination of the miracle and the objective of God's command, demonstrating His power to bring His people through seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 4:10 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "commanded Joshua," appearing twice, which serves to reinforce the divine authority vested in Joshua and the continuity of leadership from Moses. This repetition emphasizes the chain of command, from God to Moses, and then from God to Joshua, solidifying Joshua's legitimacy. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the Ark of the Covenant representing God's active presence, power, and covenant faithfulness. Its position in the riverbed is a powerful visual symbol of God holding back the forces of nature for His people. The entire event can be seen as a form of **Divine Intervention** or **Miracle**, where the natural order is suspended by God's direct power, underscoring His omnipotence. The phrase "hasted and passed over" contributes to the **Narrative Pacing**, suggesting a swift and decisive conclusion to the crossing, creating a sense of urgency and efficiency that contrasts with the static, enduring presence of the priests.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:10 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His active 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." The steadfastness of the priests, bearing the Ark, underscores the necessity of God's presence for overcoming 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.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6-8](/deuteronomy/31-6 "God's Presence and Promise to Joshua")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "God with His People Through Water and Fire")
* [Hebrews 11:29](/hebrews/11-29 "By Faith They Crossed the Red Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:10 offers profound 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, 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. 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
* **What "Jordan Rivers" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life that require God's direct intervention?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to "stand firm" like the priests, demonstrating steadfast faith and patience until God's work is finished?**
* **How does your "hasting and passing over" reflect complete trust and obedience to God's commands, even when the path is miraculously opened?**
* **How does this narrative encourage you about God's faithfulness to complete His promises in your life and in the life of the church?**

### 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. It underscored 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.

**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 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.

**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 reminder to the Israelites that their success was entirely dependent on the LORD's presence and intervention, not on their own strength 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 work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence, Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's presence among humanity, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Emmanuel")). He is the true and greater Ark, through whom we access the very presence of God. 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](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words, 'It is finished'")). 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](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). 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](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Whom the Father Gives Me Will Come to Me")).

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 3:13

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

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

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

(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

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

Numbers 27:21

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

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