Joshua 4:1

ยถ And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,

And it came to pass, when all the people {H1471} were clean {H8552} passed over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}, that the LORD {H3068} spake {H559} unto Joshua {H3091}, saying {H559},

After the whole nation had finished crossing the Yarden, ADONAI said to Y'hoshua,

When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua,

And it came to pass, when all the nation were clean passed over the Jordan, that Jehovah spake unto Joshua, saying,

Commentary

Joshua 4:1 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, immediately following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. This verse serves as a transition point, signifying the completion of a major divine act and the commencement of new instructions from the LORD to Joshua.

Context

This verse directly follows the extraordinary event detailed in Joshua chapter 3, where the waters of the Jordan River were supernaturally cut off, allowing the entire nation of Israel to cross on dry ground. The priests, bearing the Ark of the Covenant, stood firmly in the middle of the riverbed until every last person had "clean passed over Jordan." This completion of the crossing is crucial, as it signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into the Promised Land, ending their forty years of wilderness wandering. The Lord's immediate communication with Joshua demonstrates His ongoing active leadership and guidance for His chosen leader, much as He had guided Moses before him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment: The successful crossing of the Jordan is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. He brought Israel safely into the land He swore to give them.
  • Transition and New Beginnings: The phrase "clean passed over Jordan" signifies the closure of one major chapter (wilderness wandering) and the immediate opening of another (life in Canaan, beginning with the conquest).
  • Direct Divine Communication: The LORD's direct address to Joshua underscores God's personal involvement in the affairs of His people and His continued provision of specific instructions for their next steps. This reinforces Joshua's authority as God's appointed leader, echoing the charge given to him in Joshua 1:9.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "clean passed over" in Hebrew comes from the root `ืชึธึผืžึทื` (tamam), which means "to be complete, finished, perfect, entire." Here, it emphasizes the absolute and thorough nature of the crossing โ€“ not a single person was left behind, and the miraculous event was entirely accomplished. This highlights the precision and completeness of God's work. The mention of "the LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes God's covenant name, signifying His personal relationship and faithfulness to Israel.

Practical Application

Joshua 4:1 reminds us that after significant milestones or challenges, God often provides clear direction for the next phase. Just as the Israelites needed to remember their miraculous crossing (which is the subject of the following verses), we are called to remember God's faithfulness in our past experiences. This verse encourages us to be attentive to God's voice and guidance, especially after a period of transition or a major event, recognizing that His plans for us are continuous and require ongoing obedience and trust. It teaches us that God is always ready to speak and lead His people forward into what He has prepared.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 27:2 (8 votes)

    And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister:

  • Joshua 3:17 (3 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.