Joshua 3:8

And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.

And thou shalt command {H6680} the priests {H3548} that bear {H5375} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285}, saying {H559}, When ye are come {H935} to the brink {H7097} of the water {H4325} of Jordan {H3383}, ye shall stand still {H5975} in Jordan {H3383}.

Now you are to order the cohanim carrying the ark for the covenant as follows: 'When you come to the edge of the Yarden River, you are to stop in the Yarden itself.'"

Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the waters, stand in the Jordan.’”

And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, ye shall stand still in the Jordan.

Commentary

Joshua 3:8 presents a pivotal command given by Joshua to the Israelite priests as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This verse highlights the divine orchestration of Israel's entry into Canaan, emphasizing faith, obedience, and the central role of the Ark of the Covenant.

Context

This verse is set at a crucial moment in Israelite history: the eve of their entry into the land of Canaan, after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The nation, under the new leadership of Joshua, stands before the Jordan River, which at this time of year (harvest season) was overflowing its banks (Joshua 3:15). God had chosen this seemingly impossible obstacle to display His power and affirm Joshua's leadership before all Israel, much like He had done for Moses at the Red Sea. The command in verse 8 is a specific, actionable instruction that sets the stage for a miraculous event.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Obedience: The command originates from God, passed through Joshua to the priests. It underscores the importance of precise obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem counter-intuitive or dangerous. The priests were to step into the turbulent waters, not wait for them to part.
  • The Ark of the Covenant: The "ark of the covenant" (Hebrew: aron habrit) is central to this passage. It symbolized God's presence among His people and His covenant relationship with them. Its leading role in crossing the Jordan signifies that God Himself was leading the way into the Promised Land, confirming His promises. Exodus 25:22 describes the Ark as the place where God would meet with Moses.
  • Faith in Action: The instruction to "stand still in Jordan" required immense faith. The priests were not merely to approach the water but to step into it and stop, trusting that God would act at that precise moment. This act of stepping out in faith is a recurring theme in biblical narratives, demonstrating that God often requires human action before divine intervention. This resonates with the principle that without faith it is impossible to please God.
  • God's Miraculous Power: This command directly precedes the miraculous parting of the Jordan River, as detailed in Joshua 3:13. It served as a powerful demonstration of God's ability to overcome any obstacle for His people and fulfill His promises.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ark of the covenant" emphasizes the deep bond and agreement between God and Israel. The Hebrew word for "stand still" (amad) implies a firm, unwavering posture, suggesting not just stopping movement but holding one's ground with resolve and trust in the face of the rushing waters.

Practical Application

Joshua 3:8 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Step Out in Faith: Sometimes, God calls us to step into challenging or uncertain situations before He reveals His solution. Our obedience, even when it feels like stepping into an overflowing river, is a prerequisite for seeing His miraculous power.
  • Trust God's Presence: Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence leading Israel, we are called to trust that God is with us in our journeys, providing guidance and strength. He has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
  • Obedience Precedes Blessing: The miracle of the Jordan did not happen until the priests' feet touched the water. Similarly, God often awaits our obedience to specific commands before unleashing His blessings and breakthroughs in our lives.
  • Acknowledge God's Sovereignty: This event reminds us that no obstacle is too great for God. He can make a way where there seems to be no way, fulfilling His purposes through our faithful response.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 3:3 (4 votes)

    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 3:17 (4 votes)

    And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:8 (2 votes)

    And with them [he sent] Levites, [even] Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:9 (2 votes)

    And they taught in Judah, and [had] the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:30 (2 votes)

    Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.

  • Lamentations 3:26 (2 votes)

    [It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

  • Nehemiah 13:22 (2 votes)

    And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.