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Text -- Joshua 3:1-10 (NET)

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Context
Israel Crosses the Jordan
3:1 Bright and early the next morning Joshua and the Israelites left Shittim and came to the Jordan. They camped there before crossing the river. 3:2 After three days the leaders went through the camp 3:3 and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you must leave here and walk behind it. 3:4 But stay about three thousand feet behind it. Keep your distance so you can see which way you should go, for you have not traveled this way before.” 3:5 Joshua told the people, “Ritually consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will perform miraculous deeds among you.” 3:6 Joshua told the priests, “Pick up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they picked up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people. 3:7 The Lord told Joshua, “This very day I will begin to honor you before all Israel so they will know that I am with you just as I was with Moses. 3:8 Instruct the priests carrying the ark of the covenant, ‘When you reach the bank of the Jordan River, wade into the water.’” 3:9 Joshua told the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God!” 3:10 Joshua continued, “This is how you will know the living God is among you and that he will truly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Amorites members of a pre-Israel Semitic tribe from Mesopotamia
 · Canaanite residents of the region of Canaan
 · Girgashite members of a clan of Canaan
 · Hittite a person/people living in the land of Syro-Palestine
 · Hivite a person/people descended from Canaan son of Ham son of Noah
 · Israel a citizen of Israel.,a member of the nation of Israel
 · Jebusite resident(s) of the town of Jebus (Jerusalem)
 · Jordan the river that flows from Lake Galilee to the Dead Sea,a river that begins at Mt. Hermon, flows south through Lake Galilee and on to its end at the Dead Sea 175 km away (by air)
 · Joshua a son of Eliezer; the father of Er; an ancestor of Jesus,the son of Nun and successor of Moses,son of Nun of Ephraim; successor to Moses,a man: owner of the field where the ark stopped,governor of Jerusalem under King Josiah,son of Jehozadak; high priest in the time of Zerubbabel
 · Levitical relating to Levi and the priesthood given to him,a tribal name describing people and ceremonies as sacred
 · levitical relating to Levi and the priesthood given to him,a tribal name describing people and ceremonies as sacred
 · Moses a son of Amram; the Levite who led Israel out of Egypt and gave them The Law of Moses,a Levite who led Israel out of Egypt and gave them the law
 · Perizzite a people of ancient Canaan in the later territory of Ephraim
 · Shittim final encampment of Israel before crossing Jordan (IBD),a situation of deep involvement,a valley in general


Dictionary Themes and Topics: WRITING, 2 | WONDER; WONDERFUL | TABERNACLE, B | SHITTIM | SABBATHDAYS JOURNEY | SABBATH DAY'S JOURNEY | MEADOW | LIVELY; LIVING | LEVITES | Kenizzite | Jordan | Heshbon | HERETOFORE | GIRGASHITE | DEATH | Canaanites | BRINK | ARK OF THE COVENANT | ALIVE | ABEL-SHITTIM | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Maclaren , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Jos 3:1 - -- Not after the return of the spies, but after the three days, Jos 1:11, as it follows, Jos 3:2.

Not after the return of the spies, but after the three days, Jos 1:11, as it follows, Jos 3:2.

Wesley: Jos 3:1 - -- That night, that they might go over in the day time, that the miracle might be more evident and unquestionable, and strike the greater terror into the...

That night, that they might go over in the day time, that the miracle might be more evident and unquestionable, and strike the greater terror into their enemies.

Wesley: Jos 3:2 - -- Either at the end of them, or upon the last of them.

Either at the end of them, or upon the last of them.

Wesley: Jos 3:2 - -- The second time to give them more particular directions, as they had given them a general notice, Jos 1:10-11.

The second time to give them more particular directions, as they had given them a general notice, Jos 1:10-11.

Wesley: Jos 3:3 - -- In Joshua's name, and by his authority.

In Joshua's name, and by his authority.

Wesley: Jos 3:3 - -- Who were not only Levites, but priests also. For altho' the Levites were to carry the ark, Num 4:1-15, yet the priests might perform that office, and ...

Who were not only Levites, but priests also. For altho' the Levites were to carry the ark, Num 4:1-15, yet the priests might perform that office, and did so upon some solemn occasions.

Wesley: Jos 3:3 - -- Towards Jordan, to go over it in such a manner as I am about to describe. 'Till this time the ark went in the middle of the cloudy pillar, now it goes...

Towards Jordan, to go over it in such a manner as I am about to describe. 'Till this time the ark went in the middle of the cloudy pillar, now it goes in the front. Probably the pillar of fire and cloud was still hovering over the ark.

Wesley: Jos 3:4 - -- A thousand yards, at which distance from it the Israelites seem to have been encamped in the wilderness. And because they generally went from their te...

A thousand yards, at which distance from it the Israelites seem to have been encamped in the wilderness. And because they generally went from their tents to the ark to worship God, especially on the sabbath - days; hence it hath been conceived, that a sabbath - day's journey reached only to two thousand cubits. But that may be doubted; for those who encamped nearest the ark, were at that distance from it, and came so far; but the rest were farther from it, and their sabbath - day's journey was considerably longer.

Wesley: Jos 3:4 - -- Partly from the respect they should bear to the ark; but chiefly, that the ark marching so far before you into the river, and standing still there 'ti...

Partly from the respect they should bear to the ark; but chiefly, that the ark marching so far before you into the river, and standing still there 'till you pass over, may give you the greater assurance of your safe passage.

Wesley: Jos 3:4 - -- While we are here, we must expect unusual events, to pathways that we have not passed before: and much more when we go hence, when we pass thro' the v...

While we are here, we must expect unusual events, to pathways that we have not passed before: and much more when we go hence, when we pass thro' the valley of the shadow of death. But if we have the assurance of God's presence, what have we to fear?

Wesley: Jos 3:5 - -- Or rather, had said, the day before their passage; for it follows, to - morrow.

Or rather, had said, the day before their passage; for it follows, to - morrow.

Wesley: Jos 3:5 - -- Both in soul and body, that you may be meet to receive such a favour, and with more reverence observe this great work, and fix it in your hearts.

Both in soul and body, that you may be meet to receive such a favour, and with more reverence observe this great work, and fix it in your hearts.

Wesley: Jos 3:6 - -- Namely, upon your shoulders; for so they were to carry it, Num 7:9.

Namely, upon your shoulders; for so they were to carry it, Num 7:9.

Wesley: Jos 3:6 - -- Not in the middle of them, as you used to do.

Not in the middle of them, as you used to do.

Wesley: Jos 3:7 - -- That is, to gain thee authority among them, as the person whom I have set in Moses's stead, and by whom I will conduct them to the possession of the p...

That is, to gain thee authority among them, as the person whom I have set in Moses's stead, and by whom I will conduct them to the possession of the promised land.

Wesley: Jos 3:8 - -- Heb. to the extremity, so far as the river then spread itself, which was now more than ordinary, Jos 3:15.

Heb. to the extremity, so far as the river then spread itself, which was now more than ordinary, Jos 3:15.

Wesley: Jos 3:8 - -- Within the waters of Jordan, in the first entrance into the river; Where they stood for a season, 'till the river was divided, and then they went into...

Within the waters of Jordan, in the first entrance into the river; Where they stood for a season, 'till the river was divided, and then they went into the midst of it, and there abode 'till all the people were passed over.

Wesley: Jos 3:9 - -- To the ark or tabernacle, the place of public assemblies.

To the ark or tabernacle, the place of public assemblies.

Wesley: Jos 3:9 - -- Who is now about to give a proof that he is both the Lord, the omnipotent governor of heaven and earth, and all creatures; and your God, in covenant w...

Who is now about to give a proof that he is both the Lord, the omnipotent governor of heaven and earth, and all creatures; and your God, in covenant with you, having a tender care and affection for you.

