Joshua 4:16

KJV

Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.

KJV (with Strong's)

Command {H6680} the priests {H3548} that bear {H5375} the ark {H727} of the testimony {H5715}, that they come up {H5927} out of Jordan {H3383}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Order the cohanim carrying the ark for the testimony to come up out of the Yarden."

Berean Standard Bible

“Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.”

American Standard Version

Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 4:16 marks the climactic moment of Israel's miraculous crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Following the complete passage of the entire nation on miraculously dry ground, this verse records God's final, authoritative command to Joshua, instructing the priests who bore the sacred Ark of the Testimony to ascend from the riverbed. This pivotal act signaled the divinely appointed conclusion of the miracle, immediately preceding the return of the Jordan's waters to their normal course and thereby solidifying the nation's entry into their inheritance, confirming God's unwavering faithfulness and Joshua's divinely appointed leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 4:16 is strategically positioned within the narrative of Israel's momentous entry into the Promised Land, serving as the capstone to the miraculous Jordan River crossing detailed in chapters 3 and 4. Chapter 3 meticulously describes the preparations, including the consecration of the people and God's command for the priests to step into the Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant, which immediately causes the waters to pile up, allowing the entire nation to cross on dry ground. Chapter 4 then elaborates on the establishment of twelve memorial stones from the riverbed, intended as a perpetual reminder of God's mighty intervention for future generations. Verse 16, therefore, represents the final divine directive for the priests to exit the riverbed, an act that directly precipitates the dramatic return of the waters in [Joshua 4:18](/joshua/4-18 "Joshua 4:18 - Waters Return to Jordan"), thus concluding the miraculous phase of the crossing and setting the stage for Israel's encampment at Gilgal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crossing of the Jordan River was an event of immense historical and theological significance, marking the definitive end of Israel's forty years of wilderness wandering and the commencement of their conquest of Canaan. Historically, the Jordan River, particularly during the spring harvest season, was known to be at flood stage, presenting a formidable natural barrier. For Israel, crossing such an obstacle on dry ground was an unparalleled demonstration of YHWH's sovereign power, powerfully echoing the miraculous parting of the [Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing") under Moses' leadership. Culturally, the Ark of the Testimony was the preeminent sacred object in Israelite worship, embodying God's tangible presence, His covenant, and His divine law. The priests, consecrated individuals from the tribe of Levi, were the sole authorized bearers of the Ark, underscoring the profound sanctity and divine authority associated with the entire event. This public display of God's power and the Ark's central role would have instilled both profound awe within Israel and paralyzing fear among the inhabitants of Canaan, as explicitly noted in [Joshua 5:1](/joshua/5-1 "Joshua 5:1 - Canaanite Kings' Fear").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes profoundly to several major theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Authority and Obedience**, as the entirety of the crossing, from the initial step into the river to the final ascent from it, was meticulously orchestrated by God's precise commands delivered through Joshua, thereby emphasizing the paramount importance of immediate and complete obedience to divine instruction. The miraculous piling up and immediate return of the Jordan's waters upon the priests' exit dramatically demonstrates **God's Sovereignty Over Creation**, affirming Him as the absolute Lord of all nature, capable of manipulating its elements to fulfill His redemptive purposes, much like the earlier parting of the [Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing"). Furthermore, this miracle served as an undeniable **Confirmation of Joshua's Leadership**, just as God had previously exalted Moses, this event unequivocally confirmed Joshua's divine appointment and authority in the eyes of all Israel ([Joshua 3:7](/joshua/3-7 "Joshua 3:7 - God Exalts Joshua")). Finally, the central and indispensable role of the **Significance of the Ark** underscores the profound truth that God Himself, through His tangible presence symbolized by the Ark, was actively leading His people into their promised inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Command (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb (H6680) denotes a strong, authoritative directive, typically issued from a superior to an inferior, or, as here, from God to humans via His appointed leader. Its use emphasizes that Joshua is not acting on his own initiative but is relaying a direct, binding divine imperative. The term "command" highlights the absolute necessity of obedience and underscores the divine origin of the instructions given to the priests, signifying an order that must be meticulously followed.
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** These individuals (H3548) were consecrated members of the tribe of Levi, specifically descendants of Aaron, set apart for sacred service within the tabernacle and later the temple. Their unique role in bearing the Ark of the Testimony underscored their privileged proximity to God's presence and their mediatorial function between God and Israel. Their obedience in this dangerous and unprecedented act was a profound testament to their faith and their unwavering commitment to their sacred duty, demonstrating their trust in God's power.
