What does Joshua 3:8 mean?

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. Joshua 3:8

Explanation

Joshua 3:8 refers to a command given by Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, to the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. They were instructed to step into the waters of the Jordan River and stand still as part of the process of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. The literal meaning involves the priests physically entering and standing in the river. The deeper significance explores themes of faith, obedience to God’s command, divine intervention, and preparation for a miraculous event—the parting of the Jordan River, which would be reminiscent of the parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus from Egypt.

Historical Context

The historical context of Joshua 3:8 is set during the time when the Israelites were about to enter Canaan, the Promised Land, after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. The instruction is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ transition from the wilderness into a land filled with nations and peoples that they would have to conquer, as believed to be directed by God. The crossing of the Jordan River represented a significant physical and spiritual milestone for the Israelites.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse showcases God’s providence and omnipotence. It serves to reaffirm the Israelites’ covenant relationship with God and their reliance on His guidance. Diverse theological interpretations might focus on the sacramental aspect of water, the role of religious mediators (the priests), and the nature of divine miracles. Scholars within Christianity might debate the typology of this event, with some seeing it as a foreshadowing of Christian baptism and the entrance into spiritual life.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages believers to follow God’s directives even when they require stepping into uncertain or challenging situations. It may also be seen as a metaphor for taking a stand in the midst of life’s trials, trusting that God will make a way. It emphasizes the importance of community and leadership in facing collective challenges, suggesting that communal acts of faith can lead to communal blessings.

Cross-References

• Joshua 3:13: “And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.”
• Joshua 3:17: “And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.”
• Exodus 14:22: “And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Hebrew text of this verse include:

• “command” (tzav), which carries the connotation of a charged order, indicating the seriousness and urgency of the directive.
• “priests” (kohanim), referring to the descendants of Aaron who had religious authority and duties in worship and sacrifices.
• “ark of the covenant” (aron hab’rit), the sacred chest that held the Tablets of the Law and represented God’s presence among His people.
• “stand still” (ta’amdu), emphasizing the action of pausing or stopping, implying a purposeful and perhaps reverent halt.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This event can be compared to various other religious narratives where water plays a critical role, such as the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh or the flood narrative of Noah in Genesis. In many ancient cultures, crossing a body of water was seen as a symbolic act of transformation or entering a new phase of life.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific perspectives might explore the feasibility of a river stopping its flow and the potential natural explanations for it, such as a landslide temporarily blocking a river’s course. However, from a religious standpoint, the event is considered a miracle beyond the explanation of natural laws.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians provide different insights into this verse. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the miracle that was about to happen and the necessity of the priests’ faith and courage. The New Bible Commentary notes that the event commands respect for the ark, which symbolizes God’s presence. John Wesley suggests that the instruction for the priests to stand still was a test of their obedience and faith. Different scholars agree that the purpose of the command was to display God’s power to the Israelites and to ensure that He received glory for the crossing.