Joshua — Chapter 3

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1And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

2And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;

3And 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.

4Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.

5And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

6And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.

7And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

8And 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.

9And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.

10And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, 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.

11Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.

12Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.

13And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

14And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;

15And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)

16That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

17And 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.

1And Joshua rose up early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel; and they lodged there before they passed over.

2And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the midst of the camp;

3and they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

4Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore.

5And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow Jehovah will do wonders among you.

6And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.

7And Jehovah said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

8And 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.

9And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of Jehovah your God.

10And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Hivite, and the Perizzite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Jebusite.

11Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into the Jordan.

12Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, for every tribe a man.

13And it shall come to pass, when the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of Jehovah, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, even the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand in one heap.

14And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over the Jordan, the priests that bare the ark of the covenant being before the people;

15and when they that bare the ark were come unto the Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (for the Jordan overfloweth all its banks all the time of harvest,)

16that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

17And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation were passed clean over the Jordan.

1Bright and early the next morning Joshua and the Israelites left Shittim and came to the Jordan. They camped there before crossing the river.

2After three days the leaders went through the camp

3and 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.

4But stay about 3,000 feet behind it. Keep your distance so you can see which way you should go, for you have not traveled this way before.”

5Joshua told the people, “Ritually consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will perform miraculous deeds among you.”

6Joshua 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.

7The 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.

8Instruct the priests carrying the ark of the covenant, ‘When you reach the bank of the Jordan River, wade into the water.’”

9Joshua told the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God!”

10Joshua 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.

11Look! The ark of the covenant of the Lord of the whole earth is ready to enter the Jordan ahead of you.

12Now select for yourselves 12 men from the tribes of Israel, one per tribe.

13When the feet of the priests carrying the ark of the Lord, the Lord of the whole earth, touch the water of the Jordan, the water coming downstream toward you will stop flowing and pile up.”

14So when the people left their tents to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.

15When the ones carrying the ark reached the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark touched the surface of the water—(the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest time)—

16the water coming downstream toward them stopped flowing. It piled up far upstream at Adam (the city near Zarethan); there was no water at all flowing to the sea of the rift valley (the Salt Sea). The people crossed the river opposite Jericho.

17The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan. All Israel crossed over on dry ground until the entire nation was on the other side.

1Joshua got up early in the morning; and they moved from Shittim, and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel. They camped there before they crossed over.

2After three days, the officers went through the middle of the camp;

3and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of Yahweh your God’s covenant, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then leave your place, and follow it.

4Yet there shall be a space between you and it of about two thousand cubits by measure—don’t come closer to it—that you may know the way by which you must go; for you have not passed this way before.”

5Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow Yahweh will do wonders among you.”

6Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and cross over before the people.” They took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.

7Yahweh said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

8You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’”

9Joshua said to the children of Israel, “Come here, and hear the words of Yahweh your God.”

10Joshua said, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Hivite, and the Perizzite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Jebusite out from before you.

11Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passes over before you into the Jordan.

12Now therefore take twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, for every tribe a man.

13It shall be that when the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of Yahweh, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan will be cut off. The waters that come down from above shall stand in one heap.”

14When the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant being before the people,

15and when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark had dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the time of harvest),

16the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over near Jericho.

17The priests who bore the ark of Yahweh’s covenant stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.

Summary
Authorship & Background
Map & Geography
Commentary
Videos
Reflection

Summary

Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground as the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the flooded waters. God miraculously parts the river, confirming Joshua's leadership before all Israel.