Wesley: Jos 3:10 - -- By experience and sensible evidence.

By experience and sensible evidence.

Wesley: Jos 3:10 - -- Not a dull, dead, senseless God, such as the gods of the nations are; but a God of life, and power, and activity to watch over you, and work for you.

Not a dull, dead, senseless God, such as the gods of the nations are; but a God of life, and power, and activity to watch over you, and work for you.

Wesley: Jos 3:10 - -- Is present with you to strengthen and help you.

Is present with you to strengthen and help you.

JFB: Jos 3:1 - -- On the day following that on which the spies had returned with their encouraging report. The camp was broken up in "Shittim" (the acacia groves), and ...

On the day following that on which the spies had returned with their encouraging report. The camp was broken up in "Shittim" (the acacia groves), and removed to the eastern bank of the Jordan. The duration of their stay is indicated (Jos 3:2), being, according to Hebrew reckoning, only one entire day, including the evening of arrival and the morning of the passage; and such a time would be absolutely necessary for so motley an assemblage of men, women, and children, with all their gear and cattle to make ready for going into an enemy's country.

JFB: Jos 3:2-4 - -- The instructions given at this time and in this place were different from those described (Jos 1:11).

The instructions given at this time and in this place were different from those described (Jos 1:11).

JFB: Jos 3:3-4 - -- The usual position of the ark, when at rest, was in the center of the camp; and, during a march, in the middle of the procession. On this occasion it ...

The usual position of the ark, when at rest, was in the center of the camp; and, during a march, in the middle of the procession. On this occasion it was to occupy the van, and be borne, not by the Kohathite Levites, but the priests, as on all solemn and extraordinary occasions (compare Num 4:15; Jos 6:6; 1Ki 8:3-6).

JFB: Jos 3:3-4 - -- These instructions refer exclusively to the advance into the river. The distance which the people were to keep in the rear of the ark was nearly a mil...

These instructions refer exclusively to the advance into the river. The distance which the people were to keep in the rear of the ark was nearly a mile. Had they crowded too near the ark, the view would have been intercepted, and this intervening space, therefore, was ordered, that the chest containing the sacred symbols might be distinctly visible to all parts of the camp, and be recognized as their guide in the untrodden way.

JFB: Jos 3:5 - -- Rather "had said," for as he speaks of "to-morrow," the address must have been made previous to the day of crossing, and the sanctification was in all...

Rather "had said," for as he speaks of "to-morrow," the address must have been made previous to the day of crossing, and the sanctification was in all probability the same as Moses had commanded before the giving of the law, consisting of an outward cleansing (Exo 19:10-15) preparatory to that serious and devout state of mind with which so great a manifestation should be witnessed.

JFB: Jos 3:6 - -- This order to the priests would be given privately, and involving as it did an important change in the established order of march, it must be consider...

This order to the priests would be given privately, and involving as it did an important change in the established order of march, it must be considered as announced in the name and by the authority of God. Moreover, as soon as the priests stepped into the waters of Jordan, they were to stand still. The ark was to accomplish what had been done by the rod of Moses.

JFB: Jos 3:7-8 - -- Joshua had already received distinguished honors (Exo 24:13; Deu 31:7). But a higher token of the divine favor was now to be publicly bestowed on him,...

Joshua had already received distinguished honors (Exo 24:13; Deu 31:7). But a higher token of the divine favor was now to be publicly bestowed on him, and evidence given in the same unmistakable manner that his mission and authority were from God as was that of Moses (Exo 14:31).

JFB: Jos 3:9-13 - -- It seems that the Israelites had no intimation how they were to cross the river till shortly before the event. The premonitory address of Joshua, take...

It seems that the Israelites had no intimation how they were to cross the river till shortly before the event. The premonitory address of Joshua, taken in connection with the miraculous result exactly as he had described it, would tend to increase and confirm their faith in the God of their fathers as not a dull, senseless, inanimate thing like the idols of the nations, but a Being of life, power, and activity to defend them and work for them.

Clarke: Jos 3:1 - -- Joshua rose early - Archbishop Usher supposes that this was upon Wednesday, the 28th of April, A. M. 2553, the fortieth year after the exodus from E...

Joshua rose early - Archbishop Usher supposes that this was upon Wednesday, the 28th of April, A. M. 2553, the fortieth year after the exodus from Egypt. From Shittim, where they had lately been encamped, to Jordan, was about sixty stadia, according to Josephus; that is, about eight English miles.

Clarke: Jos 3:2 - -- After three days - These three days are probably to be thus understood: As soon as Joshua took the command of the army, he sent the spies to ascerta...

After three days - These three days are probably to be thus understood: As soon as Joshua took the command of the army, he sent the spies to ascertain the state of Jericho; as we have seen Jos 1:12. They returned at the end of three days, or rather on the third day, and made their report. It was at this time, immediately on the return of the spies, that he made the proclamation mentioned here; in consequence of which the people immediately struck their tents, and marched forward to Jordan.

Clarke: Jos 3:4 - -- About two thousand cubits - This distance they were to keep 1.    For the greater respect, because the presence of the ark was the sy...

About two thousand cubits - This distance they were to keep

1.    For the greater respect, because the presence of the ark was the symbol and pledge of the Divine presence

2.    That the ark, which was to be their pilot over these waters, might be the more conspicuous which it could not have been had the people crowded upon it.

Clarke: Jos 3:5 - -- Sanctify yourselves - What was implied in this command we are not informed; but it is likely that it was the same as that given by Moses, Exo 19:10-...

Sanctify yourselves - What was implied in this command we are not informed; but it is likely that it was the same as that given by Moses, Exo 19:10-14. They were to wash themselves and their garments, and abstain from every thing that might indispose their minds from a profitable attention to the miracle about to be wrought in their behalf.

Clarke: Jos 3:6 - -- Spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark - It is remarkable that the priests, not the Levites, whose ordinary business it was were employed t...

Spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark - It is remarkable that the priests, not the Levites, whose ordinary business it was were employed to carry the ark on this occasion. Calmet conjectures that this was because it was probably carried without being wrapped up in its curtains, as it always was when the Levites carried it. Though it was the business of the Levites, the sons of Kohath, to carry the ark; yet on certain occasions the priests alone performed this office

1.    In the present case

2.    When they encompassed Jericho, Jos 6:6

3.    When it was carried to the war against the Philistines by the priests, the sons of Eli, 2Sa 15:25

4.    When David sent it back to Jerusalem, at the time he was obliged to fly from it, through the rebellion of his son Absalom, 2Sa 15:25; and

5.    At the time that it was taken out of the tabernacle, to be deposited in the temple; see 1Ki 8:6-11

These were the most solemn occasions, and on such alone, we may presume, the priests performed this office instead of the Levites. In all their former marches the ark was carried in the center of this immense camp; (see the scheme at the end of Num 2:2 (note) of the book of Numbers); but now it was to proceed at the head of the army, and to go before them, and at such a distance, about three quarters of a mile, that the whole camp might see it as their guide.

Clarke: Jos 3:7 - -- This day will I begin to magnify thee - By making him the instrument in this miraculous passage, he did him honor and gave him high credit in the si...

This day will I begin to magnify thee - By making him the instrument in this miraculous passage, he did him honor and gave him high credit in the sight of the people: hence his authority was established, and obedience to him as their leader fully secured. What must have confirmed this authority was, his circumstantially foretelling how the waters should be cut off as soon as the feet of the priests had touched them, Jos 3:13. This demonstrated that the secret of the Lord was with him.

Clarke: Jos 3:8 - -- Ye shall stand still in Jordan - The priests proceeded first with the ark, and entered into the bed of the river the course of which was immediately...

