Joshua 3:17
Verse
Context
Crossing the Jordan
16the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.17The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.
Sermons
Les Wheeldon
Alden Gannett
Don Courville
Art Katz
Isaac Watts
James BourneSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The priests - stood firm on dry ground - They stood in the mid channel, and shifted not their position till the camp, consisting of nearly 600,000 effective men, besides women, children, etc., had passed over. 1. Is it not surprising that the Canaanites did not dispute this passage with the Israelites? It is likely they would, had they had any expectation that such a passage would have been attempted. They must have known that the Israelitish camp was on the other side of the Jordan, but could they have supposed that a passage for such a host was possible when the banks of the Jordan were quite overflowed? It was not merely because they were panic struck that they did not dispute this passage, but because they must have supposed it impossible; and when they found the attempt was made, the passage was effected before they could prepare to prevent it. 2. God now appears in such a way, and works in such a manner, as to leave no doubt concerning his presence or his power, or of his love to Israel. After this, was it possible for this people ever to doubt his being or his bounty? This, with the miraculous passage of the Red Sea, were well calculated to have established their faith for ever; and those who did not yield to the evidence afforded by these two miracles were incapable of rational conviction. 3. In some respects the passage of the Jordan was more strikingly miraculous than that even of the Red Sea. In the latter God was pleased to employ an agent; the sea went back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, Exo 14:21. Nothing of this kind appeared in the passage of the Jordan; a very rapid river (for so all travelers allow it to be) went back to its source without any kind of agency but the invisible hand of the invisible God. 4. Through the whole period of the Jewish history these miracles, so circumstantially related, were never denied by any, but on the contrary conscientiously believed by all. Nor did any of them in their revolts from God, which were both foul and frequent, ever call these great facts in question, when even so full of enmity against God as to blaspheme his name, and give his glory to dumb idols! Is not this a manifest proof that these facts were incontestable? and that Jehovah had so done his marvellous works that they should be had in everlasting remembrance? Reader, the same God who is over all is rich in mercy to all that call upon him. He changes not, neither is he weary: trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength; and He ever saves his followers out of the hands of all their enemies, and, having guided them by his counsel, will receive them into his glory.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
But the priests stood with the ark of the covenant "in the midst of Jordan," i.e., in the bed of the river, not merely by the river, "upon dry ground, הכן," lit., firmando, i.e., with a firm foot, whilst all Israel went over upon dry ground, "till all the people were passed over." This could easily have been accomplished in half a day, if the people formed a procession of a mile or upwards in breadth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the priests . . . and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground--the river about Jericho has a firm pebbly bottom, on which the host might pass, without inconvenience when the water was cleared off. Next: Joshua Chapter 4
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the priests that bare the ark of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan,.... Which for its breadth Mr. Maundrell, the above mentioned traveller, says (c) might be about twenty yards over, and its depth exceeded his height; but Dr. Shaw (d), a later traveller still, says,"the river Jordan is by far the most considerable river, excepting the Nile, either of the coast of Syria, or of Barbary. I computed it to be about thirty yards broad, but the depth I could not measure, except at the brink, where I found it to be three yards.''Now in the midst of this river the priests bearing the ark stood firm on dry ground, the waters above being stopped and those below cut off. This perhaps might give rise to the fables among the Heathens of the river Scamander being swelled for the destruction of Achilles, and dried up by Vulcan, of which Homer (e) makes mention; and of the river Inachus, dried up by Neptune, as the Grecians fable; however, if Heathens can credit these accounts, surely we Christians ought to believe this, attested by divine revelation. And this may denote the presence of Christ with his people in afflictions, who will not suffer those waters to overflow them, and in death itself, when the swellings of Jordan shall not come near them to distress them; and when the covenant of grace will appear firm and sure, and be their great support; and when also the feet of the ministers of Christ stand firm, and their faith fails not; which is of great use, and very encouraging to the spiritual Israel of God: and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground; the waters being divided to a space large enough for such a body of people to pass over, and which continued until all the people were clean passed over Jordan; perfectly and completely, not one being left behind, or lost in the passage through it; in the midst of which the priests stood until all were passed over. So the spiritual Israel of God must all go over Jordan's river, or must all go through the valley of the shadow of death; and they will all go over safe to Canaan's land, to the heavenly glory; their souls go immediately to heaven at death, and their bodies will be raised at the last day, and be reunited to them, and partake of happiness with them; nor will anyone of them be lost; they all clean pass over, and arrive safe; for they are the chosen of God, the care and charge of Christ, the purchase of his blood, partake of his grace, and have the earnest of his Spirit. (c) Maundrell, Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem, p. 83. (d) Travels, p. 346. (e) Iliad. 21. Next: Joshua Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:17 The repetition of the phrase on dry ground emphasizes that God performed a miracle.
