But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark. Do not go near it, so that you can see the way to go, since you have never traveled this way before." But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark.About two thousand cubits, roughly 3,000 feet or 900 meters, separated the people from the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark bore the testimony of God’s covenant and represented His dwelling presence among Israel. Its holiness required reverence, while its elevated position before the nation enabled all Israel to see where God was leading them. The priests and Levites alone were appointed to carry it. Exo 19:12-13 And you are to set up a boundary for the people…
Num 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering…
2Sa 6:6-7 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon,…
Do not go near it, Israel was not to treat the Ark as a common object or approach God casually. The deaths of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire and of Uzzah for touching the Ark showed the seriousness of God’s holiness. The required distance reminded the people of their sinfulness and of the need to approach the Lord according to His command. Num 4:19-20 In order that they may live and not die when they come…
Num 18:3 And they shall attend to all the duties of the Tent;…
Exo 19:21-24 and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people…
so that you can see the way to go, The Ark went before Israel as the visible sign of God’s leadership, just as the pillar of cloud and fire had guided the nation through the wilderness. God did not merely send Israel into Canaan; He went before them. The Ark’s leading role at the Jordan prepared the people to trust the Lord before they saw how He would make a way through the flooded river. Exo 13:21-22 And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud…
Psa 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;…
Isa 30:21 And whether you turn to the right or to the left,…
since you have never traveled this way before.” Israel stood at the threshold of the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, facing a route and a future unknown to them. The Lord knew the way into the land and the battles that awaited them. His people were called to follow rather than to rely on their own experience or strength. Christ likewise leads His people in the way of life, for He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Deu 1:30-33 The LORD your God, who goes before you, will fight for you,…
Deu 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you.…
Deu 8:2-4 Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you…
Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. 2. The IsraelitesThe people of God, who are preparing to cross the Jordan River into Canaan. 3. The Ark of the CovenantA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence among His people. 4. The Jordan RiverThe body of water the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land. 5. CanaanThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Teaching Points Reverence for God's PresenceThe instruction to keep a distance from the Ark underscores the holiness of God and the need for reverence in His presence. Guidance in Unfamiliar PathsJust as the Israelites had never traveled this way before, believers today can trust God to guide them through unknown and challenging circumstances. Faith and ObedienceThe Israelites' obedience to God's command to follow the Ark demonstrates the importance of faith and trust in God's leading. God's FaithfulnessThe crossing of the Jordan is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His promises today. Preparation for New BeginningsThe Israelites' preparation to enter the Promised Land serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual readiness for new phases in life. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the instruction to keep a distance from the Ark of the Covenant teach us about the nature of God and our relationship with Him? 2. How can we apply the principle of following God's guidance in our own lives, especially when facing unfamiliar situations? 3. In what ways does the account of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River encourage us to trust in God's promises? 4. How does the concept of reverence for God's presence influence our worship and daily walk with Him? 5. What are some "new beginnings" in your life where you need to prepare spiritually, and how can you seek God's guidance in these areas? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 25:22The Ark of the Covenant is described as the place where God would meet with Moses, highlighting its significance as a symbol of God's presence. Numbers 10:33-34The Ark leads the Israelites, showing its role as a guide and protector. Hebrews 11:29The faith of the Israelites in crossing the Red Sea is paralleled with their faith in crossing the Jordan. Psalm 23:3God leads His people in paths of righteousness, similar to how He guides the Israelites through uncharted territory. Isaiah 43:19God makes a way in the wilderness, reflecting His guidance and provision for His people. | Being Made Great | W. Clarkson, B. A. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Consecration | S. F. Smiley. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Critical Times and Places in Life | Sermons by the Monday Club | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Crossing the Border | H. Christopherson. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Difficulty | W. M. Taylor, D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Divine Guidance not to be Obscured | W. G. Blaikie, D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Divine Honours | A. McAuslane. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | God Reveals His Purposes by Degrees | A. Maclaren ,D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | God's Regard for His Servants | W. G. Blaikie, D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Never This Way Before | C. S. Robinson, D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | New Experiences | Bp. Phillips Brooks. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Prepare for Seasons of Grace | E. B. Pusey, D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Religious Help in New Circumstances | J. Parker, D.D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Sanctify Yourselves | Wm. Galbraith. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Sanctify Yourselves | G. R. Leavitt. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Solemn Preparation for Duty | H. G. Salter. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Success in Divine Work | Homilist | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Ark of Covenant | W. Crosbie, M. A. , LL. B. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Good Superseded by the Better | H. Arnold Thomas, M. A. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Influence of the Ark | | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The New Year and the New Way | W. H. Davison. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Unknown Year and the Untrodden Way | A. Raleigh, D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Untravelled and Irretraceable Way | T. S. Scott. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Untrodden and Unknown Way | G. Macaulay. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Untrodden and Unknown Way | G. Macaulay. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Untrodden Path | W. M. Taylor, D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Untrodden Path and the Guiding Ark | A. Maclaren. D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Untrodden Way | S. D. Hillman. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Wise Conduct of Human Life | Sermons by the Monday Club | Joshua 3:2-8 | | The Wonders in Store for God's People | Pulpit Studies | Joshua 3:2-8 | | To-Morrow: Spiritual Foresight | J. Parker, D. D. | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Untrodden Ways | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Joshua 3:2-8 | | Ye have not Passed This Way Heretofore | G. Wagner. | Joshua 3:2-8 |
People Adam, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Joshua, Levites, PerizzitesPlaces Adam, Jericho, Jordan River, Salt Sea, Sea of the Arabah, Shittim, ZarethanTopics Ark, Cubits, Distance, Heretofore, However, Measure, Nearer, Passed, Space, Thousand, Yards, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 3:1-17 4819 dryness Joshua 3:3-4 7306 ark of the covenant Library 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
'And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 6. And 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. 7. And 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. 8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Meeting Hereafter.
Funeral Service. Joshua iii. 17. "And the priests that bare the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan." INTRODUCTION.--That must have been a striking sight! The whole of God's people passing over Jordan. On one side, on that of the Wilderness, a crowd pressing down, and going into the deep river bed, on the other, those who had traversed, rising out of …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord
'Only be then strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded thee... that thou mayest prosper wheresoever thou goest. 8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.'--JOSHUA i. 7,8. This is the central portion of the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Stones Crying Out
'For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing 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. 11. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
Let us begin from the last encampings of Israel beyond Jordan. Numbers 33:49: "They encamped near Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth unto Abel-shittim."--"From Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim were twelve miles." It is a most received opinion among the Jews, that the tents of the Israelites in the wilderness contained a square of twelve miles. So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "The encamping of Israel was twelve miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is forbidden …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 3:4 NIVJoshua 3:4 NLTJoshua 3:4 ESVJoshua 3:4 NASBJoshua 3:4 KJV
Joshua 3:4 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