* **Ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** This term (H727) refers to the Ark of the Covenant, often called the "Ark of the Testimony" because it contained the two tablets of the Law, which were God's "testimony" or "witness" (H5715, _ʻêdûwth_) to His covenant with Israel. It was the paramount symbol of God's holy presence among His people, His covenant faithfulness, and His divine law. Its central position, leading the way into the Jordan and then being commanded to exit, powerfully signified God's active leadership and the divinely orchestrated conclusion of this miraculous event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Command the priests":** This initial phrase establishes the clear chain of command: God communicates His will to Joshua, and Joshua, as God's divinely appointed leader, authoritatively relays this divine instruction to the priests. This highlights Joshua's affirmed authority, which was being progressively established and validated through these miraculous events, and simultaneously emphasizes the priests' submission to both God's direct will and His chosen human instrument.
* **"that bear the ark of the testimony":** This clause precisely identifies the specific group of priests involved and underscores the immense sacred responsibility entrusted to them. The Ark was not merely an object; it was the tangible focal point of God's holy presence and covenant. The fact that those bearing this most sacred item were commanded to move signifies that God Himself was meticulously orchestrating the final, crucial steps of the crossing, ensuring that His presence remained central and paramount throughout the entire miraculous intervention.
* **"that they come up out of Jordan":** This is the precise, decisive action commanded, marking the definitive completion of the crossing. Their ascent from the riverbed was the pre-arranged signal for the piled-up waters to return to their normal course, as explicitly stated in [Joshua 4:18](/joshua/4-18 "Joshua 4:18 - Waters Return to Jordan"). This final act of obedience was as critically important as their initial step into the river, bringing the miraculous intervention to its divinely appointed conclusion and allowing the natural order to resume, thereby confirming the miracle's divine origin.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Joshua 4:16 is rich with significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Divine Command** is the overarching device, as the entire miraculous event, from its inception to its conclusion, is driven by God's explicit instructions, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and Israel's required, immediate obedience. The **Symbolism** of the Jordan River is profound; it represents a formidable natural barrier between the wilderness and the Promised Land, and its miraculous parting signifies God's omnipotent power to overcome any obstacle for His people. The Ark itself functions as a powerful **Symbol** of God's tangible presence, His covenant faithfulness, and His active leadership, its leading role underscoring that God Himself is the one bringing Israel into their promised inheritance. The immediate return of the waters upon the priests' exit creates a dramatic and undeniable **Cause and Effect** relationship, leaving no ambiguity that the miracle was entirely God's doing, directly tied to the obedient actions of His consecrated servants. This entire episode also serves as **Typology**, foreshadowing greater spiritual realities and divine interventions to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's active, personal involvement in the lives of His covenant people, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power. The precise command for the priests to exit the Jordan, which immediately results in the dramatic return of the waters, irrefutably solidifies the divine nature of the entire crossing. This momentous event serves as a foundational narrative for Israel, profoundly teaching them about God's absolute ability to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles and His expectation of their complete and immediate obedience. It underscores the vital truth that divine breakthrough often requires not merely an initial, bold step of faith, but also sustained, precise obedience to God's subsequent commands, even after the miraculous has occurred. The Ark's central and indispensable role throughout the crossing reinforces the profound theological truth that God's presence is the ultimate guarantee of success and the sole source of all power and victory for His people.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Goes Before You")
* [Psalm 114:3-5](/psalm/114-3-5 "Psalm 114:3-5 - Nature Responds to God's Presence")
* [Hebrews 11:29](/hebrews/11-29 "Hebrews 11:29 - Faith Crossing the Red Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:16 offers profound and enduring lessons for the contemporary believer navigating their own journey of faith. Just as the priests were commanded to "come up out of Jordan" after the spectacular miraculous crossing, we are powerfully reminded that our spiritual journey involves not only dramatic breakthroughs and divine interventions but also sustained, humble, and diligent obedience to God's ongoing directives. It is a common human tendency to celebrate a significant spiritual victory or a clear answer to prayer and then, perhaps unconsciously, lapse into complacency. This verse challenges us to prayerfully consider what God's "next command" might be after a season of profound divine intervention. It teaches us that God's purposes for our lives unfold in progressive stages, each requiring our unwavering trust and precise compliance, whether it involves stepping boldly into the unknown or stepping out of a miraculous moment back into what might appear to be the ordinary rhythm of life. Our spiritual focus must remain steadfastly on God's active presence and His continuous leading, fully trusting that His timing and direction are always perfect, guiding us faithfully through every phase of our spiritual pilgrimage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jordan River" has God recently brought you through, and what specific "next command" might He be calling you to obey now?**
* **How does the principle of continued obedience, even after experiencing a significant spiritual breakthrough, apply to your current spiritual walk and daily decisions?**
* **In what ways does the Ark's central role in this passage encourage you about God's constant, active presence in your own personal challenges and transitions?**