Joshua 3:17
Crossing the Jordan
16the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.17The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Clothed With Power From on High
By Les Wheeldon3.5K54:16Baptism Of Holy SpiritJOS 3:17LUK 24:45ACT 20:281CO 10:13HEB 10:32JAS 1:121PE 4:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the disciples' experience after Jesus' resurrection. He emphasizes that the disciples were still struggling to understand and were not yet filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the disciples' doubts and discouragements, including their desire for Jesus to restore the kingdom of Israel and their fear of persecution. However, the speaker encourages the audience to persevere and walk with Jesus through tough times. The sermon concludes with a reference to Luke 24:49, where Jesus promises to send the power of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples.
Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land
By Alden Gannett2.1K43:14JoshuaJOS 1:2JOS 1:7JOS 2:1JOS 3:17EPH 1:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests displayed when they stepped into the Jordan River, which resulted in God's intervention. The speaker also mentions the significance of worship and being gathered around the word of God as essential elements for moving forward in conquest. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the need to keep our eyes on the Lord during times of trial and testing, rather than focusing on the problem at hand.
The Ark of the Covenant: Crossing Jordan Part Ii
By Roy Hession1.8K51:18Ark Of The CovenantEXO 32:10JOS 3:1JOS 3:11JOS 3:17ISA 59:16MAT 6:33HEB 9:28In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites as they finally reach the promised land after 40 years of discipline. However, they face a great obstacle in the form of the overflowing Jordan River and the armed inhabitants of the land. The speaker draws a parallel between the Israelites' struggle and our own spiritual journey. He shares his personal experience of realizing that he was too focused on himself and wanting to be in the forefront, but through studying Galatians 2:20, he understood that he needed to let Christ be his life. The speaker emphasizes that we are not meant to improve our old selves, but rather to recognize that we have been ended at the cross and to surrender to God's intentions for us.
In His Presence
By Don Courville1.1K46:13Presence of GodJOS 3:6JOS 3:13JOS 3:15JOS 3:17JOS 4:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events of Joshua chapters 3 and 4, where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. He compares this crossing to their previous crossing of the Red Sea, emphasizing the importance of not looking at the obstacles but keeping their focus on God. The preacher also highlights the significance of Christ's death on the cross, which fixed the mess caused by Adam's sin. The sermon concludes with the idea that by keeping their focus on God, the Israelites experienced victory over their enemies, symbolizing the victory believers can have in their lives.
The Last Days
By Art Katz5321:13:17Last DaysJOS 3:17JHN 14:6JHN 16:13ROM 6:4ROM 8:92CO 6:141TI 3:15In this sermon, the speaker, a Vietnam veteran and head of the French work of Youth with a Mission, opens the doors for the speaker to speak for five days on apostolic foundations. When faced with angry responses, the speaker questions the audience's actions and urges them to put their doubts aside. The speaker emphasizes the need for the power of the risen and ascended life to overcome opposing forces, which can only be found in the place of death, symbolized by going down into the Jordan River. The Israelites in Joshua chapter 4 are cited as an example of making a decisive break with the religious wilderness and entering the land of promise.
There Is a Land of Pure Delight
By Isaac Watts0DEU 31:6JOS 3:172CO 5:7HEB 11:16REV 21:4Isaac Watts, in his sermon, paints a vivid picture of the promised land where saints reign immortal, free from pain and surrounded by everlasting beauty. He contrasts this heavenly realm with our earthly existence, separated by a narrow sea of death, akin to the Israelites' view of Canaan across the Jordan River. Watts challenges believers to overcome their doubts and fears, urging them to have faith like Moses to see the promised land clearly and not be deterred by death's cold waters.
Letter 33
By James Bourne0JOS 3:17PSA 90:12JER 17:9HEB 13:141JN 1:9James Bourne reflects on his recent affliction, finding sobriety and steadfastness in the midst of troubles, with a constant awareness of his mortality and the temporary nature of earthly things. Drawing inspiration from Joshua's account of passing through Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant, he envisions his own dying hour and the assurance of Christ leading him through. Bourne encourages his wife to diligently seek God in every opportunity, emphasizing the need for genuine confession, humility, and surrender, rather than justifying or excusing shortcomings.
