Albert Barnes Commentary Joshua 3
Albert Barnes Commentary
Joshua 3
Albert Barnes Commentary
Joshua 3
"And Joshua rose up early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel; and they lodged there before they passed over." — Joshua 3:1 (ASV)
“The acacia groves” (Exodus 25:5 note) of Shittim on both sides of Jordan line the upper terraces of the valley (compare 2 Kings 6:4). They would be in this part at some six miles distance from the river itself.
"And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the midst of the camp;" — Joshua 3:2 (ASV)
These days (Joshua 1:11 note) were no doubt occupied in preparations of various kinds. The host consisted not of armed men only, but of women and children also; and many arrangements would be necessary before they actually advanced into a hostile country.
"Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore." — Joshua 3:4 (ASV)
The ark, which had been the special shrine and seat of God’s presence since the covenant was made, went ahead to show the people that God, through it, was their leader. They were to follow at a distance so that they could better observe and mark how the miracle was accomplished. They would do this to the greatest advantage while coming down the heights, the ark going on ahead of them into the ravine.
"And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people." — Joshua 3:6 (ASV)
They took up - that is, on the day following. The course of events is anticipated.
"And Jehovah said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee." — Joshua 3:7 (ASV)
This day will I begin to magnify thee — One reason why the miracle about to be described was performed is suggested here. Just as Moses was declared to be sent directly from God with an extraordinary commission by the miracles he performed, especially that of dividing the Red Sea into two parts, so Joshua was both sent and accredited in a similar manner. (Compare Joshua 1:5 and Joshua 4:14.) Other reasons are given in Joshua 3:10; Joshua 5:1.
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