King James Version
What Does Joshua 4:17 Mean?
“Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.”
Context
15
And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
16
Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.
17
Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.
18
And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before. lifted: Heb. plucked up flowed: Heb. went
19
And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**2-8. also the Lord hath said--**should be "for the Lord hath said" thou shalt not go over this Jordan. While taking a solemn leave of the people, Moses exhorted them not to be intimidated by the menacing opposition of enemies; to take encouragement from the continued presence of their covenanted God; and to rest assured that the same divine power, which had enabled them to discomfit their first assailants on the east of Jordan, would aid them not less effectually in the adventurous enterprise which they were about to undertake, and by which they would obtain possession of "the land which He had sworn unto their fathers to give them."
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Joshua 4:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Joshua 4:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge