Joshua 3:14 kjv

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;

Joshua 3:14 nkjv

So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people,

Joshua 3:14 niv

So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.

Joshua 3:14 esv

So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people,

Joshua 3:14 nlt

So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them.

Joshua 3 verses

Joshua 3 14 Meaning

Joshua 3:14 describes the critical moment when the people of Israel began their movement to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It highlights the divine order of events: the people departed from their wilderness camps, followed by the priests who were leading the procession, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's active presence and leadership at the forefront of their momentous journey.

Joshua 3 14 Context

Joshua chapter 3 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, signaling the end of their 40-year wilderness wanderings and the imminent fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land of Canaan. The nation has assembled at the banks of the Jordan River, the last geographical barrier before entering the Promised Land. Joshua has assumed leadership from Moses, and the people have been consecrated for this sacred event. The timing is crucial; the Jordan is at flood stage during the harvest season (Josh 3:15), making a crossing humanly impossible, thereby setting the stage for a spectacular display of divine power and leadership, validating Joshua's authority as Moses' successor. This verse describes the very first movement of the people, acting on the command received in Joshua 3:3, that the Ark of the Covenant, carried by the priests, would go before them.

Joshua 3 14 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי - wayehi): This common Hebrew introductory phrase signals a transition or new event of significant narrative progression. It denotes the fulfillment or initiation of a significant divine action, indicating God's unfolding plan.

• when the people (בְּנָסְעָם הָעָם - beneso'am ha'am): The verb "removed" (נָסַע - nasa) indicates setting out or breaking camp, a frequent term in the Exodus narrative. "The people" (הָעָם - ha'am) emphasizes the collective movement of the entire nation, not just a small contingent.

• from their tents (מֵאָהֳלֵיהֶם - me'ohalehem): Literally "from their dwellings" or "from their camps." This signifies their departure from their settled life in the plains of Moab, indicating a definitive break from the wilderness journey. It's a concrete action symbolizing the end of one era and the beginning of another.

• to pass over (לַעֲבֹר - la'avor): The infinitive "to cross" or "to pass over." This highlights their specific, divinely ordained destination and immediate goal. The verb is key to the entire chapter's purpose.

• Jordan (אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן - et-hayarden): The specific river marking the eastern boundary of the Promised Land. This name likely means "descender" due to its steep drop. Its current state (at flood, Josh 3:15) magnifies the impending miracle. For the ancient audience, crossing a river at flood stage was impossible without divine intervention. This asserts YHWH's absolute control over natural elements, contrasting with any Canaanite deity associated with rivers or fertility.

• and the priests (וְהַכֹּהֲנִים - vehakohanim): Refers to the levitical priests, specifically those of the lineage of Aaron. Their role here is not merely logistical but sacred; they are God's consecrated representatives, acting as mediators and carrying holy objects.

• bearing (נֹשְׂאֵי - nosei): Literally "carrying." This verb indicates the active and intentional carrying of a weighty object, underscoring their responsibility.

• the ark of the covenant (אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית - aron haberit): The most sacred object in Israel, housing the Ten Commandments (tablets of the Law). It represents God's dwelling presence (Shekinah), His covenant relationship with Israel, and His authority. Its presence signifies God's direct leadership and assurance of victory. This is a profound polemic against any notion that a human king or earthly power could secure the land; only the covenant-keeping God could.

• before the people (לִפְנֵי הָעָם - lifnei ha'am): "Before" in this context means "in front of" or "in advance of." This physical placement is critical; the Ark, symbolizing God's presence, leads the way. It signifies that God is clearing the path and removing obstacles. It emphasizes divine initiative and the people's humble reliance and obedience.

• "when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan": This phrase marks a significant transition point from a transient, nomadic life in the wilderness to an active, goal-oriented movement towards the promised inheritance. It symbolizes leaving behind the past reliance on Manna and cloud/fire pillar (as direct guides) to entering a new phase of actively possessing the land by God's leading.

• "the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people": This is the core instruction and key visual. It emphasizes divine authority and order. The Ark leads, not human strategy. It's a powerful statement that God Himself, through His visible symbol of presence, goes before them to clear the way, providing assurance and requiring trust from the Israelites. This action underscored Joshua's divinely appointed leadership and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Joshua 3 14 Bonus section

• The emphasis on the priests bearing the Ark, rather than the Levites who normally transported it during travel (Num 4), signals a special, sacred, and perhaps battle-oriented procession, underscoring the spiritual nature of this "conquest" and the need for ultimate holiness.
• The act of crossing the Jordan is a type or foreshadowing of spiritual realities, specifically the believer's crossing from the "wilderness" of sin and unfulfilled promises into the "promised land" of Christ's abundant life and the rest offered in God.
• The overflowing Jordan highlights the immediate and tangible demonstration of God's power. It removed any doubt that the crossing was a natural occurrence or by human might, making it an unmistakable miracle validating the covenant.
• This verse sets the stage for God to perform a new work that would parallel and even surpass the Red Sea event in the minds of that generation, solidifying His active presence among them as they enter their inheritance.

Joshua 3 14 Commentary

Joshua 3:14 captures a profound theological moment: the precise alignment of God's promise with Israel's obedient movement. The seemingly mundane act of breaking camp becomes an act of profound faith because of what, and who, goes before them. The priests, representing holiness and access to God, carry the Ark, the tangible symbol of God's covenant presence and absolute sovereignty. This placement, at the very vanguard of the marching nation, is crucial. It proclaims that it is God, not human strength or strategy, who opens the impassable path of the Jordan River.

This verse speaks of transition from the past to the future, from reliance on old provisions to new challenges and blessings. It's an affirmation of God's faithfulness, reminding Israel that the same God who miraculously parted the Red Sea will make a way through the Jordan. It also elevates Joshua's leadership, confirming his authority through God's visible work. For believers, this serves as a powerful reminder that God leads His people into new territories and challenges, always going before them, clearing obstacles, and fulfilling His promises, requiring their obedience and trust. This pattern finds spiritual resonance in how Christ, our great High Priest, goes before us, making a way to new life and promises through His finished work.