Ye shall stand still in Jordan - The priests proceeded first with the ark, and entered into the bed of the river the course of which was immediately arrested, the waters collecting above the place where the priests stood, while the stream fell off towards the Dead Sea; so that the whole channel below where the priests were standing became dry. The whole camp, therefore, passed over below where the priests were standing, keeping at the distance of two thousand cubits from the ark; this they would readily do, as the whole bed of the river was dry for many miles below the place where the priests entered.

Clarke: Jos 3:10 - -- Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you - The Israelites were apt to be discouraged, and to faint at even the appearance of danger; it...

Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you - The Israelites were apt to be discouraged, and to faint at even the appearance of danger; it was necessary, therefore, that they should have the fullest assurance of the presence and assistance of God in the important enterprise on which they were now entering. They are to combat idolaters, who have nothing to trust in and help them but gods of wood, stone, and metal: whereas they are to have the living God in the midst of them - He who is the author of life and of being - who can give, or take it away, at his pleasure; and who by this miracle proved that he had undertaken to guide and defend them: and Joshua makes this manifestation of God the proof that he will drive out the Hittites, Hivites, etc, before them. With regard to the situation of each of these nations in the land of Canaan, Calmet remarks, that those called Canaanites chiefly inhabited what is called Phoenicia, the environs of Tyre and Sidon: the Hittites occupied the mountains, southward of the promised land: the Hivites dwelt by Ebal and Gerizim, Sichem and Gibeon, towards the mountains of Hermon: the Perizzites were probably not a distinct nation or tribe, but rather villagers, scattered through the country in general: the Girgashites possessed the country beyond the Jordan, towards the lake of Gennesareth: the Jebusites possessed Jerusalem: and the Amorites occupied the mountainous country in the vicinity of the western part of the Dead Sea, and also that part of the land of Moab which the Israelites conquered from Sihon and Og.

Calvin: Jos 3:1 - -- 1.And Joshua rose early, etc We must remember, as I formerly explained, that Joshua did not move his camp till the day after the spies had returned, ...

1.And Joshua rose early, etc We must remember, as I formerly explained, that Joshua did not move his camp till the day after the spies had returned, but that after hearing their report, he gave orders by the prefects that they should collect their vessels, as three days after they were to cross the Jordan. 43 His rising in the morning, therefore, does not refer simply to their return, but rather to the issuing of his proclamation. When the three days were completed, the prefects were again sent through the camp to acquaint the people with the mode of passage. Although these things are mentioned separately, it is easy to take up the thread of the narrative. But before it was publicly intimated, by what means he was to open a way for the people, the multitude spread out on the bank of the river were exposed to some degree of confusion.

It is true, there were fords by which the Jordan could be passed. But the waters were then swollen, and had overflowed, so that they might easily prevent even men altogether without baggage from passing. There was therefore no hope, that women and children, with the animals, and the rest of the baggage, could be transported to the further bank. That, in such apparently desperate circumstances, they calmly wait the issue, though doubtful, and to them incomprehensible, is an example of faithful obedience, proving how unlike they were to their fathers, who, on the slightest occasions, gave way to turbulence, and inveighed against the Lord and against Moses. This change was not produced without the special agency of the Holy Spirit.

Calvin: Jos 3:2 - -- 2.And it came to pass after three days, etc That is, three days after their departure had been intimated. For they did not halt at the bank longer th...

2.And it came to pass after three days, etc That is, three days after their departure had been intimated. For they did not halt at the bank longer than one night. But as the period of three days had previously been fixed for crossing, and they had no hope of being able to accomplish it, Joshua now exhorts them to pay no more regard to obstacles and difficulties, and to attend to the power of God. For although the form of the miracle is not yet explained, yet when the ark of the covenant is brought forward like a banner to guide the way, it was natural to infer that the Lord was preparing something unusual. And while they are kept in suspense, their faith is again proved by a serious trial; for it was an example of rare virtue to give implicit obedience to the command, and thus follow the ark, while they were obviously uninformed as to the result. This, indeed, is the special characteristic of faith, not to inquire curiously what the Lord is to do, nor to dispute subtlety as to how that which he declares can possibly be done, but to cast all our anxious cares upon his providence, and knowing that his power, on which we may rest, is boundless, to raise our thoughts above the world, and embrace by faith that which we cannot comprehend by reason.

Calvin: Jos 3:4 - -- 4.Yet there shall be a space, etc As the younger Levites, whose province it was to carry the ark, (Num 4:15) were strictly forbidden to touch it, or ...

4.Yet there shall be a space, etc As the younger Levites, whose province it was to carry the ark, (Num 4:15) were strictly forbidden to touch it, or even to look at it, when uncovered, it is not wonderful that the common people were not allowed to approach within a considerable distance of it. The dignity of the ark, therefore, is declared, when the people are ordered to attest their veneration by leaving a long interval between themselves and it. And we know what happened to Uzzah, (2Sa 6:0) when seeing it shaken by restive oxen, he with inconsiderate zeal put forth his hand to support it. For although God invites us familiarly to himself, yet faithful trust so far from begetting security and boldness, is, on the contrary, always coupled with fear. In this way the ark of the covenant was, indeed, a strong and pleasant pledge of the divine favor, but, at the same time, had an awful majesty, well fitted to subdue carnal pride. This humility and modesty, moreover, had the effect of exercising their faith by preventing them from confining the grace of God within too narrow limits, and reminding them, that though they were far distant from the ark, the divine power was ever near.

In the end of the verse it is shown how necessary it was for them to be divinely guided by an unknown way; that anxiety and fear might keep them under the protection of the ark.

Calvin: Jos 3:5 - -- 5.And Joshua said, etc Some unwonted manifestation of divine power in bringing assistance behooved to be held forth, lest the backwardness arising fr...

5.And Joshua said, etc Some unwonted manifestation of divine power in bringing assistance behooved to be held forth, lest the backwardness arising from hesitancy might produce delay; and yet, in order that the Israelites might depend on the mere counsel of God, Joshua does not yet plainly point out the special nature of the miracle, unless, indeed, we choose to read what follows shortly after, as forming part of one context. Herein lies the true test of faith, to lean so on the counsel of God, as not to keep inquiring too anxiously concerning the mode of action or the event. As the word קדש means sometimes to prepare, and sometimes to sanctify, and either meaning is not inappropriate, I thought it best to leave a free choice. For faith prepares us to perceive the operation of God; and in those times, when God manifested himself to men more nearly, they consecrated themselves by a solemn rite; thus we see how Moses, on the promulgation of the Law, sanctified the people as God had commanded. The view taken by some expositors, that the people were thus commanded to purge themselves from defilement’s, merely in order that nothing might impede the passage of the Jordan, seems to be too confined.

Calvin: Jos 3:6 - -- 6.And Joshua spoke unto the priests, etc It is probable that the priests were informed why God wished the ark to precede, that they might be more rea...

6.And Joshua spoke unto the priests, etc It is probable that the priests were informed why God wished the ark to precede, that they might be more ready to execute the command, for the whole people are immediately after made acquainted with the intended division of the waters. As the prefects had formerly published in the camp, that the people were to follow the ark of the covenant, the priests could not possibly be ignorant as to the office which they were to perform. For it had been distinctly declared that they were to be leaders or standard-bearers. But when all were in readiness, Joshua publicly unfolded the divine message which he had received. For it would have been incongruous to make the divine favor more clearly manifest to the common people than to them. It is added, however, immediately after, that the people were made acquainted with the miracle.

I conclude, therefore, that after the priests had for some time been kept in suspense, along with the multitude, the Lord, on ascertaining the obedience of all, publicly declared what he was to do. First, then, it is related that the priests were enjoined by Joshua to bear the ark before the people; and secondly, lest any one might think that he was making the attempt at random, or at his own hand, mention is at the same time made of the promise with which he had been furnished as a means of ensuring his command. But although it is not then distinctly said that the course of the Jordan would be interrupted, yet, from the language which Joshua used to the people, we may infer that the Lord spoke more in detail, and explained more distinctly what he had determined to do. For Joshua did not mention anything which he had not previously learned from the mouth of God himself. Nay, before he makes any mention of the matter at all, he tells them to hear the words of the Lord, and thus premises that he has the authority of God for what he is about to say.

Calvin: Jos 3:10 - -- 10.Hereby you shall know, etc He makes the power of the miracle extend further than to the entrance of the land, and deservedly; for merely to open u...

10.Hereby you shall know, etc He makes the power of the miracle extend further than to the entrance of the land, and deservedly; for merely to open up a passage into a hostile territory, from which there was afterwards no retreat, would have been nothing else than exposure to death. For either entangled among straits, and in an unknown region, they would easily have been destroyed, or they would have perished, worn out by hunger and the absolute want of all things. Joshua therefore declares before hand, that when God would restore the river to its course, it would just be as if he were stretching forth his hand to rout all the inhabitants of the land; and that the manifestation of his power given in the passage of the Jordan, would be a sure presage of the victory which they would obtain over all the nations.

He says, Hence shall you know that the Lord is present with you; to what end? Not only to plant your feet in the land of Canaan, but also to give you full possession of it. For surely when mention is made of the overthrow of the nations, an ultimate, free, and peaceful possession is implied. Therefore, as the Lord by dividing the river clearly showed that his power resided with the Israelites, so the people must on their part have conceived hopes of perpetual assistance, as much as if they had already seen their enemies worsted and lying prostrate before them.

For God does not abandon the work of his hands midway, leaving it maimed and unfinished. (Psa 138:8) When he leads his people unto the promised inheritance, he makes a dry passage for them by cutting off the course of the Jordan. How perverse then would it have been for the Israelites to stop short at that momentary act, instead of feeling confident in all time to come, until quiet possession of the land were actually obtained! Let us learn then from this example, prudently to combine the different acts of divine goodness relating to our final salvation, so that a happy commencement may cherish and keep alive in our minds the hope of an equally happy termination.

When Joshua says that the people will know the presence of God from the miracle, he indirectly upbraids them with their distrust, as the mere promise of God ought to have sufficed for a full assurance, and our faith, unless founded solely on this promise, must be continually wavering. But although faith ought properly to recline on the truth of God alone, it does not follow that experimental knowledge may not act as a secondary support to its weakness, and give subsidiary aid to its confirmation. For that which God promises to us in word he seals by act, and as often as he exhibits to us manifestations of his grace and might, he intends them to be so many confirmations of what he has spoken, and so many helps tending to suppress all our doubts.

TSK: Jos 3:1 - -- rose early : Archbishop Usher supposes, that this was upon Wednesday, the 28th of April, am 2553, the fortieth year of the Exodus from Egypt. From Sh...

rose early : Archbishop Usher supposes, that this was upon Wednesday, the 28th of April, am 2553, the fortieth year of the Exodus from Egypt. From Shittim, where the israelites had been encamped for about two months (Deu 1:3), to the Jordan, was, according to Josephus, about sixty stadia; that is, between seven and eight English miles. Gen 22:3; Psa 119:60; Jer 7:13, Jer 25:3, Jer 26:5; Mar 1:35

Shittim : Jos 2:1; Num 25:1; Mic 6:5

Jordan : Jordan, called by the Arabs El Sharia, takes its rise in Anti-Libanus, about twelve miles north of Cesarea Philippi, now Banias; and, having run about twelve miles southward, it receives a considerable stream, which is now called the Moiet Hasbeia. About 15 miles farther, it forms the waters of Merom or Semechon, now Houle; and, after running about 28 miles more, it passes through the lake of Gennesareth, and thence runs southward till it loses itself in the Dead Sea; its whole course being about 160 miles.

TSK: Jos 3:2 - -- three days : Jos 1:10, Jos 1:11

three days : Jos 1:10, Jos 1:11

TSK: Jos 3:3 - -- Num 10:33 When ye see : Jos 3:11 the priests : Jos 3:6, Jos 3:8, Jos 3:14-17, Jos 4:10, Jos 6:6; Num 4:15; Deu 31:9, Deu 31:25; 2Sa 6:3, 2Sa 6:13; 1Ch...

TSK: Jos 3:4 - -- a space : Exo 3:5, Exo 19:12; Psa 89:7; Heb 12:28, Heb 12:29 heretofore : Heb. since yesterday and the third day, Gen 31:2; Exo 4:10; 1Ch 11:2; Isa 30...

a space : Exo 3:5, Exo 19:12; Psa 89:7; Heb 12:28, Heb 12:29

heretofore : Heb. since yesterday and the third day, Gen 31:2; Exo 4:10; 1Ch 11:2; Isa 30:33 *marg.

TSK: Jos 3:5 - -- Sanctify : Jos 7:13; Exo 19:10-15; Lev 10:3, Lev 20:7; Num 11:8; 1Sa 16:5; Job 1:5; Joe 2:16; Joh 17:19 the Lord : Jos 3:13, Jos 3:15; Psa 86:10, Psa ...

TSK: Jos 3:6 - -- Take up : Jos 3:3; Num 14:15, Num 10:33; Mic 2:13; Joh 14:2, Joh 14:3; Heb 6:20

TSK: Jos 3:7 - -- magnify thee : Jos 4:14; 1Ch 29:25; 2Ch 1:1; Job 7:17; Psa 18:35; Joh 17:1; Phi 1:20; Phi 2:9-11 as I was : Jos 1:5, Jos 1:17

TSK: Jos 3:8 - -- command : Jos 3:3; 1Ch 15:11, 1Ch 15:12; 2Ch 17:8, 2Ch 17:9, 2Ch 29:4-11, 2Ch 29:15, 2Ch 29:27, 2Ch 29:30, 2Ch 30:12, 2Ch 31:9, 2Ch 31:10; 2Ch 35:2-6;...

TSK: Jos 3:9 - -- Hear the words : Deu 4:1, Deu 12:8

Hear the words : Deu 4:1, Deu 12:8

TSK: Jos 3:10 - -- Hereby ye : Num 15:28-30; 1Ki 18:36, 1Ki 18:37, 1Ki 22:28; Psa 9:16; Isa 7:14; 2Co 13:2, 2Co 13:3 living : Deu 5:26; 1Sa 17:26; 2Ki 19:4; Jer 10:10; H...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Jos 3:1 - -- "The acacia groves"(Exo 25:5 note) of Shittim on both sides of Jordan line the upper terraces of the valley (compare 2Ki 6:4). They would be in this...

"The acacia groves"(Exo 25:5 note) of Shittim on both sides of Jordan line the upper terraces of the valley (compare 2Ki 6:4). They would be in this part at some six miles distance from the river itself.

Barnes: Jos 3:2 - -- These days (Jos 1:11 note) were no doubt occupied in preparations of various kinds. The host consisted not of armed men only, but of women and child...

These days (Jos 1:11 note) were no doubt occupied in preparations of various kinds. The host consisted not of armed men only, but of women and children also; and many arrangements would be necessary before they actually advanced into a hostile country.

Barnes: Jos 3:4 - -- The ark, which was since the making of the covenant the special shrine and seat of God’ s presence, went before to show the people that God, th...

The ark, which was since the making of the covenant the special shrine and seat of God’ s presence, went before to show the people that God, through its medium, was their leader. They were to follow at a distance that they might the better observe and mark how the miracle was accomplished. This they would do to the greatest advantage while coming down the heights, the ark going on before them into the ravine.

Barnes: Jos 3:6 - -- They took up - i. e. on the day following. The course of events is anticipated.

They took up - i. e. on the day following. The course of events is anticipated.

