Apologetics Bible
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Joshua documents the conquest and settlement of Canaan under Joshua ben Nun (c. 1406-1380 BC on the early date, c. 1220-1200 BC on the late date). Archaeological evidence — including the Jericho debate (Kathleen Kenyon vs. Bryant Wood), the Hazor stratum, and the Amarna letters referencing 'Habiru' incursions — informs ongoing historical reassessment.
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Connected primary witness
- Connected ID:
Joshua_3
- Primary Witness Text: And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; 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. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan. And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the ...
Connected dataset overlay
- Connected ID:
Joshua_3
- Chapter Blob Preview: And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; 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...
Chapter frameStart here before opening notes.
Chapter frame
Joshua documents the conquest and settlement of Canaan under Joshua ben Nun (c. 1406-1380 BC on the early date, c. 1220-1200 BC on the late date). Archaeological evidence — including the Jericho debate (Kathleen Kenyon vs. Bryant Wood), the Hazor stratum, and the Amarna letters referencing 'Habiru' incursions — informs ongoing historical reassessment.
Theologically, Joshua typifies Christ: the Hebrew name Yehoshua is the same name as Jesus (Iēsous in LXX), and the rest that Joshua gave anticipated the greater rest of Hebrews 4. The Rahab narrative introduces the scarlet cord as a sign of redemption — a type richly explored in later typological interpretation.
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Joshua 3:1
Hebrew
וַיַּשְׁכֵּם יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בַּבֹּקֶר וַיִּסְעוּ מֵֽהַשִׁטִּים וַיָּבֹאוּ עַד־הַיַּרְדֵּן הוּא וְכָל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיָּלִנוּ שָׁם טֶרֶם יַעֲבֹֽרוּ׃vayashekhem-yehvoshu'a-vavoqer-vayise'v-mehashitiym-vayavo'v-'ad-hayareden-hv'-vekhal-veney-yishera'el-vayalinv-sham-terem-ya'avorv
KJV: And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
AKJV: And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
ASV: 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.
YLT: And Joshua riseth early in the morning, and they journey from Shittim, and come in unto the Jordan, he and all the sons of Israel, and they lodge there before they pass over.
Exposition: Joshua 3:1 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:2
Hebrew
וַיְהִי מִקְצֵה שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים וַיַּעַבְרוּ הַשֹּׁטְרִים בְּקֶרֶב הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃vayehiy-miqetzeh-sheloshet-yamiym-vaya'averv-hashoteriym-veqerev-hamachaneh
KJV: And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;
AKJV: And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;
ASV: And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the midst of the camp;
YLT: And it cometh to pass, at the end of three days, that the authorities pass over into the midst of the camp,
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:2Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:2
Verse 2 After three days - These three days are probably to be thus understood: As soon as Joshua took the command of the army, he sent the spies to ascertain the state of Jericho; as we have seen Jos 1:12. They returned at the end of three days, or rather on the third day, and made their report. It was at this time, immediately on the return of the spies, that he made the proclamation mentioned here; in consequence of which the people immediately struck their tents, and marched forward to Jordan.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:2
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Jericho
- Jordan
Exposition: Joshua 3:2 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:3
Hebrew
וַיְצַוּוּ אֶת־הָעָם לֵאמֹר כִּרְאֽוֹתְכֶם אֵת אֲרוֹן בְּרִית־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם נֹשְׂאִים אֹתוֹ וְאַתֶּם תִּסְעוּ מִמְּקוֹמְכֶם וַהֲלַכְתֶּם אַחֲרָֽיו׃vayetzavv-'et-ha'am-le'mor-khire'votekhem-'et-'arvon-veriyt-yehvah-'eloheykhem-vehakhohaniym-haleviyim-noshe'iym-'otvo-ve'atem-tise'v-mimeqvomekhem-vahalakhetem-'acharayv
KJV: 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.
AKJV: And they commanded the people, saying, When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then you shall remove from your place, and go after it.