Authorship & Background

Author: Joshua, with possible later editorial additions. Joshua was Moses' assistant and successor, who led Israel into the Promised Land. The book covers approximately 25 years (1406-1381 BC) — from the crossing of the Jordan to Joshua's death. Hebrew title: 'Yehoshua' — 'YHWH saves' (the same name as Jesus in Greek). The book demonstrates God's faithfulness to His land promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21) and shows that victory comes through faith and obedience, not human strength.
Historical Context: Chapter 3 records one of the greatest miracles in Israel's history — the crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground. This event deliberately parallels the Red Sea crossing under Moses (Exodus 14), confirming Joshua as Moses' legitimate successor and demonstrating that the same God who delivered Israel from Egypt will bring them into Canaan. The timing is significant: the Jordan was at flood stage during the spring harvest (v.15), making natural crossing impossible. God chose the hardest moment to display His power. The ark of the covenant leads the way — symbolizing God's presence going before His people into unknown territory. The priests must step INTO the water before it parts — faith precedes the miracle. This crossing marks the end of the wilderness era and the beginning of the conquest. Israel moves from wandering to warfare, from promise to possession.
Preparation for Crossing (vv.1-6): Joshua rises early and moves the camp from Shittim to the Jordan's edge (v.1). After three days, the officers instruct the people: follow the ark at a distance of 2,000 cubits (about 3,000 feet), "for ye have not passed this way heretofore" (v.4). The distance ensures everyone can see the ark leading. Joshua commands: "Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you" (v.5). The priests take up the ark and go before the people (v.6). Consecration precedes miracle — holiness before power.
God's Promise to Joshua (vv.7-8): "This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee" (v.7). The Jordan crossing will do for Joshua what the Red Sea did for Moses — establish his divine authority. The priests are to stand still in the Jordan when they reach the water's edge (v.8).
Joshua's Declaration (vv.9-13): Joshua calls the people to hear God's word (v.9). The proof that "the living God is among you": He will drive out seven nations (v.10). The ark — called "the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth" (v.11) — goes before them. Twelve men are selected (one per tribe) for the memorial stones (v.12, fulfilled in chapter 4). The promise: when the priests' feet touch the Jordan, the waters will be "cut off" and "stand upon an heap" (v.13).
The Miracle (vv.14-17): The people leave their tents; the priests carry the ark to the Jordan (v.14). The moment the priests' feet touch the water's edge — "for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest" (v.15) — the waters stop. They stand "upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan" (v.16). The waters downstream toward the Dead Sea are completely cut off. The people cross "right against Jericho" (v.16). The priests stand firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan "until all the people were passed clean over" (v.17).

Map & Geography

  • Shittim to the Jordan: Israel moves from camp to the river's edge (about 7 miles west)
  • Jordan River: At flood stage during spring harvest — normally fordable but now overflowing its banks
  • Adam (Zarethan): City about 15 miles upstream where waters were cut off, allowing a wide dry crossing

Commentary

  • Enduring Word (David Guzik): enduringword.com Guzik emphasizes the faith required of the priests: they had to step INTO the flooded river before it parted. The miracle did not precede faith — faith preceded the miracle. He also notes the parallel with Christian baptism: passing through water into new life, leaving the old behind. The ark (God's presence) goes first into the danger.
  • Charles Spurgeon: "The priests' feet must touch the water before it divides. God will not part your Jordan while you stand on the bank deliberating. Step in! Put your foot in the flood! And then — only then — will the waters flee before you. Faith is not believing God will act before you move; faith is moving because God has spoken, trusting He will act as you obey."

Videos

The Bible Project — Joshua Overview

Reflection

  • 1. Consecration precedes miracle (v.5). God says "sanctify yourselves" BEFORE "the LORD will do wonders." We cannot expect God's power while living in unholiness. Preparation of heart is the prerequisite for experiencing God's mighty acts.
  • 2. The priests must step in first (v.15). The water did not part while they stood on the bank — it parted when their feet touched the flood. Faith requires action before evidence. God often waits for our obedient step before He reveals His power. Step into your Jordan.
  • 3. God chooses the hardest moment (v.15). Flood season — the worst possible time to cross. God did not wait for low water. He chose the impossible moment to make His glory undeniable. When your circumstances are at their worst, God's miracle will be at its greatest.
  • 4. The ark goes first (vv.3,6,11). God's presence leads into the unknown. "Ye have not passed this way heretofore" (v.4) — but God has. He goes before us into every new territory. We follow; He leads.
  • 5. God validates His servants (v.7). As the Red Sea confirmed Moses, the Jordan confirms Joshua. God will vindicate those He has called. You do not need to promote yourself — God will magnify you in His time and His way.
  • 6. The priests hold position (v.17). They stand in the middle of the riverbed until every person has crossed. Spiritual leaders bear the weight of responsibility — they cannot leave their post until everyone is safe. Leadership means standing firm while others pass through.