What does Joshua 3:3 mean?

And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Joshua 3:3

Explanation

Joshua 3:3 presents a directive given to the Israelites as they prepare to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The ark of the covenant represented God’s presence among His people and was typically carried by priests from the tribe of Levi. This verse signifies the importance of following God’s presence and direction, as symbolized by the ark’s movement. The literal command is clear: when the people see the ark on the move, they are to follow it at a distance. On a deeper level, this symbolizes the need for reverence, obedience, and reliance on divine guidance during times of significant change and transition.

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the narrative of the Israelites’ journey to claim the land that God had promised to their forefathers. At this point in the story, the leadership had passed from Moses to Joshua, and the people were encamped beside the Jordan awaiting instructions to enter Canaan. The command in Joshua 3:3 is part of the preparation for crossing the Jordan, which is itself a miraculous event where the river stops flowing, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. In terms of historical context, this event marks a transition from the wilderness wandering period to the conquest and settlement phase of Israelite history.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of this verse vary among different denominations and scholars. Generally, the ark’s prominence highlights God’s holy presence and guidance. From a Christian perspective, this event prefigures baptism and entry into the Christian life, with the river crossing symbolizing a passage through death into new life. It also underscores the importance of faith and following God’s will. Within Judaism, the verse emphasizes the continuity of God’s guidance from the time of Moses through Joshua, strengthening the notion that obedience to God’s law is paramount.

Practical Applications

A contemporary application of Joshua 3:3 can revolve around the recognition of spiritual leadership and the importance of following God’s direction in life. It can also serve as a lesson on the readiness to move when God commands, illustrating the need for preparedness to seize divine opportunities. Furthermore, the idea of keeping a respectful distance from the ark could translate into a metaphor about the reverence and awe one should maintain towards holy and divine matters.

Cross-References

• Joshua 3:6: “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.”
• Numbers 10:33: “And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days’ journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them.”
• Exodus 25:10-22: Describes the construction and significance of the ark of the covenant.
• Deuteronomy 31:9: “And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.”

Language Study

The key terms in Joshua 3:3 such as “ark of the covenant” (אֲרֹון הַבְּרִית, ‘aron habberiyt), “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH), and “Levites” (לֵוִיִּם, Leviyim) are of importance. The “ark of the covenant” refers to the sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God’s agreement and presence with the Israelites. YHWH is the tetragrammaton, the sacred, ineffable name of God, denoting a deep covenant relationship with the people. “Levites” identifies the tribe designated for religious duties, emphasizing the connection between worship and daily life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparative mythology and religion, the concept of carrying a sacred object that signifies a deity’s presence is not unique to Israelites. Many ancient cultures had processions and carried idols or symbols representing their gods. The ark carrying in the Bible, however, is distinct in that the ark itself is not an idol, but a vessel containing the word of God and thus symbolizing His presence.

Scientific Perspectives

The narrative of the Jordan River stopping is not addressed from a scientific perspective in the biblical text; it’s presented as a miraculous event. Modern scientific analysis would seek natural explanations for such occurrences, examining possible rare natural events that could stop a river’s flow, such as tectonic activity or a landslide upstream. However, the text emphasizes the supernatural aspect, with timing directly connected to carrying the ark, indicating a divine intervention.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators approach Joshua 3:3 with various emphases. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for instance, notes the sanctity associated with the ark and the requirement for the people to sanctify themselves. The Pulpit Commentary discusses the literal preparation for crossing the Jordan, while also allegorizing the crossing as humanity’s preparation for passing from this life to the next. The New American Commentary highlights the ark’s role as a guide and focus for spiritual direction. Different commentaries agree on the central theme of divine guidance and preparation for a decisive act ordained by God.