ASV: and they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
YLT: and command the people, saying, `When ye see the ark of the covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then ye journey from your place, and have gone after it;
Commentary Witness (Generated)Joshua 3:3Generated editorial synthesis
Commentary Witness (Generated)
Joshua 3:3
Joshua 3:3 advances the immediate literary flow of the chapter and should be interpreted in its canonical context, not as an isolated proof text. In the present translation it reads: '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.'. A close Hebrew reading supports attention to key lexical choices, clause movement, and redemptive-historical placement so doctrinal conclusions remain textually grounded.
Provenance. Rendered as an editorial synthesis tied to the canonical verse context and current chapter source.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:3
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Biblical cross-references named in the witness
- Joshua 3:3
Exposition: Joshua 3:3 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: '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.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:4
Hebrew
אַךְ ׀ רָחוֹק יִהְיֶה בֵּֽינֵיכֶם ובינו וּבֵינָיו כְּאַלְפַּיִם אַמָּה בַּמִּדָּה אַֽל־תִּקְרְבוּ אֵלָיו לְמַעַן אֲשֶׁר־תֵּֽדְעוּ אֶת־הַדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר תֵּֽלְכוּ־בָהּ כִּי לֹא עֲבַרְתֶּם בַּדֶּרֶךְ מִתְּמוֹל שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם׃'akhe- -rachvoq-yiheyeh-veyneykhem-vvynv-vveynayv-khe'alefayim-'amah-vamidah-'al-tiqerevv-'elayv-lema'an-'asher-tede'v-'et-haderekhe-'asher-telekhv-vah-khiy-lo'-'avaretem-vaderekhe-mitemvol-shileshvom
KJV: Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
AKJV: Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near to it, that you may know the way by which you must go: for you have not passed this way heretofore.
ASV: Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
YLT: only, a distance is between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure; ye do not come near unto it, so that ye know the way in which ye go, for ye have not passed over in the way heretofore.'
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:4Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:4
Verse 4 About two thousand cubits - This distance they were to keep, 1. For the greater respect, because the presence of the ark was the symbol and pledge of the Divine presence. 2. That the ark, which was to be their pilot over these waters, might be the more conspicuous which it could not have been had the people crowded upon it.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:4
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Exposition: Joshua 3:4 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:5
Hebrew
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁעַ אֶל־הָעָם הִתְקַדָּשׁוּ כִּי מָחָר יַעֲשֶׂה יְהוָה בְּקִרְבְּכֶם נִפְלָאֽוֹת׃vayo'mer-yehvoshu'a-'el-ha'am-hiteqadashv-khiy-machar-ya'asheh-yehvah-veqirevekhem-nifela'vot
KJV: And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
AKJV: And Joshua said to the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
ASV: And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves; for to-morrow Jehovah will do wonders among you.
YLT: And Joshua saith unto the people, `Sanctify yourselves, for to-morrow doth Jehovah do in your midst wonders.'
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:5Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:5
Verse 5 Sanctify yourselves - What was implied in this command we are not informed; but it is likely that it was the same as that given by Moses, Exo 19:10-14. They were to wash themselves and their garments, and abstain from every thing that might indispose their minds from a profitable attention to the miracle about to be wrought in their behalf.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:5
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Moses
Exposition: Joshua 3:5 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:6
Hebrew
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁעַ אֶל־הַכֹּהֲנִים לֵאמֹר שְׂאוּ אֶת־אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית וְעִבְרוּ לִפְנֵי הָעָם וַיִּשְׂאוּ אֶת־אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית וַיֵּלְכוּ לִפְנֵי הָעָֽם׃vayo'mer-yehvoshu'a-'el-hakhohaniym-le'mor-she'v-'et-'arvon-haveriyt-ve'iverv-lifeney-ha'am-vayishe'v-'et-'arvon-haveriyt-vayelekhv-lifeney-ha'am
KJV: And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.
AKJV: And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. ¶
ASV: And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.
