Command the priestsIn the context of ancient Israel, priests held a significant role as mediators between God and the people. They were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The command given here highlights the authority of Joshua as the leader of Israel, following the death of Moses. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as the priests were to act according to divine direction.
who carry the ark of the Testimony
The Ark of the Testimony, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, was a sacred chest that contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolized God's presence and covenant with Israel. The priests carrying the Ark signifies the centrality of God's law and presence in the life of the nation. The Ark's movement across the Jordan River is reminiscent of the crossing of the Red Sea, symbolizing a new beginning for Israel in the Promised Land.
to come up from the Jordan
The Jordan River was a significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites. Crossing it marked the transition from the wilderness wanderings to entering the Promised Land. The command for the priests to come up from the Jordan signifies the completion of this miraculous crossing, facilitated by God's power. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The act of coming up from the Jordan can be seen as a type of resurrection or new life, prefiguring the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new life believers have in Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land.
2.
PriestsThe Levitical priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence among His people.
3.
Ark of the TestimonyAlso known as the Ark of the Covenant, it contained the tablets of the Law and symbolized God's covenant with Israel.
4.
Jordan RiverThe river that the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, a significant event marking the fulfillment of God's promise.
5.
IsraelitesThe people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were entering the land promised to their forefathers.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's CommandsJoshua's directive to the priests underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely. In our lives, we are called to obey God's Word, trusting in His guidance and timing.
Symbolism of the ArkThe Ark of the Testimony represents God's presence and covenant. As believers, we are reminded that God's presence is with us through the Holy Spirit, guiding and empowering us in our journey of faith.
Faith in ActionThe crossing of the Jordan required faith from both the priests and the people. We are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting that God will make a way even when circumstances seem insurmountable.
Leadership and ResponsibilityJoshua's leadership exemplifies the responsibility of guiding others in obedience to God. Whether in family, church, or community, we are called to lead by example, pointing others to Christ.
Remembrance of God's FaithfulnessThe event at the Jordan serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. We are encouraged to remember and recount God's past faithfulness as a foundation for trusting Him in the present and future.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Joshua 4:16?
2.How does Joshua 4:16 demonstrate God's authority over nature and leadership?
3.What role does obedience play in Joshua 4:16's command to "command the priests"?
4.How does Joshua 4:16 connect to God's promises in Joshua 1:3-5?
5.How can we apply Joshua's obedience in Joshua 4:16 to our daily lives?
6.What does Joshua 4:16 teach about trusting God's timing and instructions?
7.How does Joshua 4:16 demonstrate God's authority and power in the Israelites' journey?
8.What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Joshua 4:16?
9.How does Joshua 4:16 relate to the theme of obedience in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 4?
11.What did the Ark of the Covenant contain?
12.What are key events in Joshua's life?
13.Joshua 4:18: Does the river's instantaneous return defy known natural processes, suggesting a contradiction with scientific norms?
14.In Deuteronomy 12:5, why does the text insist on a single worship location when Israel's central sanctuary seems to have varied or been established later in Jerusalem?What Does Joshua 4:16 Mean
command– The verse opens with a clear directive: “Command.”
– God speaks to Joshua, and Joshua must relay the order without delay.
– The word underscores divine authority; human opinion is set aside.
– Cross references: Joshua receives similar decisive instructions inJoshua 1:9; obedience to a divine command is highlighted inDeuteronomy 31:8 andJohn 14:15.
the priests– Not just anyone, but those set apart for holy service (Exodus 28:1).
– Their consecrated role reminds us that spiritual leadership carries weighty responsibility (Malachi 2:7;1 Peter 2:9).
– They model obedience before the people—showing that leaders must heed the Lord first.
who carry the ark– The priests are identified by their task: bearing the Ark, the visible sign of God’s presence (Numbers 4:15).
– This Ark led Israel into the Jordan (Joshua 3:3) and now signals when the miracle ends.
– It emphasizes that God’s presence goes ahead of His people and determines their steps (Psalm 132:8;2 Samuel 6:2).
of the Testimony– “Testimony” points to the tablets of the covenant inside the Ark (Exodus 25:16).
– The Ark is more than a box; it houses God’s covenant words, reminding Israel of His faithfulness (Deuteronomy 10:1–2).
– Every move of the Ark proclaims God’s unchanging promises (Hebrews 9:4).
to come up– The miracle had begun when the priests stepped in (Joshua 3:15–16); it ends when they step out.
– “Come up” marks the moment the waters will return, sealing Israel’s passage and closing the door behind them, just as the Red Sea closed (Exodus 14:26–28).
– God’s timing is precise: He controls not only the opening but also the closing of paths (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
from the Jordan– Leaving the riverbed is a testimony that the crossing is complete and safe (Joshua 4:18).
– The Jordan often symbolizes transition—here, from wilderness wandering to promised inheritance (Deuteronomy 11:31).
– Stepping out ensures that all glory goes to God, not to lingering human effort (Psalm 115:1).
summaryJoshua 4:16 spotlights God’s orderly leadership: He commands, consecrated priests obey, and the people witness His power. Each phrase shows the Lord’s faithfulness—directing leaders, affirming His covenant, and finishing what He starts. The verse calls us to trust His timing, respect godly authority, and remember that His presence guides every safe passage.
(16)
Command the priests . . . that they come up out of Jordan.--Observe that the removal of the priests and the ark of the covenant from their station in Jordan is made the subject of a distinct section, and treated as a distinct event. It
neednot have been so for the purpose of the mere historical narrative. We might have taken it for granted. But the significance of the event is so marked as to receive a separate notice. We are not suffered to forget by what means Jordan was driven back, and held in check; and the check was not meant to be perpetual. We are reminded that the suspension of the power of death for men has its limits. When the day of grace is over, the waters will "return unto their place and flow over all the banks as before." (Comp.
Isaiah 28:16-18;
Isaiah 28:20.)
Verse 16. -
The testimony. The word
עֵדוּת though derived from the same root as
עֵד witness, would seem rather to have the sense of
precept, from the idea of repetition contained in the root. Compare the well known Hebrew particle
עוד again. It must refer to the two tables of the law which (
Hebrews 10:4) were placed in the ark (see
Deuteronomy 10:5, and comp.
Exodus 25:16, 21, 40,
Numbers 17:10, where this is said to be the testimony). Other things were placed in the ark, such as the manna, Aaron's rod, and these, no doubt, were for a witness to the facts of the Mosaic record. The LXX., however, consistently render this word by
μαρτύρια μαρτύριον. The Vulgate here has
arcam foederis.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Commandצַוֵּה֙(ṣaw·wêh)Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderthe priestsהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים(hak·kō·hă·nîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548:Priestwho carryנֹשְׂאֵ֖י(nō·śə·’ê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takethe arkאֲר֣וֹן(’ă·rō·wn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727:A chest, arkof the Testimonyהָעֵד֑וּת(hā·‘ê·ḏūṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5715:Testimonyto come upוְיַעֲל֖וּ(wə·ya·‘ă·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyfromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe 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 4:16 Command the priests who bear the ark (Josh. Jos) 