Barnes: Jos 3:7 - -- This day will I begin to magnify thee - One cause why the miracle now to be narrated was performed is here suggested. As Moses was declared to ...

This day will I begin to magnify thee - One cause why the miracle now to be narrated was performed is here suggested. As Moses was declared to he sent immediately from God with an extraordinary commission by the miracles which he worked, more especially that of dividing the Red Sea in two parts, so was Joshua both sent and accredited in a like manner. (Compare Jos 1:5, and Jos 4:14.) Other reasons are given in Jos 3:10; Jos 5:1.

Barnes: Jos 3:10 - -- The living God - Compare the marginal reference. The gods of the pagan are "dead idols."On the names of the seven nations, see Gen 10:16, etc.,...

The living God - Compare the marginal reference. The gods of the pagan are "dead idols."On the names of the seven nations, see Gen 10:16, etc., note.

Poole: Jos 3:1 - -- In the morning not after the return of the spies, as may seem at first view; but after the three days, as it follows, Jos 3:2 . Lodged there that ...

In the morning not after the return of the spies, as may seem at first view; but after the three days, as it follows, Jos 3:2 .

Lodged there that night, that they might go over in the day time; partly that the miracle might be more evident and unquestionable; and partly to strike the greater terror into their enemies.

Poole: Jos 3:2 - -- After three days either, 1. At the end of the three days mentioned Jos 1:11 , or upon the last of them, as this phrase is used. See Poole "Deu 16:1...

After three days either,

1. At the end of the three days mentioned Jos 1:11 , or upon the last of them, as this phrase is used. See Poole "Deu 16:1" . Or,

2. After those days were expired. See Poole "Jos 1:11" . The officers went through the host the second time to give them more particular directions, as they had given them a general notice, Jos 1:10,11 .

Poole: Jos 3:3 - -- They commanded the people in Joshua’ s name, and by his authority. The priests the Levites who were not only Levites, but priests also. For al...

They commanded the people in Joshua’ s name, and by his authority.

The priests the Levites who were not only Levites, but priests also. For although the Levites were to carry the ark, Nu 4 , yet the priests might perform that office, and did so upon some solemn occasions, as here, and Jos 6:6 . Go after it towards Jordan, to go over it in such manner as I am about to describe. Till this time the ark went in the middle of the cloudy pillar, probably being now vanished, now it goes in the front.

Poole: Jos 3:4 - -- Two thousand cubits make a thousand yards, and at which distance from it the Israelites seem to have been encamped in the wilderness. And because the...

Two thousand cubits make a thousand yards, and at which distance from it the Israelites seem to have been encamped in the wilderness. And because they generally went from their tents to the ark to worship God, especially on the sabbath days, hence it hath been conceived that a sabbath day’ s journey reached only to two thousand cubits. But that may be doubted; for those who encamped nearest the ark were at that distance from it, and came so far; but the most were farther from it, and their sabbath day’ s journey was considerably longer.

Come not near unto it partly from the reverent respect they should bear to the ark; and partly for the following reason.

That ye may know the way by which ye must go that the ark marching so far before you into the river, and standing still there till you pass over, may give you the greater assurance of your safe passage.

Poole: Jos 3:5 - -- Joshua said or rather had said, to wit, the day before their passage; for it follows, to-morrow Sanctify yourselves, both in soul and body, that yo...

Joshua said or rather had said, to wit, the day before their passage; for it follows,

to-morrow Sanctify yourselves, both in soul and body, that you may be meet to receive such a favour, and with more attention and reverence observe and ponder this great work, and fix it in your hearts and memories. See Poole "Exo 19:10" ; See Poole "Lev 20:7" .

Poole: Jos 3:6 - -- Take up the ark to wit, upon your shoulders; for so they were to carry it, Num 7:9 . Before the people not in the middle of them, as you used to do...

Take up the ark to wit, upon your shoulders; for so they were to carry it, Num 7:9 .

Before the people not in the middle of them, as you used to do.

Poole: Jos 3:7 - -- i.e. To gain thee authority and reputation among them, as the person whom I have set in Moses’ s stead, and by whom I will conduct them to the ...

i.e. To gain thee authority and reputation among them, as the person whom I have set in Moses’ s stead, and by whom I will conduct them to the possession of the promised land.

Poole: Jos 3:8 - -- To the brink Heb. to the extremity ; so far as the river then spread itself, which was now more than ordinary, Jos 3:5 . In Jordan within the wate...

To the brink Heb. to the extremity ; so far as the river then spread itself, which was now more than ordinary, Jos 3:5 .

In Jordan within the waters of Jordan, in the first entrance into the river; where they stood for a season, till the river was divided, and then they went into the midst of it, as it is implied, Jos 3:17 , and there abode till all the people were passed over, as it follows in the history.

Poole: Jos 3:9 - -- Come hither to the ark or tabernacle, the place of public assemblies, and hear the words of the Lord your God; who is now about to give a proof that ...

Come hither to the ark or tabernacle, the place of public assemblies, and hear the words of the Lord your God; who is now about to give a proof that he is both the Lord, the omnipotent Governor of heaven and earth, and all creatures; and your God, in covenant with you, having a tender care and true affection for you.

Poole: Jos 3:10 - -- Hereby ye shall know to wit, by experience and sensible evidence. The living God not a dull, dead, senseless, and unactive god, such as the gods of...

Hereby ye shall know to wit, by experience and sensible evidence.

The living God not a dull, dead, senseless, and unactive god, such as the gods of the nations are; but a God of life, and power, and activity, to watch over you, and work for you.

Is among you is present with you to strengthen and help you, as the phrase signifies, Exo 17:7 Deu 31:17 Jos 22:31 .

Haydock: Jos 3:1 - -- Ver 1. Days, in part, as they arrived on the 8th of Nisan, staid there the following day, and crossed the Jordan on the 10th, on Friday the 30th o...

Ver 1. Days, in part, as they arrived on the 8th of Nisan, staid there the following day, and crossed the Jordan on the 10th, on Friday the 30th of our April. Thus Christ is said to have remained three days in the tomb, (Calmet) though he was there only a small part of Friday and of Sunday, and the whole of Saturday. Hebrew, "they lodged there before they passed over, ( 2 ) and it came to pass after three days that the," &c.

Haydock: Jos 3:2 - -- Heralds. Shoterim, chap. i. 10. Protestants, "the officers went through the host." (Haydock)

Heralds. Shoterim, chap. i. 10. Protestants, "the officers went through the host." (Haydock)

Haydock: Jos 3:3 - -- Levi. Sigonius thinks that the Caathites performed this office on this as on other occasions. But the Vulgate shews that the priests sometimes carr...

Levi. Sigonius thinks that the Caathites performed this office on this as on other occasions. But the Vulgate shews that the priests sometimes carried the ark, perhaps because it was uncovered, chap. vi. 6., and 2 Kings xv. 25. At this period the number of priests was but small. Some of the sons of Eleazar and of Ithamar might be old enough to assist their parents: only two would be necessary at a time, though the Rabbins assign four, (which is not improbable. Theodoret) and pretend that the two who went first were obliged to go backwards, in order that their faces might be turned towards the ark, out of respect. The ark now marked the way for the people, as the cloud had disappeared on the death of Moses. (St. Augustine, q. 3.; Masius.) (Calmet) ---

It had been carried at the head of the army in the desert. (Haydock)

Haydock: Jos 3:4 - -- Space of. Hebrew adds, "about...by measure." It was not easy to observe the exact distance in the march. This was prescribed both to keep the peop...

