The instruction to "go after it" reveals that the ark wasn't just a symbol of God's presence, but the active guide for their journey, taking the place of the cloud that had previously led them. This highlights a shift: they were no longer passively following a visible sign, but actively pursuing God's presence as it moved into the unknown.
and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length. Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Israelites have reached the edge of the Jordan River, ready to enter the Promised Land, but the river is swollen and impassable. Joshua relays God's specific instructions for crossing: the Levitical priests must carry the Ark of the Covenant and lead the way, signaling when the people should follow. This unique procession, with the Ark now at the forefront instead of the pillar of cloud, is the sign for their departure and their reliance on God's miraculous intervention.
The Israelites were used to following a pillar of cloud. Now, a new signal is given. What does this shift tell us about how God leads?
For generations in the wilderness, the cloud by day and fire by night was the visible sign of God's presence and His direction for the people of Israel.
But now, with Moses gone and Joshua leading them, a change has occurred. The cloud that guided them has vanished. Instead, the Ark of the Covenant is now the signal for their movement. This isn't just a different object; it's a profound shift in how God's presence is made manifest and how His people are to follow.
It wasn't just any Levites carrying the Ark; it was specific priests. What made this task so critical, and what does it reveal about their role?
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The responsibility of carrying the Ark of the Covenant was not a light one. While Levites were generally tasked with moving the Tabernacle's furnishings, on significant and solemn occasions like this, the priests themselves bore the Ark.
This act powerfully symbolized Christ Himself, who goes before us, making a way through the impossible, and whom we are called to follow.
The Jordan River was swollen and impassable. How does God use seemingly impossible situations to teach His people to trust Him?
The Israelites stood at the brink of the Jordan River, a formidable, uncrossable barrier, especially in its flood stage. They had never been this way before. This situation was designed by God to be a profound lesson in faith.
Joshua’s instruction was clear: the journey forward would be marked by God’s miraculous intervention, teaching them that with Him, no path is truly untrodden.
Understand the original words
'arown briyth Yhwh · Hebrew Noun phrase
The sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing the visible throne and presence of God among His people. It served as the focal point of God's covenantal relationship with Israel.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The self-revealed, covenant-keeping God of Israel. The personal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and eternal, unchangeable nature.
Leviy kohen · Hebrew Noun phrase
Members of the tribe of Levi set apart by God for priestly service and the maintenance of the Tabernacle and its sacred articles. They mediated between God and the people through the sacrificial system.
'ammah · Hebrew Noun
A unit of length in the ancient world, typically based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, used as a standard for measurement in biblical construction and distance.
The command to follow the Ark of the Covenant across the Jordan signifies a transition from God's guidance through the wilderness (the cloud) to His power enabling them to conquer a new land, highlighting a new phase of faith and obedience.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites escape slavery in Egypt, led by Moses. This marks the beginning of their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wandering
For 40 years, the Israelites journeyed through the Sinai Peninsula. During this time, God guided them by a pillar of cloud and fire, and the Ark of the Covenant was central to their worship and presence.
c. 1406 BC
Death of Moses
Moses, the great leader who brought Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness, dies. Joshua is then appointed to lead the people into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Arrival at the Jordan River
The Israelites arrive at the banks of the Jordan River, poised to enter the land of Canaan. The river is at its seasonal flood stage, presenting a formidable obstacle.
This passage describes the pillar of cloud and fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness, serving as God's visible presence and guide, similar to how the ark of the covenant functions in Joshua 3.
Numbers 4:15This verse clarifies that the Levites, specifically the Kohathite clan, were responsible for carrying the ark, highlighting the sacred and specialized nature of this task as it's carried out by priests in Joshua 3.
Joshua 6:6This passage shows the ark being carried again by priests, this time in the conquest of Jericho, demonstrating a recurring pattern of following the ark as a divine signal for significant actions.
1 Samuel 4:3This passage illustrates the Israelites' belief that the ark itself would bring victory, contrasting their misplaced faith in the object with the obedient trust required in Joshua 3.
Hebrews 10:19This New Testament passage speaks of having confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus, drawing a parallel to the ark as a symbol of God's presence and access, but pointing to Christ as the ultimate guide.
calvinJoshua 3:1-13: "And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over."
Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that you may know the way by which you must go: for you have not passed this way heretofore.
Veruntamen interstitium erit inter vos et ipsam fere duorum milium cubitorum in mensura: ne appropinquetis e…
wesleyJoshua 3:3: "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."
3:3 Commanded the people - In Joshua's name, and by his authority. Priests and Levites - Who were not only Levites, but priests also. For altho' the Levites were to carry the ark, Numb 4:1 - 15, yet the priests might perform that office, and did so upon some solemn occasions. Go after it - To…
The instruction to "go after it" reveals that the ark wasn't just a symbol of God's presence, but the active guide for their journey, taking the place of the cloud that had previously led them. This highlights a shift: they were no longer passively following a visible sign, but actively pursuing God's presence as it moved into the unknown.
The Israelites have reached the edge of the Jordan River, ready to enter the Promised Land, but the river is swollen and impassable. Joshua relays God's specific instructions for crossing: the Levitical priests must carry the Ark of the Covenant and lead the way, signaling when the people should follow. This unique procession, with the Ark now at the forefront instead of the pillar of cloud, is the sign for their departure and their reliance on God's miraculous intervention.
The Israelites have reached the edge of the Jordan River, ready to enter the Promised Land, but the river is swollen and impassable. Joshua relays God's specific instructions for crossing: the Levitical priests must carry the Ark of the Covenant and lead the way, signaling when the people should follow. This unique procession, with the Ark now at the forefront instead of the pillar of cloud, is the sign for their departure and their reliance on God's miraculous intervention.
"and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, abou…" — The instruction to "go after it" reveals that the ark wasn't just a symbol of God's presence, but the active guide for their journey, taking the place of the cloud that had previously led them. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026
