TRV
Translation
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 5,926 of 31,102
Study This Verse
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.
Copy as
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.
Copy as
Continue studying Joshua 4:15 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Joshua 4:15 serves as a pivotal, concise statement marking a divine interlude in the narrative of Israel's entry into the Promised Land. Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the establishment of the memorial stones, this verse signals the direct resumption of divine communication to Joshua, setting the stage for the next set of instructions concerning the priests and the Ark of the Covenant. It underscores God's active and continuous leadership over His people, affirming Joshua's divinely appointed authority as the nation transitions from wilderness wandering to the conquest of Canaan.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 4:15, though brief, employs several significant Literary Devices. The most prominent is Formulaic Language, specifically the "And the LORD spake unto X, saying" formula. This phrase is a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch and historical books, serving as a clear indicator of divine revelation and a transition marker for new divine commands or pronouncements. Its repetition establishes a pattern of God's direct engagement with His chosen leaders and reinforces the authority of the ensuing message. This formula also functions as a Divine Oracle, presenting God's direct speech as an authoritative utterance that demands immediate attention and obedience. Furthermore, the verse utilizes the expectation of Repetition of this formula to underscore the continuous nature of God's guidance and Joshua's validated leadership. Each time this phrase appears, it reaffirms God's active presence and control over Israel's destiny, building trust and confidence in divine providence.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:15, a seemingly simple transitional verse, carries profound theological weight. It emphasizes the foundational truth that God is a speaking God, intimately involved in the affairs of His people and committed to fulfilling His covenant promises. His direct communication with Joshua underscores His active sovereignty and meticulous guidance, ensuring that every step of Israel's journey into the Promised Land is divinely orchestrated. This divine initiative highlights the principle that true leadership in God's kingdom is not self-appointed but divinely commissioned and sustained by ongoing revelation. It also reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness, demonstrating that just as He led Moses, He now leads Joshua, ensuring continuity in His redemptive plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:15 serves as a powerful reminder that God is not silent, but actively communicates with His people. Just as He spoke directly to Joshua, guiding him through monumental challenges, so too does He provide guidance for believers today. While we may not hear an audible voice, God speaks authoritatively and personally through His inspired Word, the Bible, which is "breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16. He also guides us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who "will guide you into all the truth" as promised in John 16:13. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of attentive listening and humble obedience, trusting that God's directives, whether explicit in Scripture or discerned through prayer and wise counsel, are always for our good and the advancement of His purposes. Our spiritual journey, like Israel's, requires seeking and submitting to divine instruction for every step.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is a verse as short and seemingly simple as Joshua 4:15 considered important?
Answer: Joshua 4:15 is crucial precisely because of its brevity and formulaic nature. It signals a divine interjection, emphasizing that the events unfolding are not merely human endeavors but are under God's direct command and supervision. This verse underscores God's active sovereignty and His continuous, personal involvement in the details of Israel's journey. It validates Joshua's leadership, reminding both the people and the reader that his authority is divinely bestowed and that his subsequent commands are God's own. It marks a transition point, indicating that God is about to issue new, specific instructions, highlighting the ongoing need for divine guidance at every stage of Israel's entry into the Promised Land. Without this divine communication, the narrative would lose its theological grounding and appear as a series of human actions rather than a divinely orchestrated fulfillment of covenant promises.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 4:15, with its emphasis on God's direct communication with His chosen leader, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God "spake unto Joshua" through direct words, He has, in these last days, "spoken to us by his Son" as revealed in Hebrews 1:1-2. Jesus is the living Word of God, the perfect and complete revelation of the Father, who "was in the beginning with God, and the Word was God" as declared in John 1:1. Just as Joshua received specific instructions for leading Israel into their promised inheritance, Christ, as the ultimate leader and shepherd, leads His people into their eternal inheritance in the heavenly Canaan, as described in Hebrews 4:9-11. The direct, authoritative communication that validated Joshua's leadership is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who speaks with unparalleled authority, teaching "as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" according to Matthew 7:29. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, continues this divine communication, guiding believers into all truth and empowering them to live in obedience to God's will, as promised in John 14:26. Thus, the pattern of God speaking to His people through a chosen mediator, established with Joshua, culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who perfectly reveals God and perfectly leads His people.