YLT: And Joshua speaketh unto the priests, saying, `Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people;' and they take up the ark of the covenant, and go before the people.
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:6Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:6
Verse 6 Spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark - It is remarkable that the priests, not the Levites, whose ordinary business it was were employed to carry the ark on this occasion. Calmet conjectures that this was because it was probably carried without being wrapped up in its curtains, as it always was when the Levites carried it. Though it was the business of the Levites, the sons of Kohath, to carry the ark; yet on certain occasions the priests alone performed this office. 1. In the present case. 2. When they encompassed Jericho, Jos 6:6. 3. When it was carried to the war against the Philistines by the priests, the sons of Eli, 2Sam 15:25. 4. When David sent it back to Jerusalem, at the time he was obliged to fly from it, through the rebellion of his son Absalom, 2Sam 15:25; and, 5. At the time that it was taken out of the tabernacle, to be deposited in the temple; see 1Kgs 8:6-11. These were the most solemn occasions, and on such alone, we may presume, the priests performed this office instead of the Levites. In all their former marches the ark was carried in the center of this immense camp; (see the scheme at the end of Num 2:2 (note) of the book of Numbers); but now it was to proceed at the head of the army, and to go before them, and at such a distance, about three quarters of a mile, that the whole camp might see it as their guide.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:6
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Biblical cross-references named in the witness
- 2Sam 15:25
- 1Kgs 8:6-11
- Num 2:2
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Levites
- Kohath
- Jericho
- Eli
- Jerusalem
- Absalom
Exposition: Joshua 3:6 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:7
Hebrew
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־יְהוֹשֻׁעַ הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה אָחֵל גַּדֶּלְךָ בְּעֵינֵי כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר יֵֽדְעוּן כִּי כַּאֲשֶׁר הָיִיתִי עִם־מֹשֶׁה אֶהְיֶה עִמָּֽךְ׃vayo'mer-yehvah-'el-yehvoshu'a-hayvom-hazeh-'achel-gadelekha-ve'eyney-khal-yishera'el-'asher-yede'vn-khiy-kha'asher-hayiytiy-'im-mosheh-'eheyeh-'imakhe
KJV: And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.
AKJV: And the LORD said to Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
ASV: And Jehovah said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.
YLT: And Jehovah saith unto Joshua, `This day I begin to make thee great in the eyes of all Israel, so that they know that as I was with Moses I am with thee;
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:7Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:7
Verse 7 This day will I begin to magnify thee - By making him the instrument in this miraculous passage, he did him honor and gave him high credit in the sight of the people: hence his authority was established, and obedience to him as their leader fully secured. What must have confirmed this authority was, his circumstantially foretelling how the waters should be cut off as soon as the feet of the priests had touched them, Jos 3:13. This demonstrated that the secret of the Lord was with him.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:7
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Exposition: Joshua 3:7 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:8
Hebrew
וְאַתָּה תְּצַוֶּה אֶת־הַכֹּהֲנִים נֹשְׂאֵי אֲרֽוֹן־הַבְּרִית לֵאמֹר כְּבֹאֲכֶם עַד־קְצֵה מֵי הַיַּרְדֵּן בַּיַּרְדֵּן תַּעֲמֹֽדוּ׃ve'atah-tetzaveh-'et-hakhohaniym-noshe'ey-'arvon-haveriyt-le'mor-khevo'akhem-'ad-qetzeh-mey-hayareden-vayareden-ta'amodv
KJV: And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.
AKJV: And you shall command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When you are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, you shall stand still in Jordan. ¶
ASV: And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, ye shall stand still in the Jordan.
YLT: and thou, thou dost command the priests bearing the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye come unto the extremity of the waters of the Jordan--in the Jordan ye stand.'
