Joshua 3:5
Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Joshua doesn't just tell them to "be holy"; he instructs them to "sanctify yourselves," which implies an active preparation. This means not only external cleansing but also a turning of their hearts and minds in expectant faith for the extraordinary "wonders" God is about to perform.
The Israelites have arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, the final major obstacle before entering the Promised Land. After Moses’ death, Joshua is now leading them, and the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence, is about to lead the way. This verse captures Joshua's urgent instruction to the people to prepare themselves spiritually and ceremonially for an extraordinary act of God that will occur the very next day, setting the stage for the miraculous parting of the Jordan.
Joshua gives a critical command right before a world-altering event. What does it mean to 'sanctify yourselves,' and why was it so important?
When Joshua told the Israelites to 'sanctify yourselves' (Hebrew: kadosh), he wasn't just asking them to take a bath. This command called for a deep, inward preparation, setting themselves apart for God's holy purposes.
More Than Just Cleanliness
This wasn't just a suggestion; it was a prerequisite for witnessing and experiencing God's powerful intervention. Without this intentional setting apart, they wouldn't be ready to truly receive or appreciate the 'wonders' God was about to perform.
The promise of 'wonders' sounds amazing, but what did this mean for the Israelites, and how does it point to God's power?
Joshua didn't promise a minor convenience; he promised 'wonders' (Hebrew: niphlah). This word points to extraordinary, astonishing, and divine acts that showcase God's unique power and sovereignty.
What These Wonders Signified:
Understand the original words
qadash · Hebrew Verb
To be set apart, sanctified, or made holy for God's purposes. It involves a purification process to prepare individuals to encounter the holy presence of God.
pela' · Hebrew Noun
Extraordinary acts or miraculous interventions performed by God that manifest His power, sovereignty, and grace. These events are intended to inspire awe and demonstrate God's direct involvement in human history.
The command to 'consecrate yourselves' for the miraculous crossing of the Jordan highlights that God's mighty acts often require human preparation and a receptive heart, blending divine power with human response.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Israelites reach the Jordan River
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites arrive at the banks of the Jordan River, the final barrier before entering the Promised Land. They encamp at Shittim.
c. 1406 BC
The Jordan River is at flood stage
The Jordan River is swollen from spring snowmelt, overflowing its banks. This makes the river impassable by normal means, setting the stage for a divine intervention.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua instructs the people
Joshua tells the people to consecrate themselves, emphasizing that the Lord will perform amazing deeds the next day. This involves ceremonial purification and a solemn, expectant heart.
c. 1406 BC
Priests carry the Ark of the Covenant
The priests are commanded to carry the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, and step into the raging Jordan River. This act is a demonstration of faith.
This passage shows a similar command for the Israelites to 'consecrate' themselves before God's powerful appearance at Mount Sinai, highlighting the idea of ceremonial and spiritual preparation for divine encounters.
Psalm 77:11The psalmist recalls God's 'wondrous works' from of old, echoing Joshua's call to remember and prepare for God's future 'wonders,' emphasizing the continuity of God's powerful acts throughout history.
1 Samuel 6:20When the Ark of the Covenant was returned by the Philistines, the people similarly asked, 'Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God?' This highlights the awe and reverence required when the presence of God, represented by the Ark, is about to perform something extraordinary.
John 3:16Just as Israel was called to prepare for a 'wonder' that would lead them into the Promised Land, this verse points to the ultimate 'wonder' of God giving His Son, which leads to eternal life for all who believe.
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…
jfbJoshua 3:5: "And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you."
- Joshua said unto the people—rather "had said," for as he speaks of "to-morrow," the address must have been made previous to the day of crossing, and the sanctification was in all probability the same as Moses had commanded before the giving of the law, consisting of an outward cleansing (Ex 19:10-15) preparatory to that serious and devout state of mind with which so great a m…
Joshua doesn't just tell them to "be holy"; he instructs them to "sanctify yourselves," which implies an active preparation. This means not only external cleansing but also a turning of their hearts and minds in expectant faith for the extraordinary "wonders" God is about to perform.
The Israelites have arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, the final major obstacle before entering the Promised Land. After Moses’ death, Joshua is now leading them, and the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence, is about to lead the way. This verse captures Joshua's urgent instruction to the people to prepare themselves spiritually and ceremonially for an extraordinary act of God that will occur the very next day, setting the stage for the miraculous parting of the Jordan.
The Israelites have arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, the final major obstacle before entering the Promised Land. After Moses’ death, Joshua is now leading them, and the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence, is about to lead the way. This verse captures Joshua's urgent instruction to the people to prepare themselves spiritually and ceremonially for an extraordinary act of God that will occur the very next day, setting the stage for the miraculous parting of the Jordan.
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Joshua’s announcement wasn't about creating excitement for its own sake; it was about building faith by reminding them that God's power was not limited by natural obstacles. He was about to etch His signature onto their journey.
The Israelites were poised to enter a completely new territory, facing an impassable river. How does this moment challenge us to trust God even when the path is unclear?
Joshua's instruction to the people to keep a distance from the Ark of the Covenant, and to follow it into the Jordan, demanded immense faith. They had never crossed the Jordan before, and it was at its seasonal flood stage, making it appear impossible.
The Test of Obedience:
This passage reminds us that God often calls us into situations where the way forward is unknown, and our usual methods won't work. True faith isn't about seeing the end of the road; it’s about taking the next step in obedience, trusting that God will make a way.
c. 1406 BC
Jordan River miraculously parts
As the priests' feet touch the water, the river stops flowing, creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land. This confirms God's power and presence with Joshua.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites cross the Jordan
The entire nation crosses the Jordan on dry ground. Twelve stones are taken from the riverbed to commemorate this event for future generations.
"Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”" — Joshua doesn't just tell them to "be holy"; he instructs them to "sanctify yourselves," which implies an active preparation. This means not only external cleansing but also a turning of their hearts…
