Joshua 4:17

KJV

Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.

KJV (with Strong's)

Joshua {H3091} therefore commanded {H6680} the priests {H3548}, saying {H559}, Come ye up {H5927} out of Jordan {H3383}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Y'hoshua ordered the cohanim, "Come up out of the Yarden!"

Berean Standard Bible

So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.”

American Standard Version

Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of the Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 4:17 marks the climactic moment of Israel's miraculous passage through the Jordan River, signifying the completion of a profound display of God's power and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. This divine command from Joshua to the priests, instructing them to ascend from the riverbed, precipitates the immediate return of the Jordan's waters to their natural course, thereby concluding the extraordinary event where the entire Israelite nation traversed the river on dry ground. It underscores the precision of divine timing and the necessity of human obedience in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 4:17 serves as the culminating instruction in a tightly knit narrative sequence spanning [Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Crossing of the Jordan") and [Joshua 4](/joshua/4 "Joshua 4 - The Memorial Stones"). Preceding this verse, the narrative details the miraculous parting of the Jordan River as the priests, bearing the [Ark of the Covenant](/joshua/3-6 "Joshua 3:6 - Priests Carrying the Ark"), stepped into its waters. The upstream waters piled up, while the downstream flow drained into the Dead Sea, creating a dry pathway for the entire nation. [Joshua 3:7](/joshua/3-7 "Joshua 3:7 - God Magnifies Joshua") explicitly states that this miracle was intended to magnify Joshua in the eyes of all Israel, confirming his divine appointment as Moses' successor. Following the crossing, [Joshua 4:1-10](/joshua/4-1 "Joshua 4:1-10 - The Twelve Stones Memorial") describes the command to take twelve stones from the riverbed to establish a memorial at Gilgal, a perpetual testimony to future generations of God's mighty act. Thus, verse 17 is the precise moment that closes the miraculous intervention, allowing the natural order to resume, and setting the stage for the memorialization of the event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crossing of the Jordan River marked Israel's definitive entry into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, as promised to their forefathers. Historically, the Jordan River, especially during the harvest season (when it was at its flood stage, as noted in [Joshua 3:15](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15 - Jordan at Flood Stage")), presented a formidable natural barrier. Its miraculous parting, therefore, served as a powerful sign of divine intervention, reminiscent of the [Red Sea crossing](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Red Sea Crossing") under Moses. Culturally, the Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object to Israel, symbolizing God's presence and covenant faithfulness. Its prominent role, leading the people and standing firm in the riverbed, underscored the belief that Yahweh Himself was leading His people into their inheritance. This event also solidified Joshua's leadership, a crucial transition from the Mosaic era, as Israel prepared to engage in the conquest of Canaanite territories, a task requiring unified and divinely sanctioned leadership.
* **Key Themes:** The passage in [Joshua 4](/joshua/4 "Joshua 4 - The Memorial Stones") and particularly verse 17, powerfully articulates several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness** are paramount, as God supernaturally intervenes to fulfill His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, bringing their descendants into the land. This echoes His consistent power demonstrated in the exodus from Egypt. Secondly, **Obedience and Trust** are highlighted through the priests' immediate and unwavering compliance with Joshua's command, which directly precipitates the miracle's cessation. Their trust in God's timing and Joshua's leadership is pivotal. Thirdly, **Confirmation of Leadership** is central, with God explicitly magnifying Joshua in the eyes of all Israel ([Joshua 3:7](/joshua/3-7 "Joshua 3:7 - God Magnifies Joshua")), establishing his authority as Moses' successor. Finally, the theme of **Remembrance and Testimony** is woven throughout, particularly with the command to erect the twelve memorial stones ([Joshua 4:6-7](/joshua/4-6 "Joshua 4:6-7 - Purpose of the Memorial Stones")), ensuring that future generations would recall God's mighty acts and His presence among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _vay'tzav'_):** This verb, derived from the root צָוָה (tsavah), signifies a strong, authoritative directive or order. It is not a suggestion but a binding instruction from a superior to a subordinate. In this context, it underscores Joshua's divinely appointed authority as the leader of Israel, acting as God's mouthpiece. The immediate and precise nature of the command highlights the critical moment of transition and the necessity of prompt obedience.
* **Come ye up (Hebrew, _ʿalû'_):** This is the imperative plural form of the verb עָלָה (ʿalah), meaning "to go up," "ascend," or "come out." Its directness emphasizes the immediate action required of the priests. The use of the plural indicates the command is for all the priests bearing the Ark. The cessation of the miracle is directly linked to this specific, obedient action, demonstrating the precise interplay between divine power and human response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Joshua therefore commanded the priests":** This clause establishes Joshua's role as the authoritative leader, acting on behalf of God. The "therefore" links this command directly to the preceding narrative, where the priests had stood in the midst of the Jordan's dry riverbed, holding back its waters. It signifies the initiation of the final phase of the miraculous crossing.
* **"saying, Come ye up out of Jordan":** This is the direct, imperative command given by Joshua. "Come ye up" indicates an ascent, as they were standing on the lower ground of the riverbed. The command to leave the riverbed is the precise trigger for the waters to return to their normal flow, demonstrating that the miracle was sustained by God's will and ceased at His specific instruction, conveyed through Joshua. This immediate action was crucial for the completion of the crossing and the subsequent establishment of the memorial.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [Joshua 4:17](/joshua/4-17 "Joshua 4:17 - The Priests Leave the Jordan") employs several powerful literary devices. The entire narrative of the Jordan crossing functions as a **Narrative Climax**, building suspense from the initial command to cross, through the miraculous parting of the waters, to this precise moment of their return. The **Divine Command** is central, with Joshua acting as God's instrument, emphasizing the direct and immediate link between divine instruction and natural phenomena. The **Symbolism** of the Jordan River itself is profound; it represents the final barrier to the Promised Land, and its miraculous parting symbolizes God's power to overcome all obstacles for His people. The Ark of the Covenant, held by the priests, serves as a potent **Symbol** of God's active presence and leadership, preceding and securing the path for His people. The narrative also employs **Repetition** of themes like God's power and faithfulness, and the importance of remembrance, reinforcing their significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:17 is a powerful theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The precise timing of the waters' return, directly tied to the priests' obedience, underscores that God's miraculous intervention is not random but meticulously orchestrated according to His divine will and purpose. This event served as a profound object lesson for Israel, teaching them to trust in God's appointed leadership and to obey His commands without hesitation, knowing that their actions, even small ones like stepping out of a riverbed, can be pivotal in the unfolding of His grand plan. It also highlights the theme of God's presence (symbolized by the Ark) leading His people through seemingly insurmountable obstacles into their inheritance, a pattern seen throughout biblical history.

