CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 4:16 "Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/06_Jos_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 4:16 - Twelve Stones from the Jordan" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/joshua/4-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/joshua/4-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/4-15.htm" title="Joshua 4:15">◄</a> Joshua 4:16 <a href="/joshua/4-17.htm" title="Joshua 4:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/joshua/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/joshua/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant law to come up out of the Jordan.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Command the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to come up out of the riverbed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Command the priests bearing the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Command the priests who bear the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony that they come up from the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony that they come up from the Jordan.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony that they come up from the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony that they come up from the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Order the priests carrying the ark of the Testimony to come up out of the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come up from the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come up from the Jordan.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Order the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come out of the Jordan River."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />to command the priests carrying the Covenant Box to come up out of the Jordan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Command the priests who carry the Ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan River."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Instruct the priests carrying the ark of the covenantal laws to come up from the Jordan."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, that they come up out of the Jordan.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Command the priests carrying the Ark of the Testimony, and they come up out of the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Command the priests bearing the ark of the testimony, and they come up out of the Jordan.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Command the priests lifting up the ark of the testimony, and they shall come up out of Jordan.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Command the priests, that carry the ark of the covenant, to come up out of the Jordan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“Command the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant to ascend from the Jordan.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant to come up from the Jordan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, to come up out of the Jordan.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“Command the Priests who bear the ark of the testimony and they shall offer up from within the Jordan.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Charge the priests that bear the ark of the covenant of the testimony of the Lord, to go up out of Jordan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=771" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/4.htm">Twelve Stones from the Jordan</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Then the LORD said to Joshua, <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣaw·wêh (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">“Command</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hă·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: nō·śə·’ê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">who carry</a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: ’ă·rō·wn (N-csc) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark</a> <a href="/hebrew/5715.htm" title="5715: hā·‘ê·ḏūṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Testimony. Feminine of ed; testimony.">of the Testimony</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: wə·ya·‘ă·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">to come up</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">the Jordan.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21-22</a></span><br />Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/3-13.htm">Joshua 3:13-17</a></span><br />When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—touch down in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.” / So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. / Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-8.htm">2 Kings 2:8</a></span><br />And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/114-3.htm">Psalm 114:3</a></span><br />The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-16.htm">Isaiah 43:16</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-29.htm">Hebrews 11:29</a></span><br />By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-1.htm">1 Corinthians 10:1-2</a></span><br />I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-8.htm">Exodus 15:8</a></span><br />At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up; like a wall the currents stood firm; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-11.htm">Nehemiah 9:11</a></span><br />You divided the sea before them, and they crossed through it on dry ground. You hurled their pursuers into the depths like a stone into raging waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-6.htm">Psalm 66:6</a></span><br />He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-10.htm">Isaiah 51:10</a></span><br />Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-36.htm">Acts 7:36</a></span><br />He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-29.htm">Exodus 14:29</a></span><br />But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-14.htm">2 Kings 2:14</a></span><br />Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/77-16.htm">Psalm 77:16</a></span><br />The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/3-3.htm">Joshua 3:3-6</a></b></br> And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/25-16.htm">Exodus 25:16-22</a></b></br> And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/11-19.htm">Revelation 11:19</a></b></br> And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/4-11.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/joshua/3-13.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/joshua/4-3.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/joshua/3-15.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/joshua/4-3.htm">Command</a> <a href="/joshua/4-10.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/joshua/3-8.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/joshua/4-11.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-18.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-28.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/4-18.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/joshua/6-4.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/joshua/6-8.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/joshua/6-4.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/joshua/6-8.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/joshua/11-15.htm">Command</a> <a href="/joshua/4-17.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/joshua/4-17.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/joshua/4-17.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/ruth/4-7.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/joshua/22-27.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/4-1.htm">Twelve men are appointed to take twelve memorial stones from Jordan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Twelve other stones are set up in the midst of Jordan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/4-10.htm">The people pass over</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/4-14.htm">God magnifies Joshua</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/4-15.htm">The priests commanded to come out of Jordan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/4-20.htm">The twelve stones are pitched in Gilgal</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Command the priests</b><br>In the context of ancient Israel, priests held a significant role as mediators between God and the people. They were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The command given here highlights the authority of Joshua as the leader of Israel, following the death of Moses. