Joshua 3:8
Joshua 3:8 in Multiple Translations
Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the waters, stand in the Jordan.’”
And 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.
And 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.
And you are to give orders to the priests who take up the ark of the agreement, and say, When you come to the edge of the waters of Jordan, go no further.
Tell the priests carrying the Ark of the Agreement, ‘When you get to the edge of the Jordan, take a few steps into the water and then stop.’”
Thou shalt therefore command the Priests that beare the Arke of the Couenant, saying, When ye are come to the brinke of the waters of Iorden, ye shall stande still in Iorden.
and thou, thou dost command the priests bearing the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye come unto the extremity of the waters of the Jordan — in the Jordan ye stand.'
You 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.’”
And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye have come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.
And do thou command the priests that carry the ark of the covenant, and say to them: When you shall have entered into part of the water of the Jordan, stand in it.
Tell the priests who are carrying the chest that contains the Ten Commandments, ‘When you come to the edge of the Jordan River, stand in the water.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 3:8
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Joshua 3:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 3:8
Study Notes — Joshua 3:8
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 3:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 3:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 3:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 3:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 3:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 3:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 3:8
- Sermons on Joshua 3:8
Context — Crossing the Jordan
8Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the waters, stand in the Jordan.’”
9So Joshua told the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.” 10He continued, “This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will surely drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 3:3 | and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it. |
| 2 | Joshua 3:17 | The 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. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 29:15 | When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to cleanse the house of the LORD, according to the command of the king by the words of the LORD. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 31:9–10 | Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and Levites about the heaps, and Azariah, the chief priest of the household of Zadok, answered him, “Since the people began to bring their contributions into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and there is plenty left over, because the LORD has blessed His people; this great abundance is what is left over.” |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 17:8–9 | accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram. They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people. |
| 6 | Lamentations 3:26 | It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. |
| 7 | Exodus 14:13 | But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 29:30 | Then King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to sing praises to the LORD in the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 13:22 | Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 12:24–28 | The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe. At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres. The singers were also assembled from the region around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netophathites, |
Joshua 3:8 Summary
[Joshua 3:8 is a powerful reminder that God is always with us, even when we face uncertain or challenging situations. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant were instructed to stand in the Jordan River, demonstrating their trust in God's power and presence. This verse teaches us to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, just as the Israelites did, and to obey His instructions, even when they seem impossible (Psalm 37:3-7, Hebrews 11:6). By doing so, we can experience God's presence and power in our lives, just as Joshua and the Israelites did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the priests carrying the ark of the covenant in Joshua 3:8?
The ark of the covenant represented God's presence among the Israelites, and the priests carrying it symbolized their role as mediators between God and the people, as seen in Exodus 25:22 and Numbers 7:89.
Why were the priests instructed to stand in the Jordan River?
The priests were instructed to stand in the Jordan River as a demonstration of faith and obedience, trusting that God would part the waters, just as He had done at the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, as it marks the beginning of their entry into the Promised Land, which was promised to them in Genesis 12:7 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 1:8.
What can we learn from Joshua's leadership in this verse?
Joshua's leadership in this verse demonstrates his trust in God's instructions and his willingness to obey, even when the task seems impossible, which is a key principle of Christian leadership, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 28:18-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'waters' in my life that I need to trust God to part, and how can I demonstrate my faith and obedience like the priests in Joshua 3:8?
- How does the concept of 'standing in the Jordan' relate to my own experiences of waiting on God or feeling uncertain about the future?
- In what ways can I, like Joshua, trust in God's presence and power to guide me through challenging situations, and how can I lead others to do the same?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to 'exalt' me, as He did with Joshua, and how can I prepare myself for those moments of leadership and responsibility?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 3:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 3:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 3:8
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 3:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 3:8
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 3:8
Sermons on Joshua 3:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Waiting and Over-Waiting by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of waiting for God and the balance between waiting for His timing and taking action in faith. He emphasizes that God often waits for |
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Stand Still and Wait by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of standing still and waiting for God's direction, as illustrated in Isaiah 30:21. He explains that God's voice often comes through Script |
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Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging his role as a messenger of God and emphasizes the importance of radical choosing and repentance. He highlights the two categorie |
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Audio Sermon: Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of radical commitment and separation from worldly influences to enter into a new level of relationship with God. It calls for a shift from ins |
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(Through the Bible) Joshua 1-8 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the excitement and importance of walking after the Spirit. He references the story of Joshua encountering a man with a drawn sword near Jeric |
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Joshua Crossing Jordan by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the anticipation and excitement of the children of Israel as they finally reach the Promised Land after years of wandering in the desert. Josh |
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Man's Petty Kingdom - Art Katz by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking the revelation of God through Jesus Christ rather than relying on human traditions, wisdom, and programs. He shares |