### FAQ
**Why were the priests specifically commanded to bear the Ark and then to come up out of the Jordan?**

Answer: The priests were specifically chosen for this sacred duty because they were consecrated to God and uniquely permitted to handle the Ark of the Testimony, which profoundly symbolized God's holy presence among His people. Their central role underscored the entirely divine nature of the event; it was not a natural phenomenon but a miracle meticulously orchestrated by God Himself. Their initial step into the flooded Jordan demonstrated absolute faith and courageous obedience, while their subsequent command to "come up out of Jordan" marked the divinely appointed conclusion of the miracle, signifying God's precise control over every minute aspect of the crossing. Their actions, intrinsically tied to the Ark, made it unequivocally clear that God was personally leading Israel into the Promised Land, confirming His covenant faithfulness.

**What is the significance of the phrase "ark of the testimony" in this context?**

Answer: The "ark of the testimony" (also known as the Ark of the Covenant) was the most sacred object in Israel, containing the two tablets of the Law, which were God's "testimony" or "witness" to His covenant with Israel ([Exodus 25:16](/exodus/25-16 "Exodus 25:16 - The Testimony in the Ark")). In the context of the Jordan crossing, its presence at the forefront symbolized God's active, personal leadership and His covenant faithfulness. It was God Himself, through the Ark, who was supernaturally parting the waters and leading His people into their promised inheritance. The term "testimony" emphasizes that the Ark served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's covenant promises and His unwavering faithfulness to His divine word, which was being powerfully and visibly demonstrated through this unprecedented miracle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 4:16, with its profound emphasis on divine command, the sacred Ark of the Testimony, and the entry into the Promised Land, finds its ultimate and rich Christ-centered fulfillment. The Ark, serving as the preeminent symbol of God's presence and covenant faithfulness, powerfully points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate embodiment of God's presence among humanity, the very Word made flesh who tabernacled among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the Ark led Israel through the impossible barrier of the Jordan River into their promised inheritance, so Jesus, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, has decisively conquered the ultimate barriers of sin and death, thereby leading His redeemed people into the true "promised land" of eternal life and perfect fellowship with God ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Conquers Death and Delivers")). His victorious "coming up" from the grave, much like the priests ascending from the Jordan, signals the triumphant completion of His redemptive work and the opening of the way for all who believe to enter into God's spiritual inheritance and newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Raised to New Life in Christ")). Our continued obedience to Christ's commands, empowered by His indwelling Spirit, is our pathway to experiencing the fullness of God's promises, as He is the true and faithful leader who goes before us into every challenge, every transition, and every spiritual victory ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")).

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 3:3

And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

Joshua 3:6

And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.

Exodus 25:16

And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.

Exodus 25:22

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.