Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The priests "stood firmly" not just on dry ground, but specifically "in the midst of Jordan," highlighting their unwavering faith and courageous obedience in the deepest, most dangerous part of the riverbed. This wasn't just about crossing; it was about the priests acting as a stable, immovable anchor of God's presence while the entire nation passed through.
Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God has just commanded Joshua to tell the priests to step into the overflowing Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant. As soon as their feet touched the water, the river miraculously stopped flowing, allowing all of Israel to cross on dry ground, with the priests remaining in the middle of the riverbed until everyone was safely across.
Imagine standing in the middle of a powerful river, with towering walls of water on either side, while thousands of people pass by. What does that kind of stillness reveal?
The priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant didn't just stand in the Jordan; they stood firmly.
Rooted in Faith
This wasn't a casual waiting game. The Hebrew word suggests a steadfast, upright posture, unmoved by the precarious situation. They stood their ground, literally in the dry bed of a raging river.
Against the Current
This firmness was crucial. While the waters were miraculously held back, the potential for disaster was immense. Their unwavering position showcased absolute trust in God's power, not just for the miracle to happen, but for His protection while it was happening.
A Public Demonstration
Their stable presence was a visual testament to God's faithfulness. It allowed all of Israel to cross safely, showing that God's promises, symbolized by the Ark, are the solid foundation for our journey.
The Jordan River wasn't just a barrier; it became the very path to the Promised Land. What does this transformation tell us about God's work in our lives?
The miracle at the Jordan River transformed a formidable obstacle into a bridge to God's promises.
From Chaos to Order
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The Jordan, known for overflowing its banks during harvest time, represented a dangerous, chaotic force. Yet, at God's command, its waters were stopped and piled up, creating a dry pathway.
A Symbol of New Beginnings
Crossing the Jordan marked a pivotal moment for Israel – the end of their wilderness wandering and the beginning of their life in the land God had promised them. It signifies entering into God's provision and faithfulness.
A Picture of Spiritual Entry
This event is often seen as a spiritual type. Just as the Israelites passed through the Jordan into the land, believers pass through spiritual 'waters' – perhaps baptism or even death – to enter into God's eternal promises and presence.
Understand the original words
aron · Hebrew Noun
A sacred chest overlaid with gold, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments. It served as the primary symbol of God’s visible presence, His holiness, and His covenant relationship with Israel.
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or promise between God and His people, often ratified by sacrifice or ritual. It establishes the terms of relationship, responsibility, and divine protection within the context of God's redemptive plan.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, the I AM, who is self-existent and eternal. It signifies His personal, faithful character and His role as the sovereign Redeemer of His people.
kohen · Hebrew Noun
In this context, those consecrated to serve in the tabernacle/temple, responsible for performing rituals and mediating between God and the people. Their role here highlights the necessity of divine mediation and holiness in the presence of God.
This miracle wasn't just about getting dry feet; it was a powerful statement that God, who brought them out of Egypt, was now bringing them into their promised land, emphasizing His faithfulness and power over nature itself.
c. 1406 BC
Death of Moses
Moses, Israel's leader for 40 years, dies after leading them to the edge of the Promised Land but not entering it.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Appointed Leader
Joshua, Moses' trusted servant, is divinely appointed as the new leader of Israel, tasked with guiding them into the land God promised.
c. 1406 BC
Spies Sent to Jericho
Joshua sends two spies to scout the city of Jericho, the first major obstacle in Canaan, and they escape with crucial intelligence.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Departs Gilgal
After a period of preparation and observance of Passover, the Israelites break camp at Gilgal, ready to begin their conquest.
c. 1406 BC
Priests Carry Ark to Jordan's Brink
The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant approach the overflowing Jordan River, ready to enact God's command.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Jordan River Parts
As the priests step into the water, the Jordan River miraculously stops flowing, allowing the entire nation of Israel to cross on dry ground.
c. 1406 BC
Twelve Stones Taken from Jordan
After the crossing, twelve stones are taken from the riverbed to serve as a memorial of God's miraculous intervention.
This passage parallels the Joshua passage by describing God parting the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross on dry ground, emphasizing God's power to make a way where there seems to be no way.
1 Corinthians 10:1-4Paul explicitly draws a parallel between the Israelites' miraculous crossing of the Jordan (and the Red Sea) and the spiritual journey of believers, highlighting Christ's presence with them through trials.
Matthew 3:13-17This passage connects by showing Jesus Himself being baptized in the Jordan River, a moment where God attests to His Son, mirroring the divine attestation of Israel's entry into the promised land through this miraculous crossing.
Hebrews 11:29This verse from the 'faith chapter' directly references the crossing of the Red Sea (and by implication, the Jordan) as an act of faith, reinforcing the idea that Israel's passage was a demonstration of their trust in God's power.
Revelation 21:1-4This passage speaks of a new heaven and a new earth where there is 'no more sea,' offering a future fulfillment and ultimate resolution to the struggles and passages faced by God's people, including the crossing of rivers like the Jordan.
calvinJoshua 3:14-17: "And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;"
And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overflows all his banks all the time of harvest,)
Postquam autem venerunt qui portabant arcam usque ad Jordanem, et pedes sacerdotum potantium arcam intincti fuerunt in ext…
cambridgeJoshua 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."
17 . all the Israelites passed over ] Where the passage exactly took place cannot now be determined, but the typical significance of the narrative is very impressive. Whether we consider (i) the solemn inauguration of Joshua to his office; or (ii) his attestation by the…
The priests "stood firmly" not just on dry ground, but specifically "in the midst of Jordan," highlighting their unwavering faith and courageous obedience in the deepest, most dangerous part of the riverbed. This wasn't just about crossing; it was about the priests acting as a stable, immovable anchor of God's presence while the entire nation passed through.
God has just commanded Joshua to tell the priests to step into the overflowing Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant. As soon as their feet touched the water, the river miraculously stopped flowing, allowing all of Israel to cross on dry ground, with the priests remaining in the middle of the riverbed until everyone was safely across.
God has just commanded Joshua to tell the priests to step into the overflowing Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant. As soon as their feet touched the water, the river miraculously stopped flowing, allowing all of Israel to cross on dry ground, with the priests remaining in the middle of the riverbed until everyone was safely across.
"Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan." — The priests "stood firmly" not just on dry ground, but specifically "in the midst of Jordan," highlighting their unwavering faith and courageous obedience in the deepest, most dangerous part of the r…
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Last reviewed October 2026