John Calvin Commentary Joshua 3:1

"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)

And Joshua rose early, etc. We must remember, as I previously explained, that Joshua did not move his camp until the day after the spies had returned. After hearing their report, he gave orders through the officers that they should collect their supplies, for three days later they were to cross the Jordan. His rising in the morning, therefore, does not refer simply to their return, but rather to the issuing of his proclamation. When the three days were completed, the officers were again sent through the camp to inform the people of the method of crossing.

Although these events are mentioned separately, it is easy to follow the thread of the narrative. But before it was publicly announced how he was to open a way for the people, the crowd spread out on the riverbank was exposed to some degree of confusion.

It is true there were fords by which the Jordan could be crossed. But the waters were then swollen and had overflowed, so that they could easily prevent even men entirely without baggage from crossing. Therefore, there was no hope that women and children, with the animals and the rest of the baggage, could be transported to the other bank. That they calmly wait for the outcome in such apparently desperate circumstances—an outcome that was doubtful and incomprehensible to them—is an example of faithful obedience. This proved how unlike they were to their fathers, who, on the slightest occasions, gave way to unrest and railed against the Lord and against Moses. This change was not produced without the special agency of the Holy Spirit.