“For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until everything was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.”
Context: The book of Joshua is the sixth book of the Old Testament and recounts the events after Moses’ death, when Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 4, the Israelites have crossed the Jordan River on dry ground as a miraculous sign from God. This verse specifically highlights the role of the priests and their actions during this significant event.
The Ark of the Covenant: The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest representing God’s presence among the Israelites. It contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s rod. In this verse, the priests who carried the Ark stood in the middle of the Jordan River until everything was completed as God had commanded.
Obedience and Trust: The priests’ obedience to God’s commands is emphasized in this verse. They stood firmly in the midst of the river, fulfilling their role in the crossing of the Jordan, until everything was accomplished according to God’s instructions. This shows their trust in God’s faithfulness and the importance of obeying His commands.
Continuity from Moses to Joshua: The verse also highlights the connection between Moses and Joshua. It mentions that Joshua spoke to the people “according to all that Moses commanded Joshua.” This emphasizes the continuity of God’s instructions and the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua. It underscores the importance of Joshua’s role as the new leader appointed by God and his commitment to faithfully carry out Moses’ instructions.
Significance of the Jordan Crossing: The crossing of the Jordan River held great significance for the Israelites. It symbolized their transition from wandering in the wilderness to possessing the Promised Land. It mirrored the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea during the time of Moses, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and His power to deliver His people.
Application: This passage encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and obey His commands. Just as the priests stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was accomplished, we should remain obedient to God’s instructions even when faced with challenges or uncertainties. It reminds us that God’s promises are reliable and that He will provide a way for us to overcome obstacles and enter into His blessings.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and explore the entire chapter of Joshua 4 to gain a deeper understanding of the passage and its context.
