The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORDThe Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolized God's presence and covenant with Israel. The priests, from the tribe of Levi, were responsible for carrying the Ark, emphasizing the holiness and reverence required in handling it. This act signifies God's leadership and guidance as Israel enters the Promised Land, reminiscent of the Ark's role in leading the Israelites through the wilderness.
stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan
The Jordan River was a significant geographical barrier, and its crossing marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The priests standing firm symbolizes stability and faith in God's promise. The miraculous drying of the river parallels the parting of the Red Sea, reinforcing God's power and faithfulness. This event also prefigures baptism, representing a transition from the old life to a new life in God's promise.
while all Israel crossed over the dry ground
The entire nation crossing safely signifies unity and collective faith in God's provision. It highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land. This crossing is a type of salvation, where the people are delivered from the wilderness into the land of promise, akin to believers' journey from sin to salvation through Christ.
until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan
The complete crossing of the nation underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant people. It also signifies the beginning of a new chapter in Israel's history, as they prepare to conquer and settle in Canaan. This moment foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, who leads believers into the eternal Promised Land.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The PriestsThese were the Levitical priests responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant. Their role was crucial as they led the people by faith into the Jordan River, symbolizing spiritual leadership and obedience to God's commands.
2.
The Ark of the CovenantThis sacred chest represented God's presence among His people. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's covenant, authority, and provision.
3.
The Jordan RiverA significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites. Crossing it marked the transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land, symbolizing a step of faith and obedience.
4.
The IsraelitesThe nation of Israel, God's chosen people, who were transitioning from a nomadic life in the wilderness to settling in the Promised Land. Their crossing signifies a collective act of faith and trust in God's promises.
5.
The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. It represents God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
Teaching Points
Faith in ActionThe priests stepping into the Jordan River before it parted is a powerful example of faith in action. We are called to step out in faith, trusting God's promises even when the path isn't clear.
God's Presence LeadsThe Ark of the Covenant going before the Israelites signifies the importance of God's presence leading our lives. We should seek His guidance in all our endeavors.
Collective ObedienceThe entire nation crossing together highlights the strength and unity found in collective obedience to God. As a community of believers, we are called to support and encourage one another in our faith journeys.
Miraculous ProvisionJust as God provided dry ground for the Israelites, He provides for us in miraculous ways. We should remain attentive to His provision and give thanks for His faithfulness.
Transition and TransformationCrossing the Jordan was a transition from the old to the new. In our spiritual lives, we are continually called to leave behind old ways and embrace the new life in Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Joshua 3:17?
2.How does Joshua 3:17 demonstrate God's power and faithfulness to His promises?
3.What role did the priests play in the miracle at the Jordan River?
4.How can we trust God to "stand firm" in our life's challenges?
5.Connect Joshua 3:17 with the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus.
6.How can we apply the Israelites' obedience in Joshua 3:17 to our lives?
7.How did the Israelites cross the Jordan River on dry ground in Joshua 3:17?
8.What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Joshua 3:17?
9.Does Joshua 3:17 provide evidence of divine intervention in history?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 3?
11.Why is there no clear extra-biblical record or archaeological evidence for this mass crossing in Joshua 3?
12.How does the crossing in Joshua 3 compare with contradictory or differing accounts of water-parting miracles elsewhere in the Bible?
13.Why did John baptize people in the Jordan River?
14.How are Joshua and Jesus similar?What Does Joshua 3:17 Mean
The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD- The verse opens by spotlighting the priests and the ark, reminding us that God Himself is leading the way. The ark represented His throne on earth (Exodus 25:22;1 Samuel 4:4), so wherever it went, His presence went.
- God had already told Israel, “When you see the ark … you are to move out from your positions and follow it” (Joshua 3:3–4). Obedience to that directive is unfolding here.
- Only the priestly tribe of Levi was authorized to bear the ark (Deuteronomy 10:8). Their consecration showed that access to God’s power is inseparable from holiness.
- Practical takeaway: when God calls us to step forward, He supplies the leaders, the means, and the presence necessary for the task (Numbers 4:15;Matthew 28:20).
stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan- “Stood firm” highlights stability in a place that moments earlier was impassable. Like the Red Sea miracle (Exodus 14:21–22), the Jordan’s waters “stood still, piling up in a heap” (Joshua 3:16).
- The ground was “dry,” not muddy; God removes every barrier completely (Psalm 114:3).