Space of. Hebrew adds, "about...by measure." It was not easy to observe the exact distance in the march. This was prescribed both to keep the people at a respectful distance, and also to enable them to see which way they were to proceed. When the priests stood in the bed of the river, the waters rose up like a firm wall on the north side, while those to the south flowed away into the lake of Sodom, leaving about 16 miles open for the army of Israel to pass on dry land. The soldiers did not approach within 600 paces of the ark. ---

Before. This insinuated that they would pass over in a miraculous manner; though perhaps Josue did not know by what means God would enable them to cross (Calmet) the overflowing waters. Josephus only seems to intimate that they abated suddenly, so that they might be forded, &c. He also greatly diminishes or destroys the miracle performed at the passage of the Red Sea. Yet here he acknowledges a sort of "prodigy in the waters being restrained," and resuming their usual course as soon as the priests had left the channel of the river. ---

And take, &c. Hebrew places these words at the beginning of the sentence, after cubits. (Haydock)

Haydock: Jos 3:5 - -- Sanctified, as Moses had required at Mount Sinai, (Exodus xix. 10, 15,) ordering the people to wash their garments, and to abstain from their wives, ...

Sanctified, as Moses had required at Mount Sinai, (Exodus xix. 10, 15,) ordering the people to wash their garments, and to abstain from their wives, that by this exterior purity, they might be reminded not to neglect that of the soul, without which they would derive but small benefit or instruction from the greatest miracles.

Haydock: Jos 3:6 - -- Commands. Josue was only the organ of God, (Calmet) whose orders he announces to the sacred ministers; (ver. 8.; Menochius) though as a civil magist...

Commands. Josue was only the organ of God, (Calmet) whose orders he announces to the sacred ministers; (ver. 8.; Menochius) though as a civil magistrate, he was bound to hear and to obey them in matters of religion. (Calmet) ---

When he ordered circumcision to be administered, when he blessed the multitude, and ratified the covenant between God and the people, (Chap. v., and xxiv., &c.) he did nothing but what a virtuous governor ought to do; yet he did not these things by virtue of his civil jurisdiction, or in opposition to the spiritual authority of Eleazar. Moses had been the supreme head, being both priest and king. But only part of his glory was communicated to Josue, while Eleazar was directed to consult the Lord for him, (Numbers xxvii. 21.; Theodoret, q. 48. in Numbers) Josue was to govern at his word, so that he was bound to consider the high priest as his superior. What he therefore did, was in subordination and conformity to the will of Eleazar and of God, and not designed to shew that the priestly authority belonged to himself, as English Protestants would hence infer. The best of princes, both in the Old and New Testament, have always looked upon it as a part of their duty to promote the true religion. (Worthington) ---

Isaias (xlix) foretold that kings and queens would esteem it their glory to guard and to advance the prosperity of the Church. (Haydock) ---

Hence they may enact laws for this purpose. (St. Augustine, contra Crescon. iii. 51.) Constantine ratified the judgment passed already by the bishops in the cause of Cecilian, though he confessed at the same time that the determination did not belong to his tribunal; (Worthington) and he greatly disapproved of the conduct of the Donatists, who appealed to him, as the heathens might have done to an emperor, who was at the same time one of their high priests. (Haydock) ---

O rabida furoris audacia, said he, sicut in causis gentilium fieri solet, appellationem interposuerunt. (1 Optat. c. Parm. i.; St. Augustine, ep. 166.) Other emperors and kings have acquired great fame, on account of their labours and zeal in defence of the Church. Thus the kings of Spain and of France have obtained the titles of Catholic and Most Christian, and our Henry VIII was honoured by Pope Leo X with the title of Defender of the Faith, in 1521, (Worthington) on account of the book which he presented to that pontiff, while he was yet an obedient son of the Catholic Church, and undertook to defend her faith on the sacraments, against the objections of Luther. In this the faith which the kings of England defend at present? Whatever the princes might do in the old law in spiritual matters, no inference can be drawn for the same right being now exercised by civil magistrates, how supreme soever in their own sphere. Those princes, Josue, &c. might be considered not only in the light of civil governors, but also in that of prophets , who had a great share in the administration of affairs under the Jewish theocracy. If God chose to make known his will by the mouth of a king, or by that of a shepherd, his mandates were to be put in execution with equal exactitude. But now the distinctive limits of the ecclesiastical and of the civil power are more clearly ascertained. Render therefore to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's and to God the things that are God's. (Matthew xxii. 21.) The kingdom of Christ is not of this world; neither did he appoint kings to be the pastors of his Church. (Haydock)

Haydock: Jos 3:7 - -- Also. Grotius remarks that God made known his choice of the governors of his people by miracles, till the days of Saul. In effect, we hardly find a...

Also. Grotius remarks that God made known his choice of the governors of his people by miracles, till the days of Saul. In effect, we hardly find any, before that time, whose public authority was not sanctioned by some prodigy. (Calmet)

Haydock: Jos 3:8 - -- It. Hebrew, "when you shall have come to the brink (or extremity) of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan," (Haydock) which ...

It. Hebrew, "when you shall have come to the brink (or extremity) of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan," (Haydock) which some explain by saying that they were to stop on the eastern bank, as soon as they had wet their feet, (Serarius) while others say they crossed quite over, and stood at the other side. (Masius) ---

But it is more probable, that as soon as they had touched the waters, the priests halted till the bed of the river was presently dried up, and then they placed themselves in the middle of it, close to the raging billows, which, rising up like mountains, were stopped in their career, (Haydock) and forced to retire backwards to their source, ver. 15, 17, and chap. iv. 9. (Bonfrere; Cornelius a Lapide) ---

Some translate, "into the division," instead of part, or extremity. (Calmet)

Haydock: Jos 3:9 - -- Hither, probably to the door of the tabernacle, where the assemblies were held.

Hither, probably to the door of the tabernacle, where the assemblies were held.

Haydock: Jos 3:10 - -- Living God, in opposition to the idols of the Gentiles, who were dead men, or at least incapable of affording any assistance to their votaries. Josu...

Living God, in opposition to the idols of the Gentiles, who were dead men, or at least incapable of affording any assistance to their votaries. Josue gives the people two signs of the divine protection, the destruction of the devoted nations, and the miraculous division of the Jordan, or rather the latter prodigy would be an earnest of the former event; and all, both friends and enemies, might be convinced, that the Lord was with his people, and their present leader, as he had been with Moses. No miracle could have been more suitable for the occasion, none more convincing or useful. (Calmet) ---

It would naturally inspire the Israelites with confidence, at the revival of the miracles wrought 40 years before, when their fathers and some of themselves had passed the Red Sea, in a similar manner. At the same time, it would fill the Chanaanites with still greater dismay and teach them that all resistance would prove fruitless. Some have wondered that they did not oppose the passage of the Israelites on this occasion. But it is a greater matter of surprise that they should have ventured on the dangerous expedient of encountering them in war, after what they had seen and heard. It can be attributed to nothing but their infatuation, and that blindness with which God punished them, that they might draw on a more speedy and merited destruction for their crimes. (Haydock) ---

Destroy. Hebrew. "dispossess, or drive out before you the Chanaanite," &c. These seven nations comprised the ten which are mentioned, Genesis xv. 19. The Chanaanite occupied the countries chiefly about Tyre, while the Hethite dwelt in the southern part of Palestine. The Hevite possessed Mount Hermon, Garizim, &c. The Pherezite were not perhaps a separate people, but employed in cultivating the country. The Gergesite were fixed to the east of the lake of Genesareth, the Jebusite at Jerusalem, and the Amorrhite about the Dead Sea. (Calmet) ---

But they were often mixed with one another, so that their limits cannot be ascertained with any degree of precision. (Haydock)

Gill: Jos 3:1 - -- And Joshua rose early in the morning,.... The morning after the spies had returned and made their report; which, as Kimchi rightly observes, was the n...