Beulah Land
By Thomas Cook0JOS 3:17PSA 16:11JHN 14:23EPH 1:3PHP 3:20COL 3:1HEB 3:18HEB 4:9HEB 4:11Thomas Cook preaches about the Christian experience on earth resembling heaven, where believers can live in a state of 'heavenlies' in Christ Jesus, surrounded by a higher, purer world while still on earth. He emphasizes the concept of 'Beulah Land' as a serene inheritance for all pilgrims, a promised land where believers can experience a taste of heavenly glory and joy in communion with Christ. Cook highlights the importance of entering into God's perfect rest, akin to the rest found in Canaan, which is a present state of spiritual peace and delight in Jesus, the ultimate source of rest and fulfillment.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The priests - stood firm on dry ground - They stood in the mid channel, and shifted not their position till the camp, consisting of nearly 600,000 effective men, besides women, children, etc., had passed over. 1. Is it not surprising that the Canaanites did not dispute this passage with the Israelites? It is likely they would, had they had any expectation that such a passage would have been attempted. They must have known that the Israelitish camp was on the other side of the Jordan, but could they have supposed that a passage for such a host was possible when the banks of the Jordan were quite overflowed? It was not merely because they were panic struck that they did not dispute this passage, but because they must have supposed it impossible; and when they found the attempt was made, the passage was effected before they could prepare to prevent it. 2. God now appears in such a way, and works in such a manner, as to leave no doubt concerning his presence or his power, or of his love to Israel. After this, was it possible for this people ever to doubt his being or his bounty? This, with the miraculous passage of the Red Sea, were well calculated to have established their faith for ever; and those who did not yield to the evidence afforded by these two miracles were incapable of rational conviction. 3. In some respects the passage of the Jordan was more strikingly miraculous than that even of the Red Sea. In the latter God was pleased to employ an agent; the sea went back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, Exo 14:21. Nothing of this kind appeared in the passage of the Jordan; a very rapid river (for so all travelers allow it to be) went back to its source without any kind of agency but the invisible hand of the invisible God. 4. Through the whole period of the Jewish history these miracles, so circumstantially related, were never denied by any, but on the contrary conscientiously believed by all. Nor did any of them in their revolts from God, which were both foul and frequent, ever call these great facts in question, when even so full of enmity against God as to blaspheme his name, and give his glory to dumb idols! Is not this a manifest proof that these facts were incontestable? and that Jehovah had so done his marvellous works that they should be had in everlasting remembrance? Reader, the same God who is over all is rich in mercy to all that call upon him. He changes not, neither is he weary: trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength; and He ever saves his followers out of the hands of all their enemies, and, having guided them by his counsel, will receive them into his glory.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
But the priests stood with the ark of the covenant "in the midst of Jordan," i.e., in the bed of the river, not merely by the river, "upon dry ground, הכן," lit., firmando, i.e., with a firm foot, whilst all Israel went over upon dry ground, "till all the people were passed over." This could easily have been accomplished in half a day, if the people formed a procession of a mile or upwards in breadth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the priests . . . and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground--the river about Jericho has a firm pebbly bottom, on which the host might pass, without inconvenience when the water was cleared off. Next: Joshua Chapter 4
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the priests that bare the ark of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan,.... Which for its breadth Mr. Maundrell, the above mentioned traveller, says (c) might be about twenty yards over, and its depth exceeded his height; but Dr. Shaw (d), a later traveller still, says,"the river Jordan is by far the most considerable river, excepting the Nile, either of the coast of Syria, or of Barbary. I computed it to be about thirty yards broad, but the depth I could not measure, except at the brink, where I found it to be three yards.''Now in the midst of this river the priests bearing the ark stood firm on dry ground, the waters above being stopped and those below cut off. This perhaps might give rise to the fables among the Heathens of the river Scamander being swelled for the destruction of Achilles, and dried up by Vulcan, of which Homer (e) makes mention; and of the river Inachus, dried up by Neptune, as the Grecians fable; however, if Heathens can credit these accounts, surely we Christians ought to believe this, attested by divine revelation. And this may denote the presence of Christ with his people in afflictions, who will not suffer those waters to overflow them, and in death itself, when the swellings of Jordan shall not come near them to distress them; and when the covenant of grace will appear firm and sure, and be their great support; and when also the feet of the ministers of Christ stand firm, and their faith fails not; which is of great use, and very encouraging to the spiritual Israel of God: and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground; the waters being divided to a space large enough for such a body of people to pass over, and which continued until all the people were clean passed over Jordan; perfectly and completely, not one being left behind, or lost in the passage through it; in the midst of which the priests stood until all were passed over. So the spiritual Israel of God must all go over Jordan's river, or must all go through the valley of the shadow of death; and they will all go over safe to Canaan's land, to the heavenly glory; their souls go immediately to heaven at death, and their bodies will be raised at the last day, and be reunited to them, and partake of happiness with them; nor will anyone of them be lost; they all clean pass over, and arrive safe; for they are the chosen of God, the care and charge of Christ, the purchase of his blood, partake of his grace, and have the earnest of his Spirit. (c) Maundrell, Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem, p. 83. (d) Travels, p. 346. (e) Iliad. 21. Next: Joshua Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:17 The repetition of the phrase on dry ground emphasizes that God performed a miracle.