Joshua 4:17

So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up from the Jordan."

Study Bible

So Joshua commanded
The phrase begins with "So," indicating a continuation or conclusion of previous instructions. "Joshua" is the central figure, a leader chosen by God to succeed Moses. His name in Hebrew, "Yehoshua," means "Yahweh is salvation," reflecting his role in leading Israel into the Promised Land. "Commanded" signifies authority and obedience, a recurring theme in Joshua's leadership. This command is not merely a suggestion but a directive from a divinely appointed leader, emphasizing the importance of following God's ordained leadership.

the priests
The priests were from the tribe of Levi, set apart for sacred duties. Their role in carrying the Ark of the Covenant underscores their spiritual significance. The Ark represented God's presence, and the priests' involvement highlights the necessity of spiritual leadership in guiding the people. Historically, the priests were mediators between God and Israel, and their obedience to Joshua's command reflects their submission to God's will.

Come up
This phrase indicates movement and transition. The priests were to ascend from the riverbed, symbolizing a shift from one state to another. In a broader spiritual sense, "come up" can be seen as a call to rise from a place of trial or testing into a new phase of promise and fulfillment. It is a call to action, reflecting faith and trust in God's provision and timing.

out of the Jordan
The Jordan River is significant in Israel's history, representing a boundary and a place of miraculous events. Crossing the Jordan was a pivotal moment for the Israelites, marking their entry into the Promised Land. The river itself symbolizes barriers and challenges that must be overcome through faith. Historically, the Jordan has been a site of divine intervention, and coming "out of the Jordan" signifies emerging from a place of dependence on God's miraculous power into a new reality of His promises fulfilled.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. His name in Hebrew, "Yehoshua," means "Yahweh is salvation," which is significant as he leads the people into a new chapter of God's promise.

2. The Priests
These were the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. Their role was crucial as they represented God's presence among the people.

3. The Jordan River
A significant geographical and spiritual landmark for the Israelites. Crossing it symbolized entering into the promises of God.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenant with Israel and His presence among them.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who were transitioning from a nomadic life in the wilderness to settling in the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Command
Joshua's command to the priests highlights the importance of obedience in leadership and following God's instructions precisely.

God's Faithfulness
The crossing of the Jordan is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

Symbolism of the Jordan
The Jordan River represents transitions in our spiritual journey, where we leave behind the old and step into the new promises of God.

Role of Spiritual Leaders
The priests carrying the Ark show the importance of spiritual leaders in guiding and supporting the community in their faith journey.

Remembering God's Acts
This event encourages us to remember and commemorate God's mighty acts in our lives, just as the Israelites set up memorial stones.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua's leadership in this passage reflect the qualities of a godly leader, and how can we apply these qualities in our own leadership roles?

2. In what ways does the crossing of the Jordan River serve as a metaphor for spiritual transitions in our lives today?

3. How can we, like the priests, carry the presence of God into challenging situations in our lives?

4. What are some "Jordan Rivers" in your life that God is calling you to cross, and how can you prepare for these transitions?

5. How can we create memorials or reminders in our lives to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness and past deliverance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14
The crossing of the Red Sea parallels the crossing of the Jordan, both representing deliverance and the beginning of a new journey with God.

Hebrews 11
The faith of the Israelites in crossing the Jordan is part of the larger account of faith demonstrated by God's people throughout history.

Matthew 3
The Jordan River is also where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, symbolizing a new beginning and the fulfillment of God's promises.