“And Joshua commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.”
In order to better understand this verse, let’s provide some context. The book of Joshua is situated in the Old Testament and chronicles the Israelites’ journey into the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua after the death of Moses. In this particular chapter, the Israelites are crossing the Jordan River, which was miraculously parted by God.
Joshua 4:17 occurs after the Israelites have successfully crossed the Jordan on dry ground. At this point, Joshua issues a command to the priests who had been carrying the Ark of the Covenant. He instructs them, “Come ye up out of Jordan.” This command signifies the completion of their role in facilitating the miraculous crossing.
This verse carries several significant themes and lessons that we can glean from it:
Obedience to God’s commands: Joshua’s directive to the priests demonstrates the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. Throughout the book of Joshua, we see Joshua faithfully carrying out God’s commands, and here he expects the priests to do the same. Obedience to God’s Word is vital for success in our spiritual journey.
Trusting in God’s provision: The crossing of the Jordan River was a remarkable event, highlighting God’s power and provision. By following Joshua’s command to come up out of the Jordan, the priests exhibited their trust in God’s faithfulness. Similarly, in our lives, we are called to trust in God’s provision and guidance, even when faced with daunting challenges.
Recognition of God’s presence: The Ark of the Covenant, carried by the priests, symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites. As the priests emerged from the Jordan River, it signified that God’s presence was now with them on the other side. It serves as a reminder that wherever we go, God is with us, and we can rely on His presence and guidance.
Completion of a significant event: Joshua’s command marks the completion of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. It is a moment of fulfillment and celebration as the Israelites move forward into the Promised Land. In our lives, we can find encouragement in recognizing and celebrating the completion of significant milestones and achievements in our spiritual journey.
Overall, Joshua 4:17 captures a pivotal moment in the Israelites’ journey and imparts valuable lessons on obedience, trust, God’s presence, and recognizing significant milestones. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and encourages us to faithfully follow His commands and trust in His provision as we navigate our own journeys of faith.
