The Priests Leave and the Jordan Returns
The priests come up, and the Jordan resumes its course.
Joshua 4:15-18 (BSB)
15Then the LORD said to Joshua,
16“Command the priests who carry the ark of the Testimony to come up from the Jordan.”
17So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.”
18When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD came up out of the Jordan and their feet touched the dry land, the waters of the Jordan returned to their course and overflowed all the banks as before.
What is the big idea of Joshua 4:15-18?
The priests come up, and the Jordan resumes its course.
Understanding the Big Idea
The Lord tells Joshua to summon the priests from the Jordan, and the waters return as their feet reach dry land. The restored river marks the crossing as a bounded act of divine intervention.
How does Joshua 4:15-18 point to Christ?
The returning Jordan concludes a historical sign for Israel. Forgiveness and reconciliation with God rest instead on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The church may praise God's faithfulness without promising that nature will answer its commands as in this unique crossing.
Authorial Intent
The Lord tells Joshua to call the ark-bearing priests out of the Jordan, and the waters return to flood stage when their feet reach dry ground.
Literary Context
All Israel has crossed while the priests remained with the ark in the river. Their commanded departure and the returning waters close the crossing before Joshua sets up the memorial at Gilgal.
Historical Context
All Israel has crossed, but the priests with the ark still occupy the dry riverbed. The Jordan is normally overflowing at this season.
Chapter: Joshua 4
Memorial Stones and the Witness of the Jordan Crossing
God’s saving acts must be remembered, taught, and handed down so His people fear Him and the nations know His mighty hand.