Joshua 4 17

Joshua 4:17 kjv

Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.

Joshua 4:17 nkjv

Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, "Come up from the Jordan."

Joshua 4:17 niv

So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan."

Joshua 4:17 esv

So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan."

Joshua 4:17 nlt

So Joshua gave the command.

Joshua 4 verses

Joshua 4 17 Meaning

This verse records Joshua's command to the priests to ascend from the Jordan River bed. It marks the culmination of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan, signaling the moment when the waters, which had been supernaturally held back, would resume their natural flow. It underscores the precise and timely execution of God's command and the priests' pivotal role in demonstrating the Lord's power to bring Israel into the Promised Land.

Joshua 4 17 Context

Joshua 4:17 occurs immediately after the Israelite nation has fully passed through the miraculously dry bed of the Jordan River. The preceding chapter, Joshua 3, describes the precise instructions from the Lord for the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant to step into the Jordan, at flood stage, for the waters to be cut off upstream, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. Chapter 4 continues this narrative, detailing the Lord's command to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan to serve as a memorial. This verse marks the completion of the main event; with all Israel safely on the west bank, Joshua gives the final command for the priests to leave their stationary position, after which the waters immediately returned to their place, overflowing as before. Historically, this crossing demonstrated Yahweh's power over creation, established Joshua's leadership, and signified the beginning of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, marking the end of their wilderness wanderings.

Joshua 4 17 Word analysis

• Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ - Yehoshua): The leader chosen by God to succeed Moses (Num 27:18-23; Deut 34:9). His name means "The LORD is salvation" or "Yahweh saves," foreshadowing his role in leading Israel into the Promised Land. This miracle establishes his divinely endorsed authority before all Israel, validating him as the one God speaks through.
• therefore commanded (וַיְצַו - vay'tzav): The Hebrew verb emphasizes direct, authoritative instruction. It highlights Joshua's position as God's instrument; he is not acting on his own initiative but relaying a divine command (cf. Josh 4:1). This underscores his obedient leadership and God's sovereign control over every detail.
• the priests (אֶת-הַכֹּהֲנִים - et-hakko'hanim): Specifically the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. Their sacred role as mediators and carriers of God's presence (Num 4) is highlighted. Their immediate obedience, standing steadfast in the dry riverbed until all had passed, reflects their commitment and faithfulness in a moment of great national significance.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lemor): A standard Hebrew particle indicating direct speech is about to follow. It formally introduces the specific command given.
• Come ye up (עֲלוּ - alu): An imperative verb, commanding action, specifically "to ascend" or "to go up." It denotes movement from a lower elevation (the riverbed) to a higher one (the bank). Spiritually, it signifies completing a phase and entering into the next, marked by God's leading.
• out of (מִן - min): A preposition indicating separation or departure "from" a place. It defines the point of origin for the priests' ascent.
• Jordan (הַיַּרְדֵּן - haYarden): The Jordan River. Its name means "the descender," referring to its rapid fall from Mount Hermon to the Dead Sea. It was at flood stage, making the crossing humanly impossible, thus magnifying the divine miracle. It served as a symbolic barrier between the wilderness and the Promised Land, representing a transition from wandering to inheritance.

Words-group analysis:

• Joshua therefore commanded the priests: This phrase emphasizes Joshua's authority derived from God, and the obedience of the religious leaders. It's a testament to the integrated leadership—spiritual and military—acting in harmony under divine direction, ensuring God's plan is carried out.
• Come ye up out of Jordan: This succinct command marks the end of the supernatural intervention. As the priests carrying the Ark, the visible sign of God's presence, depart the riverbed, the purpose of the miracle is fulfilled. The prompt return of the waters confirms that the stopping was entirely miraculous and specifically tied to the Ark's presence.

Joshua 4 17 Bonus section

The crossing of the Jordan River at flood stage, at the very point the priests' feet touched the water, functions as a powerful re-affirmation of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness and His power, echoing the miraculous Red Sea crossing. It serves as a pedagogical event, teaching both Israel and the Canaanite nations that the Lord is the true God (Josh 3:10-11, 4:24). The priests standing in the riverbed can be understood as intercessors or conduits, facilitating the miraculous path. Their prompt "coming up" upon command showcases a disciplined, God-centered army and leadership, ready to move according to divine signals. The entire event, culminating in this simple command and its immediate effect, profoundly underscored Joshua's prophetic role and God's active presence with His people.

Joshua 4 17 Commentary

Joshua 4:17 serves as the concise divine prompt that concludes the dramatic Jordan crossing. Joshua's command to the priests, "Come ye up out of Jordan," is the final necessary action that allows God's power display to recede. Their faithful stance in the dry riverbed, bearing the Ark of the Covenant, held the river back. Their departure, therefore, marked the immediate and visible return of the Jordan's waters, confirming the divine control exercised during the entire event. This highlights God's sovereignty over nature, His meticulous timing, and the importance of human obedience—particularly the obedience of spiritual leaders—in enacting His redemptive plans. The entire event was designed not only to bring Israel into Canaan but also to strengthen their faith and instill fear of God among the surrounding nations (Josh 5:1).