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as the priests were to act according to divine direction.<p><b>who carry the ark of the Testimony</b><br>The Ark of the Testimony, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, was a sacred chest that contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolized God's presence and covenant with Israel. The priests carrying the Ark signifies the centrality of God's law and presence in the life of the nation. The Ark's movement across the Jordan River is reminiscent of the crossing of the Red Sea, symbolizing a new beginning for Israel in the Promised Land.<p><b>to come up from the Jordan</b><br>The Jordan River was a significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites. Crossing it marked the transition from the wilderness wanderings to entering the Promised Land. The command for the priests to come up from the Jordan signifies the completion of this miraculous crossing, facilitated by God's power. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The act of coming up from the Jordan can be seen as a type of resurrection or new life, prefiguring the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new life believers have in Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/priests.htm">Priests</a></b><br>The Levitical priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence among His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ark_of_the_testimony.htm">Ark of the Testimony</a></b><br>Also known as the Ark of the Covenant, it contained the tablets of the Law and symbolized God's covenant with Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jordan_river.htm">Jordan River</a></b><br>The river that the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, a significant event marking the fulfillment of God's promise.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were entering the land promised to their forefathers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>Joshua's directive to the priests underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely. In our lives, we are called to obey God's Word, trusting in His guidance and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_ark.htm">Symbolism of the Ark</a></b><br>The Ark of the Testimony represents God's presence and covenant. As believers, we are reminded that God's presence is with us through the Holy Spirit, guiding and empowering us in our journey of faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>The crossing of the Jordan required faith from both the priests and the people. We are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting that God will make a way even when circumstances seem insurmountable.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>Joshua's leadership exemplifies the responsibility of guiding others in obedience to God. Whether in family, church, or community, we are called to lead by example, pointing others to Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/remembrance_of_god's_faithfulness.htm">Remembrance of God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>The event at the Jordan serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. We are encouraged to remember and recount God's past faithfulness as a foundation for trusting Him in the present and future.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_you_find_peace_and_remain_still.htm">What did the Ark of the Covenant contain?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_key_events_in_joshua's_life.htm">What are key events in Joshua's life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_joshua_4_18_defy_science.htm">Joshua 4:18: Does the river's instantaneous return defy known natural processes, suggesting a contradiction with scientific norms?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_insist_on_one_worship_site_in_deut._12_5.htm">In Deuteronomy 12:5, why does the text insist on a single worship location when Israel's central sanctuary seems to have varied or been established later in Jerusalem?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Command the priests . . . that they come up out of Jordan.</span>--Observe that the removal of the priests and the ark of the covenant from their station in Jordan is made the subject of a distinct section, and treated as a distinct event. It <span class= "ital">need </span>not have been so for the purpose of the mere historical narrative. We might have taken it for granted. But the significance of the event is so marked as to receive a separate notice. We are not suffered to forget by what means Jordan was driven back, and held in check; and the check was not meant to be perpetual. We are reminded that the suspension of the power of death for men has its limits. When the day of grace is over, the waters will "return unto their place and flow over all the banks as before." (Comp. <a href="/context/isaiah/28-16.htm" title="Therefore thus said the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste.">Isaiah 28:16-18</a>; <a href="/isaiah/28-20.htm" title="For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.">Isaiah 28:20</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The testimony.</span> The word <span class="hebrew">עֵדוּת</span> though derived from the same root as <span class="hebrew">עֵד</span> witness, would seem rather to have the sense of <span class="accented">precept</span>, from the idea of repetition contained in the root. Compare the well known Hebrew particle <span class="hebrew">עוד</span> again. It must refer to the two tables of the law which (<a href="/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4</a>) were placed in the ark (see <a href="/deuteronomy/10-5.htm">Deuteronomy 10:5</a>, and comp. <a href="/exodus/25-16.htm">Exodus 25:16, 21, 40</a>, <a href="/numbers/17-10.htm">Numbers 17:10</a>, where this is said to be the testimony). Other things were placed in the ark, such as the manna, Aaron's rod, and these, no doubt, were for a witness to the facts of the Mosaic record. The LXX., however, consistently render this word by <span class="greek">μαρτύρια μαρτύριον</span>. The Vulgate here has <span class="accented">arcam foederis.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Command</span><br /><span class="heb">צַוֵּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ṣaw·wêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the priests</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·hă·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who carry</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹשְׂאֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(nō·śə·’ê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ark</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲר֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chest, ark</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Testimony</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵד֑וּת</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ê·ḏūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5715.htm">Strong's 5715: </a> </span><span class="str2">Testimony</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to come up</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיַעֲל֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ya·‘ă·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="heb">מִן־</span> <span class="translit">(min-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Jordan.”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yar·dên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/4-16.htm">Joshua 4:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/4-16.htm">OT History: Joshua 4:16 Command the priests who bear the ark (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 4:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>