Josh. 3 Joshua comes with the Israelites to Jordan, Josh. 3:1. The officers instruct the people and priests for the passage, Josh. 3:2–6. God encourages Joshua, and he encourageth the people, giving therefore a sign the dividing the waters of Jordan till the ark and people should pass over, Josh.

In the morning; not after the return of the spies, as may seem at first view; but after the three days, as it follows, Josh. 3:2. Lodged there that night, that they might go over in the day time; partly that the miracle might be more evident and unquestionable; and partly to strike the greater…

After three days; either, 1. At the end of the three days mentioned Josh. 1:11, or upon the last of them, as this phrase is used. See Poole “Deut. 16:1”. Or, 2. After those days were expired. See Poole “Josh. 1:11”.

They commanded the people, in Joshua’s name, and by his authority. The priests the Levites, who were not only Levites, but priests also. For although the Levites were to carry the ark, Num. 4:0, yet the priests might perform that office, and did so upon some solemn occasions, as here, and Josh.

Two thousand cubits make a thousand yards, and at which distance from it the Israelites seem to have been encamped in the wilderness. And because they generally went from their tents to the ark to worship God, especially on the sabbath days, hence it hath been conceived that a sabbath day’s journey…

Joshua said, or rather had said, to wit, the day before their passage; for it follows, to-morrow. Sanctify yourselves, both in soul and body, that you may be meet to receive such a favour, and with more attention and reverence observe and ponder this great work, and fix it in your hearts and…

Take up the ark, to wit, upon your shoulders; for so they were to carry it, Num. 7:9. Before the people; not in the middle of them, as you used to do.

i.e. To gain thee authority and reputation among them, as the person whom I have set in Moses’s stead, and by whom I will conduct them to the possession of the promised land.

To the brink, Heb. to the extremity; so far as the river then spread itself, which was now more than ordinary, Josh. 3:5. In Jordan; within the waters of Jordan, in the first entrance into the river; where they stood for a season, till the river was divided, and then they went into the midst of it,…

Come hither, to the ark or tabernacle, the place of public assemblies, and hear the words of the Lord your God; who is now about to give a proof that he is both the Lord, the omnipotent Governor of heaven and earth, and all creatures; and your God, in covenant with you, having a tender care and…

Hereby ye shall know, to wit, by experience and sensible evidence. The living God; not a dull, dead, senseless, and unactive god, such as the gods of the nations are; but a God of life, and power, and activity, to watch over you, and work for you.

Into part of the river.

Take you twelve men, for the work described, Josh. 4:2–3.

As soon as the soles of the feet of the priests shall rest in the waters of Jordan; that so it may appear that this is the Lord’s doing, and that in pursuance and for the accomplishment of his covenant made with Israel.

Which is also noted 1 Chron. 12:15; Sir 24:26, and by Aristoeas in the History of the LXX. Interpreters. This is meant not of the wheat harvest, but of the barley harvest, (which was before it, Ruth 1:22, 2 Sam. 21:9) as is manifest from their keeping of the passover at their first entrance, Josh.

The waters rose up upon an heap; which having been affirmed by heathen writers to have been done by magicians, it is great impudence to disbelieve or doubt of God’s power to do it.

Stood firm, i.e. in one and the same place and posture; their feet neither moved by any waters flowing in upon them, nor sinking into any mire, which one might think was at the bottom of the river.