* [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - The Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Psalm 114:3-5](/psalm/114-3 "Psalm 114:3-5 - Nature Obeys God")
* [Hebrews 11:29](/hebrews/11-29 "Hebrews 11:29 - Faith in the Red Sea Crossing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:17 offers profound insights for contemporary believers concerning the nature of faith, obedience, and divine timing. Just as the priests were called to step out of the miraculous riverbed, we too are often called to step out of situations where God has sustained us, trusting that His provision and guidance will continue in the next phase. This verse reminds us that God's miracles are often sustained by His specific instructions and cease when His purpose for that particular manifestation is complete. Our role is not to cling to the miracle itself, but to obey the One who performs it, moving forward in faith. It encourages us to recognize God's hand in transitional moments, trusting His appointed leaders, and remembering His past faithfulness as we navigate new challenges and enter new "promised lands" in our lives. Our obedience, even in seemingly small acts, can be the precise trigger for God's next move, leading us into His greater purposes and blessings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "come up" or move forward from a place of past miraculous intervention?**
* **How does the precision of God's timing in Joshua 4:17 encourage you to trust His timing in your own life?**
* **What "memorial stones" (reminders of God's past faithfulness) do you need to erect or recall in your life to strengthen your faith for future challenges?**
* **How does the priests' immediate obedience challenge your own willingness to obey God's commands, especially when the outcome is uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for the priests to "come up" at that specific moment?**

Answer: It was crucial for the priests to "come up" at that specific command because their presence, bearing the [Ark of the Covenant](/joshua/3-6 "Joshua 3:6 - Priests Carrying the Ark"), was the divinely appointed trigger for the miraculous holding back of the Jordan's waters. [Joshua 3:13](/joshua/3-13 "Joshua 3:13 - Waters Cut Off") explicitly states that as soon as the soles of the priests' feet rested in the Jordan, the waters would be cut off. Therefore, their departure was the signal for the waters to return to their course. This demonstrated God's absolute control over creation and the precise nature of His commands, emphasizing that the miracle was sustained by His will and ceased at His exact timing, not by natural means. It also underscored the necessity of complete and immediate obedience to God's instructions, conveyed through Joshua.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The crossing of the Jordan River, culminating in Joshua 4:17, serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the greater work of Christ. Just as the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, led Israel through the waters into the Promised Land, so too does Christ, the ultimate presence of God among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), lead His people through the waters of judgment and into the true spiritual promised land of salvation and new life. The miraculous parting of the Jordan foreshadows Jesus' victory over sin and death, which were formidable barriers separating humanity from God. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has opened a way for us, allowing us to "come up" out of the old life of sin and enter into a new covenant reality. The command to "come ye up" can be seen as an an invitation to resurrection life in Christ, where we are raised with Him to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). He is our true Joshua, leading us not into an earthly inheritance, but into the eternal inheritance secured by His sacrifice ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - Rest in Christ")). The memorial stones, set up to remember God's faithfulness, find their ultimate fulfillment in the Lord's Supper, where believers remember Christ's body broken and blood shed, the ultimate act of God's faithfulness that ushers us into the Kingdom of God ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - The Lord's Supper")).

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

Genesis 8:16

Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee.

Genesis 8:18

And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him:

Acts 16:23

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast [them] into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Acts 16:35

¶ And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.

Acts 16:39

And they came and besought them, and brought [them] out, and desired [them] to depart out of the city.

Daniel 3:26

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, [and] spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come [hither]. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.