What does Joshua 3:5 mean?

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. Joshua 3:5

Explanation

Joshua 3:5 is a directive from Joshua to the Israelites in anticipation of witnessing miraculous events performed by God. The command to “Sanctify yourselves” means that the people were to prepare both physically and spiritually, possibly involving ceremonial cleansing, abstinence, and repentance. This was a call for the people to purify their hearts and minds, setting aside distractions and focusing on God’s presence and power. The promise that “to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you” speaks to the Israelites’ faith and obedience, assuring them that God’s mighty deeds would be evident among them. This verse emphasizes the importance of preparation and holiness in experiencing the divine works of God.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the period of Israelite history when they were about to enter the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years. Joshua had taken over the leadership of Israel after Moses’ death. The verse specifically pertains to the event just before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. It was a time of significant transition and a test of faith for the nation. Joshua’s call for sanctification was not only about ritual cleanliness but was also about reaffirming their covenant with God before entering the land that had been promised to them.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse illustrates concepts such as sanctification, obedience, and divine intervention. Sanctification is an essential theme in both the Old and New Testaments, referring to the process of being set apart for God’s purposes. Obedience reflects the people’s response to God’s commands and is often tied to experiencing God’s blessings and wonders. Lastly, divine intervention indicates that God actively works in the world and in the lives of believers. Different denominations may emphasize different aspects of this verse. For example, Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians might focus on the expectation of miracles, while Reformed theologians might emphasize the sovereignty of God in revealing wonders according to His will.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire believers to prepare themselves spiritually to experience God in their lives. It suggests that personal holiness and attentiveness to God’s word are prerequisites for witnessing God’s work. In practical terms, it might mean dedicating time to prayer, studying scripture, or fasting. The anticipation of God doing “wonders” can encourage believers to look for God’s presence in their everyday lives and to have faith in His power to bring about change.

Cross-References

• Exodus 19:10-11: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.”
• 1 Samuel 16:5: “And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.”
• 2 Chronicles 20:20: “And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”

Language Study

The key words in this text are “Sanctify” (Hebrew: qadash) and “wonders” (Hebrew: pala). “Qadash” means to make holy or to set apart for a sacred purpose. It is a call to the Israelites to purify themselves both outwardly and inwardly. The word “pala” connotes extraordinary occurrences beyond human capability, emphasizing God’s supernatural acts that defy normal expectations and demonstrate His power.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of sanctification before a divine encounter is not unique to the Israelite religion. In various ancient cultures, there were purification rituals before approaching the gods. However, the Israelite concept was distinct in its ethical and covenantal dimensions, where the sanctification was linked to their relationship with Yahweh, the one true God. In the broader religious context, sanctification is a common theme in many faiths, where certain behaviors, rituals, or abstentions are prescribed to approach the divine with reverence and purity.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives typically do not intersect directly with theological claims of miracles and divine wonders. However, some might explore natural phenomena that could correlate with biblical events, such as the crossing of the Jordan River. Additionally, psychological studies on the effects of ritual and belief might shed light on the role of religious practices such as sanctification in the mental and emotional states of individuals and groups.

commentaries

Biblical commentaries offer a variety of insights on Joshua 3:5. Some focus on the immediate context, discussing the historical crossing of the Jordan and the logistical preparations involved. Others explore the link between obedience to God and the manifestation of His promises. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the solemnity needed when approaching great and holy duties. The Pulpit Commentary discusses the importance of both external and internal preparation for the Israelites as they stood on the threshold of the Promised Land. Modern scholars like Gordon J. Wenham may give greater attention to the narrative structure and its implications for the theology of the book of Joshua. All these commentaries attempt to unravel the layers of meaning within this verse, situating it within the larger story of Israel’s faith journey.