And Joshua rose early in the morning,.... The morning after the spies had returned and made their report; which, as Kimchi rightly observes, was the ninth of Nisan; for on the morrow, which was the tenth, the people passed over Jordan, see Jos 3:5. Moses, according to the Jewish writers, died on the seventh of Adar or February; the thirty days of his mourning ended the seventh of Nisan or March; two days before they were ended the spies were sent, who returned on the eighth day of the month; and the morning following Joshua rose early, which shows his readiness and alacrity to proceed in the expedition he was directed and encouraged to:

and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan; from Shittim in the plains of Moab, to the river Jordan:

he and all the children of Israel; he as their general, and they an army of six hundred thousand fighting men under him, besides women and children, and others that came along with them:

and lodged there before they passed over; lay there encamped a night before they passed over the river Jordan.

Gill: Jos 3:2 - -- And it came to pass after three days,.... At the end of the three days they were bid to prepare food for their expedition, and to go over Jordan, Jos ...

And it came to pass after three days,.... At the end of the three days they were bid to prepare food for their expedition, and to go over Jordan, Jos 1:11,

that the officers went through the host; the camp of Israel; very probably the same as in Jos 1:10; this was, no doubt, by the order of Joshua, and who was directed to it by the Lord.

Gill: Jos 3:3 - -- And they commanded the people,.... In the name of Joshua, by whom they were sent: saying, when ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God,...

And they commanded the people,.... In the name of Joshua, by whom they were sent:

saying, when ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it: the Targum reads, the priests and Levites; so the Septuagint: it was the business of the Levites, particularly the Kohathites, to bear the ark in journeying, but here the priests, who also were Levites, were to carry it: it is remarked in the Talmud p, that there are three places in which the priests are said to bear the ark; here, and when they surrounded Jericho, Jos 6:6; and when it was returned to its place in the times of David, 2Sa 15:29; and Kimchi and Abarbinel observe a fourth, when it was brought into Solomon's temple, 1Ki 8:6,

then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it; their usual signal for marching was the cloud, when that was taken up, Num 9:17, &c. but now the ark, the clouds of glory having removed at the death of Moses, and were seen no more, as Abarbinel and other Jewish writers observe; and therefore it was proper the Israelites should be made acquainted with this signal; for, as Jarchi says, this journey was different from all the journeys (though that of the three days journey from Sinai must be excepted, Num 10:33), for all the time Moses was in being, the pillar of cloud marched first and showed them the way, and the ark moved after two of the standards (Judah and Reuben), and now the ark went first: the cloud was a figure of the dark and cloudy dispensation of the law, particularly the ceremonial law, the shadow of good things to come, and which continued only during the former state, and discontinued to be of any use when the Mosaic dispensation ceased, and when Joshua or Jesus was come: the ark was a type of Christ, the forerunner for us entered, and whom we are to follow whithersoever he goes or directs to, in the exercise of grace and performance of duty; and the ark being carried now by different persons, may denote that Christ was held forth in a weaker manner under the legal dispensation, and by his apostles and ministers under the Gospel dispensation in a clearer and stronger manner, and who are to be followed no further or longer than as they bear the ark or direct to Christ.

Gill: Jos 3:4 - -- Yet there shall be a space between you and it,.... The ark; the Keri or marginal reading is, "between you and them"; the priests that bear it: hence s...

Yet there shall be a space between you and it,.... The ark; the Keri or marginal reading is, "between you and them"; the priests that bear it: hence sprung a fiction among the Jews, that there were two arks, the ark of the Shechinah or divine Majesty, and the ark of Joseph, in which his bones were put, which went together q; which Jarchi, Kimchi, and Abarbinel take notice of, but has no foundation in the text:

about two thousand cubits by measure; by a certain well known measure, that of a common cubit; for the "caph" we render "about" is a note of truth, reality, and certainty, and designs the exact precise measure here given: this difference was to be observed, partly in reverence to the ark, the symbol of the divine Presence; Christ is to be reverenced by his people, and so his word and ordinances; and there is a reverence and respect due to his ministers and priests that bear the ark; as also that they might the better see the ark and go after it, as Ben Gersom; or the way in which they should go, as is suggested in the following clause; and likewise have the better view of the greatness of the miracle, as Abarbinel; the dividing of the waters of Jordan as soon as the ark came to it, and while it was in it: the Jews conclude from hence that this was the measure of ground they may go on a sabbath day, and no further, called a sabbath day's journey, Act 1:12,

come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; over Jordan into Canaan's land; for being at some distance from them they could better discern that and the way he directed them to walk in: Christ the antitype of the ark is the way to the heavenly Canaan, and his ministers point out the right way of salvation by him, in the ministration of the word, by attending to which the way is seen and known in which men must go:

for ye have not passed this way heretofore; a path indeed untrodden by any; neither they nor any other ever went into Canaan the way they were now going, through the river Jordan as on dry land: the way to heaven by Christ is only revealed in the Gospel, and only trodden by believers in him, and especially the way to glory through Jordan's river; or death is an untrodden path, which, though the way of all flesh, is a trackless path, and gone through, but once, and those who pass it have never before gone that way.

Gill: Jos 3:5 - -- And Joshua said unto the people,.... On the third day; and the thirtieth day of the mourning for Moses, Jarchi says, was the first of the three days, ...

And Joshua said unto the people,.... On the third day; and the thirtieth day of the mourning for Moses, Jarchi says, was the first of the three days, and that being the seventh day of the month, this must be the ninth, as it is most clear the morrow was the tenth:

sanctify yourselves; in a ceremonial sense, by washing their bodies and their clothes, and abstaining from their wives; and in a moral sense, by acts of religion and devotion, by prayer and meditation, and the exercise of repentance and, good works: it may denote that sanctification is necessary to our passage over Jordan, or through death to the heavenly Canaan, for without holiness no man shall see the Lord:

for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you: in their sight and presence, and for them, by dividing the waters of Jordan, that they might pass through it as on dry land; this, as Kimchi says, was the tenth of Nisan, as is plain from Jos 4:19.

Gill: Jos 3:6 - -- And Joshua spoke unto the priests,.... On the morrow, that is, on the tenth day of the month, the day on which they went over Jordan: saying, take ...

And Joshua spoke unto the priests,.... On the morrow, that is, on the tenth day of the month, the day on which they went over Jordan:

saying, take up the ark of the covenant; in which the law was put, which was the covenant between God and the people, from whence the ark had this name; and in which it was typical of Christ, in whom both the law, the covenant of works, was fulfilled, and with whom the covenant of grace was made; who is the Mediator; surety, and messenger of it, and in whom all the blessings and promises of it are, and with whom it is, and will be kept for evermore: the ark, the priests were ordered to take up and bear on their shoulders; for no other way might they carry it; these typified the ministers of Christ who bear his name, his Gospel in the world, see Act 9:15,

and pass over before the people; over the river Jordan, to direct them in the way through it, and encourage them to follow them:

and they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people; from the place where they had lodged the night before to the brink of the river.

Gill: Jos 3:7 - -- And the Lord said unto Joshua,.... Out of the tabernacle: this day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel; by working the miracle ...

And the Lord said unto Joshua,.... Out of the tabernacle:

this day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel; by working the miracle afterwards related; dividing the waters, which was done on this day, and was but the beginning of wonders; for other great and marvellous things were done for him and by him, by which it appeared he was high in the favour of God, greatly esteemed and honoured by him, and so would be great and honourable in the account of the people:

that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; by dividing the waters of Jordan for him, as he had divided the waters of the Red sea for Moses; which, as it was a token of his powerful presence with him, this would be a like token of it with Joshua. The Targum is,"as my Word was for the help of Moses, so shall my Word be for thy help.''

Gill: Jos 3:8 - -- And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the Lord,.... Who were subject to Joshua, the chief governor of the nation, and general of the...