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:8Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:8
Verse 8 Ye shall stand still in Jordan - The priests proceeded first with the ark, and entered into the bed of the river the course of which was immediately arrested, the waters collecting above the place where the priests stood, while the stream fell off towards the Dead Sea; so that the whole channel below where the priests were standing became dry. The whole camp, therefore, passed over below where the priests were standing, keeping at the distance of two thousand cubits from the ark; this they would readily do, as the whole bed of the river was dry for many miles below the place where the priests entered.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:8
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Dead Sea
Exposition: Joshua 3:8 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:9
Hebrew
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁעַ אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל גֹּשׁוּ הֵנָּה וְשִׁמְעוּ אֶת־דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃vayo'mer-yehvoshu'a-'el-veney-yishera'el-goshv-henah-veshime'v-'et-diverey-yehvah-'eloheykhem
KJV: And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
AKJV: And Joshua said to the children of Israel, Come here, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
ASV: And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of Jehovah your God.
YLT: And Joshua saith unto the sons of Israel, `Come nigh hither, and hear the words of Jehovah your God;
Commentary Witness (Generated)Joshua 3:9Generated editorial synthesis
Commentary Witness (Generated)
Joshua 3:9
Joshua 3:9 advances the immediate literary flow of the chapter and should be interpreted in its canonical context, not as an isolated proof text. In the present translation it reads: 'And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.'. A close Hebrew reading supports attention to key lexical choices, clause movement, and redemptive-historical placement so doctrinal conclusions remain textually grounded.
Provenance. Rendered as an editorial synthesis tied to the canonical verse context and current chapter source.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:9
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Biblical cross-references named in the witness
- Joshua 3:9
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Israel
Exposition: Joshua 3:9 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:10
Hebrew
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בְּזֹאת תֵּֽדְעוּן כִּי אֵל חַי בְּקִרְבְּכֶם וְהוֹרֵשׁ יוֹרִישׁ מִפְּנֵיכֶם אֶת־הַכְּנַעֲנִי וְאֶת־הַחִתִּי וְאֶת־הַחִוִּי וְאֶת־הַפְּרִזִּי וְאֶת־הַגִּרְגָּשִׁי וְהָאֱמֹרִי וְהַיְבוּסִֽי׃vayo'mer-yehvoshu'a-vezo't-tede'vn-khiy-'el-chay-veqirevekhem-vehvoresh-yvoriysh-mifeneykhem-'et-hakhena'aniy-ve'et-hachitiy-ve'et-hachiviy-ve'et-haferiziy-ve'et-hagiregashiy-veha'emoriy-vehayevvsiy
KJV: And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.
AKJV: And Joshua said, Hereby you shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.
ASV: And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Hivite, and the Perizzite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Jebusite.
YLT: and Joshua saith, `By this ye know that the living God is in your midst, and He doth certainly dispossess from before you the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Hivite, and the Perizzite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Jebusite:
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:10Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:10
Verse 10 Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you - The Israelites were apt to be discouraged, and to faint at even the appearance of danger; it was necessary, therefore, that they should have the fullest assurance of the presence and assistance of God in the important enterprise on which they were now entering. They are to combat idolaters, who have nothing to trust in and help them but gods of wood, stone, and metal: whereas they are to have the living God in the midst of them - He who is the author of life and of being - who can give, or take it away, at his pleasure; and who by this miracle proved that he had undertaken to guide and defend them: and Joshua makes this manifestation of God the proof that he will drive out the Hittites, Hivites, etc, before them. With regard to the situation of each of these nations in the land of Canaan, Calmet remarks, that those called Canaanites chiefly inhabited what is called Phoenicia, the environs of Tyre and Sidon: the Hittites occupied the mountains, southward of the promised land: the Hivites dwelt by Ebal and Gerizim, Sichem and Gibeon, towards the mountains of Hermon: the Perizzites were probably not a distinct nation or tribe, but rather villagers, scattered through the country in general: the Girgashites possessed the country beyond the Jordan, towards the lake of Gennesareth: the Jebusites possessed Jerusalem: and the Amorites occupied the mountainous country in the vicinity of the western part of the Dead Sea, and also that part of the land of Moab which the Israelites conquered from Sihon and Og.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:10
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Hittites
- Hivites
- Canaan
- Phoenicia
- Sidon
- Gerizim
- Gibeon
- Hermon
- Jordan
- Gennesareth
- Jerusalem
- Dead Sea
- Og
Exposition: Joshua 3:10 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashite...'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:11
Hebrew
הִנֵּה אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית אֲדוֹן כָּל־הָאָרֶץ עֹבֵר לִפְנֵיכֶם בַּיַּרְדֵּֽן׃hineh-'arvon-haveriyt-'advon-khal-ha'aretz-'over-lifeneykhem-vayareden
KJV: Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.