- The priests stopped “in the middle,” forming a living bridge and underscoring that the center of Israel’s new life in the land would always be God’s presence (Joshua 4:10).
- For us, the call is to trust God’s power to make solid ground where there seems to be none (Isaiah 41:10).
while all Israel crossed over the dry ground- The miracle wasn’t limited to leaders; “all Israel” participated (Joshua 3:14–17).
- God’s path was wide enough and long-lasting enough for everyone—young, old, strong, weak—to pass safely, echoing the inclusiveness of the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14:29) and foreshadowing “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish” (John 3:16).
-Isaiah 43:2 promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you”—a promise Israel was experiencing in real time.
- New Testament writers looked back on such crossings as pictures of salvation and baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1–4).
until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan- God’s provision did not lapse; the priests remained in place “until the entire nation had crossed.” No one was hurried, overlooked, or left behind (Joshua 4:1).
- The phrase assures us of God’s commitment to finish what He begins (Philippians 1:6).
- Moses had told them, “The LORD Himself goes before you … He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8). That promise is being kept step by step.
- This completeness anticipates later declarations of God’s faithfulness, such as Solomon’s testimony, “Not one word has failed of all His good promise” (1 Kings 8:56).
summaryJoshua 3:17 shows God’s people entering their promised inheritance under the visible leadership of His presence, carried by consecrated priests, over ground He alone made safe. The miracle was total—water held back, ground dried, and every Israelite brought through. It declares that when God leads, He provides a sure path, stays in the midst of the crisis until the last person is safe, and thus proves Himself utterly faithful.
Verse 17. -
Firm. The LXX. does not translate this. The Vulgate renders
accincti. The original, literally translated, means
to cause to stand upright.In the midst of Jordan. That is, they stood surrounded by water, but not in midstream, which would be expressed by
בְּקֶרֶב as in ver. 10, where our version has "among" (see note on Joshua 4:9). So Drusius: "In medio Jordanis;
i.e., intra Jordanem. Sic Tyrus legitur sita
in corde maris;
i.e., intra mare nam non procul abest a continente."
Clean over. The word is the same as that translated "failed" in the last note. It means
completion - "till the people had entirely finished crossing." Origen thus explains, in his fourth homily on Joshua, the mystical signification of this crossing the Jordan: "Cure catechumenorum aggregatus es numero, et praeceptis Ecclesiasticis parere coepisti digressus es mare rubrum, et in deserti stationibus positus, ad audiendam Dei legem, et intuendum Mosei vulture per gloriam Domini revelatum quotidie vacas. Si vero ad mysticum baptismi veneris fontem, et consistente sacerdotali et Levitico ordine initiatus fueris venerandis illis magnificisque sacramentis quae norunt illi quos nosse fas est, hanc etiam sacerdotum ministeriis Jordane digresso terram repromissionis intratis, in qua te post Moysen suscipi Jesus, et ipse tibi efficitur novi itineris dux."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The priestsהַכֹּהֲנִ֡ים(hak·kō·hă·nîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548:Priestcarryingנֹ֠שְׂאֵי(nō·śə·’ê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takethe arkהָאָר֨וֹן(hā·’ā·rō·wn)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 727:A chest, arkof the covenantבְּרִית־(bə·rîṯ-)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285:A covenantof the LORDיְהוָ֜ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelstoodוַיַּעַמְד֣וּ(way·ya·‘am·ḏū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsfirmהָכֵ֑ן(hā·ḵên)Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3559:To be erecton dry groundבֶּחָֽרָבָ֛ה(be·ḥā·rā·ḇāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2724:Dry groundin the middleבְּת֥וֹךְ(bə·ṯō·wḵ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432:A bisection, the centreof the Jordan,הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן(hay·yar·dên)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383:Jordan -- the principal river of Palestinewhile allוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyIsraelיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desccrossed overעֹֽבְרִים֙(‘ō·ḇə·rîm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onthe dry ground,בֶּחָ֣רָבָ֔ה(be·ḥā·rā·ḇāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2724:Dry grounduntilעַ֤ד(‘aḏ)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilethe entireכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everynationהַגּ֔וֹי(hag·gō·w)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471:A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locustshad crossedלַעֲבֹ֖ר(la·‘ă·ḇōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onthe Jordan.הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃(hay·yar·dên)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383:Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine
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OT History: Joshua 3:17 The priests who bore the ark (Josh. Jos) 