And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the Lord,.... Who were subject to Joshua, the chief governor of the nation, and general of the army, as well as the common people; and whose commands they were to obey, and especially when they appeared to be from the Lord:

saying, when ye come to the brink of the water of Jordan; not of the bank of it, but of the water, which had now overflowed its bank; that is, the brink or extremity of it, which was nearest to them, and to which they first came; though it is a notion of some Jewish commentators t, and which some Christian interpreters u have given into, and both of considerable note, that this was the further extremity, or the brink on the other side of the river; but, according to this notion, they must pass the river to the other side before the waters were divided, which is not credible; and must return again into the midst of the river, which is not probable; and besides, it is expressly said, that as soon as their feet dipped in the brim, or extremity of the water, the waters parted, which must be the first brim or extremity they came at, Jos 3:15,

ye shall stand still in Jordan; after the waters were parted; upon their coming to, and touching, the brink of them, they proceeded, and went into the middle of the river, where they were ordered to stop and stand still.

Gill: Jos 3:9 - -- And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, come hither,.... Very probably to the door of the tabernacle: and hear the words of the Lord your God;...

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, come hither,.... Very probably to the door of the tabernacle:

and hear the words of the Lord your God; which he was about to deliver to them as from him, and in his name.

Gill: Jos 3:10 - -- And Joshua said,.... To the people as follows: hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you; who has life in and of himself, and is the a...

And Joshua said,.... To the people as follows:

hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you; who has life in and of himself, and is the author of life to all his creatures; and is so called in opposition to the lifeless idols of the Gentiles: and it may be, as Abarbinel observes, to suggest to them, that though Moses was dead, the Lord lived, and lives for evermore; and by the following miracle of dividing the waters of Jordan, it would be a plain case that the Lord was yet among them, to protect and defend them, deliver and save them:

and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites; all the seven nations are mentioned, even the Girgashites, who are sometimes omitted, to assure them of the expulsion of them all, to make way for their entire possession of the land of Canaan, as had been promised them.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Jos 3:1 The words “the river,” though not in the Hebrew text, have been supplied in the translation for clarity.

NET Notes: Jos 3:3 Or “march.”

NET Notes: Jos 3:4 Heb “know.”

NET Notes: Jos 3:7 Or more literally, “to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel.”

NET Notes: Jos 3:8 Heb “stand in the Jordan.” Here the repetition of the word “Jordan” would be redundant according to contemporary English style...

NET Notes: Jos 3:10 Heb “said.”

Geneva Bible: Jos 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to ( a ) Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there bef...

Geneva Bible: Jos 3:2 And it came to pass after ( b ) three days, that the officers went through the host; ( b ) Which was given to prepare food (Jos 1:11).

Geneva Bible: Jos 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 sti...

Geneva Bible: Jos 3:10 And Joshua said, ( d ) Hereby ye shall know that the living God [is] among you, and [that] he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanit...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Jos 3:1-17 - --1 Joshua comes to Jordan.2 The officers instruct the people for their passage.7 The Lord encourages Joshua.9 Joshua encourages the people.14 The water...

Maclaren: Jos 3:4 - --Joshua 3:4. IT was eminently true of Israel that they had not passed this way heretofore,' inasmuch as the path which was opening before them, through...

Maclaren: Jos 3:5-17 - --Joshua 3:5-17 The arrangement of the narrative of the passage of Jordan, which occupies Joshua 3. and Joshua 4., is remarkable, and has led to suggest...

MHCC: Jos 3:1-6 - --The Israelites came to Jordan in faith, having been told that they should pass it. In the way of duty, let us proceed as far as we can, and depend on ...

MHCC: Jos 3:7-13 - --The waters of Jordan shall be cut off. This must be done in such a way as never was done, but in the dividing of the Red sea. That miracle is here rep...

Matthew Henry: Jos 3:1-6 - -- Rahab, in mentioning to the spies the drying up of the Red Sea (Jos 2:10), the report of which terrified the Canaanites more than anything else, i...

Matthew Henry: Jos 3:7-13 - -- We may observe here how God honours Joshua, and by this wondrous work he is about to do designs to make Israel know that he is their governor, and t...

Keil-Delitzsch: Jos 3:1-6 - -- Jos 3:1-4 " Arrangements for the Passage through the Jordan . - When they reached the Jordan, the Israelites rested till they passed over. לוּ×...

Keil-Delitzsch: Jos 3:7-8 - -- Commencement of the Crossing . - First of all (in Jos 3:7 and Jos 3:8), the revelation made by God to Joshua, that He would begin this day to make ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Jos 3:9-10 - -- The summons to the children of Israel, i.e., to the whole nation in the persons of its representatives, to draw near ( גּשׁוּ for גּשׁוּ , a...

Constable: Jos 3:1-17 - --The crossing of the river ch. 3 3:1-6 Joshua may have moved the nation from Shittim to the Jordan's edge at approximately the same time he sent the sp...

Guzik: Jos 3:1-17 - --Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan A. Instructions for crossing the Jordan River. 1. (1-2) Camping by the Jordan: Israel faces up to their own utter hel...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: Joshua (Book Introduction) JOSHUA. The title of this book is derived from the pious and valiant leader whose achievements it relates and who is commonly supposed to have been it...

JFB: Joshua (Outline) THE LORD APPOINTS JOSHUA TO SUCCEED MOSES. (Jos. 1:1-18) RAHAB RECEIVES AND CONCEALS THE TWO SPIES. (Jos 2:1-7) THE COVENANT BETWEEN HER AND THEM. (J...

TSK: Joshua (Book Introduction) The Book of Joshua is one of the most important documents in the Old Testament. The rapid conquest of the Promised Land, and the actual settlement of...

TSK: Joshua 3 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Jos 3:1, Joshua comes to Jordan; Jos 3:2, The officers instruct the people for their passage; Jos 3:7, The Lord encourages Joshua; Jos 3:...

Poole: Joshua (Book Introduction) BOOK OF JOSHUA THE ARGUMENT IT is not material to know who was the penman of this book, whether Joshua, as seems most probable from Jos 24:26 , o...

Poole: Joshua 3 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 3 Joshua comes with the Israelites to Jordan, Jos 3:1 . The officers instruct the people and priests for the passage, Jos 3:2-6 . God encou...

MHCC: Joshua (Book Introduction) Here is the history of Israel's passing into the land of Canaan, conquering and dividing it, under the command of Joshua, and their history until his ...

MHCC: Joshua 3 (Chapter Introduction) (Jos 3:1-6) The Israelites come to Jordan. (Jos 3:7-13) The Lord encourages Joshua - Joshua encourages the people. (Jos 3:14-17) The Israelites pass...

Matthew Henry: Joshua (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Book of Joshua I. We have now before us the history of the Jewish nation in this book and those tha...

Matthew Henry: Joshua 3 (Chapter Introduction) This chapter, and that which follows it, give us the history of Israel's passing through Jordan into Canaan, and a very memorable history it is. Lo...

Constable: Joshua (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The name of this book in Hebrew, Greek, and English comes from the ...

Constable: Joshua (Outline) Outline I. The conquest of the land chs. 1-12 A. Preparations for entering Canaan chs. 1-2 ...

Constable: Joshua Joshua Bibliography Aharoni, Yohanan. "The Province-List of Judah." Vetus Testamentum 9 (1959):225-46. ...

Haydock: Joshua (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION. THE BOOK OF JOSUE. This book is called Josue , because it contains the history of what passed under him, and, according to the comm...

Gill: Joshua (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA The Jews distinguish the prophets into former and latter; the first of the former prophets is Joshua, or Sepher Joshua, the ...

Gill: Joshua 3 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA 3 Joshua removed from Shittim to Jordan, where he stayed three days, Jos 3:1; the people are directed to move when they saw ...

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