TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
When all the people had finished crossing, the ark of ADONAI passed on, and the cohanim, ahead of the people.
Berean Standard Bible
and after everyone had finished crossing, the priests with the ark of the LORD crossed in the sight of the people.
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of Jehovah passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people.
World English Bible Messianic
When all the people had completely passed over, the LORD’s ark passed over, with the priests, in the presence of the people.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When all the people were cleane passed ouer, the Arke of the Lord went ouer also, and the Priests before the people.
Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass when all the people have completed to pass over, that the ark of Jehovah passeth over, and the priests, in the presence of the people;
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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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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 4:11 marks the climactic conclusion of Israel's miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, vividly portraying the divine order and comprehensive nature of God's work. After the entire nation had safely traversed the dry riverbed, the sacred Ark of the LORD, borne by the priests, followed, signifying the complete fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into the Promised Land under His direct leadership and protective presence. This verse underscores the meticulous precision of God's intervention and the ultimate authority behind Israel's entry into their inheritance, serving as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the establishment of His covenant people in their new land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 4:11 effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is Climax, as the verse serves as the narrative's peak for the Jordan crossing event. The dramatic tension built through the waiting of the priests in the riverbed and the crossing of the vast multitude is resolved with the final, stately movement of the Ark, signaling the complete success of the divine operation. Symbolism is also central, with the Ark of the LORD powerfully symbolizing God's tangible presence, His covenant faithfulness, and His sovereign authority. Its movement signifies God's active leading of His people. The Jordan River itself functions as a symbol of an insurmountable obstacle that God supernaturally overcomes. Furthermore, the precise, step-by-step narration of the crossing, culminating in this verse, demonstrates Order and Precision, reflecting the meticulous nature of God's divine plan and execution. The entire chapter, and this verse in particular, also serves as a Testimony, designed to be remembered and recounted, ensuring future generations understand God's mighty acts on behalf of His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:11 stands as a profound theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness, His active presence, and His sovereign control over creation for the sake of His covenant people. The sequence of the Ark crossing last, after "all the people were clean passed over," powerfully illustrates God's protective care and His commitment to ensuring the safety and completion of His promises for every individual. It underscores that God leads His people not only through obstacles but also ensures their complete passage out of danger and into their destined inheritance. This event reaffirms the core biblical truth that God is not merely an observer but an active participant in the lives of His people, going before them, with them, and ensuring their ultimate arrival at His promised destination. It is a testament to the fact that divine intervention is both powerful and meticulously ordered, always for the good of those He has chosen.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:11 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the "Jordan River" moments of their own lives. Just as God ensured every Israelite safely crossed before His Ark moved, we are reminded of His meticulous care and commitment to our complete well-being. This verse encourages us to trust God's timing and His methods, even when the path ahead seems impassable. It calls us to recognize that God's presence (symbolized by the Ark) is not merely a comforting thought but an active, leading force in our journey. Our obedience, like that of the priests and the people, is crucial; it aligns us with God's divine order and opens the way for His miraculous intervention. Furthermore, this event serves as a powerful reminder to commemorate God's past faithfulness in our lives. Just as the memorial stones were set up to remember this miracle, we too should regularly reflect on how God has led us through impossible barriers, building our faith for future challenges and confirming His unwavering presence with us until our journey is complete.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the Ark cross last, after all the people?
Answer: The Ark of the LORD, symbolizing God's presence and authority, crossed last to underscore several crucial points. Firstly, it demonstrated God's ultimate priority: the safety and secure passage of His people. The priests, bearing the Ark, stood firm in the middle of the riverbed, holding back the waters, until every single Israelite had safely reached the western bank (Joshua 3:17). Only then did God's symbolic presence follow, signifying a complete and secure passage for His covenant nation. This sequence was a powerful visual testament to God's protective care and His commitment to ensuring that His people were fully delivered from danger and established in their new territory. It wasn't about the Ark needing protection, but about God ensuring His people's security before His symbol completed the journey.
What was the significance of the priests carrying the Ark?
Answer: The priests, specifically those from the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron, were uniquely consecrated to serve God and mediate between God and Israel. Their role in carrying the Ark was profoundly significant. The Ark was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's holy presence and the covenant. Only the priests were permitted to handle it, signifying the sacredness of the event and their unique position as those who led the people in obedience to God's direct commands. Their feet touching the water initiated the miracle (Joshua 3:13), and their steadfast presence in the riverbed upheld the miracle until its completion. This highlighted that the entire crossing was a divinely orchestrated event, not a human feat, with God's chosen mediators playing a vital role in its execution. Numbers 4:15 outlines their duty to carry the sacred articles.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The crossing of the Jordan, culminating in the Ark's final passage, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Ark, representing God's presence among His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Emmanuel, God with us, Jesus Christ Himself. Just as the Ark led Israel through an impassable barrier into their physical inheritance, Christ, our ultimate High Priest and the very embodiment of God's presence, leads His people through the spiritual "Jordan Rivers" of sin, death, and the fallen world into our eternal inheritance. He is the one who goes before us, clears the way, and ensures our complete passage from spiritual death to life (John 5:24). His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate "passing over" that parts the spiritual waters, creating a new and living way for us to enter God's holy presence (Hebrews 10:19-20). Moreover, just as the Ark waited until all the people had crossed, Christ, our Good Shepherd, ensures that none of His sheep are lost (John 10:28). He is the faithful leader who brings His redeemed people safely into the spiritual Promised Land, the rest and inheritance of God's eternal kingdom (Hebrews 4:9-10), having fully accomplished our salvation.