AKJV: Behold, the ark of the covenant of the LORD of all the earth passes over before you into Jordan.
ASV: Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into the Jordan.
YLT: lo, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is passing over before you into Jordan;
Commentary Witness (Generated)Joshua 3:11Generated editorial synthesis
Commentary Witness (Generated)
Joshua 3:11
Joshua 3:11 advances the immediate literary flow of the chapter and should be interpreted in its canonical context, not as an isolated proof text. In the present translation it reads: 'Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.'. A close Hebrew reading supports attention to key lexical choices, clause movement, and redemptive-historical placement so doctrinal conclusions remain textually grounded.
Provenance. Rendered as an editorial synthesis tied to the canonical verse context and current chapter source.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:11
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Biblical cross-references named in the witness
- Joshua 3:11
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Behold
- Jordan
Exposition: Joshua 3:11 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:12
Hebrew
וְעַתָּה קְחוּ לָכֶם שְׁנֵי עָשָׂר אִישׁ מִשִּׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אִישׁ־אֶחָד אִישׁ־אֶחָד לַשָּֽׁבֶט׃ve'atah-qechv-lakhem-sheney-'ashar-'iysh-mishivetey-yishera'el-'iysh-'echad-'iysh-'echad-lashavet
KJV: Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
AKJV: Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
ASV: Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, for every tribe a man.
YLT: and now, take for you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, one man--one man for a tribe;
Commentary Witness (Generated)Joshua 3:12Generated editorial synthesis
Commentary Witness (Generated)
Joshua 3:12
Joshua 3:12 advances the immediate literary flow of the chapter and should be interpreted in its canonical context, not as an isolated proof text. In the present translation it reads: 'Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.'. A close Hebrew reading supports attention to key lexical choices, clause movement, and redemptive-historical placement so doctrinal conclusions remain textually grounded.
Provenance. Rendered as an editorial synthesis tied to the canonical verse context and current chapter source.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:12
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Biblical cross-references named in the witness
- Joshua 3:12
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Israel
Exposition: Joshua 3:12 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:13
Hebrew
וְהָיָה כְּנוֹחַ כַּפּוֹת רַגְלֵי הַכֹּהֲנִים נֹשְׂאֵי אֲרוֹן יְהוָה אֲדוֹן כָּל־הָאָרֶץ בְּמֵי הַיַּרְדֵּן מֵי הַיַּרְדֵּן יִכָּרֵתוּן הַמַּיִם הַיֹּרְדִים מִלְמָעְלָה וְיַעַמְדוּ נֵד אֶחָֽד׃vehayah-khenvocha-khafvot-rageley-hakhohaniym-noshe'ey-'arvon-yehvah-'advon-khal-ha'aretz-vemey-hayareden-mey-hayareden-yikharetvn-hamayim-hayorediym-milema'elah-veya'amedv-ned-'echad
KJV: And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
AKJV: And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand on an heap. ¶
ASV: And it shall come to pass, when the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of Jehovah, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, even the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand in one heap.
YLT: and it hath been, at the resting of the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of Jehovah, Lord of all the earth, in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan are cut off--the waters which are coming down from above--and they stand--one heap.'
Commentary Witness (Generated)Joshua 3:13Generated editorial synthesis
Commentary Witness (Generated)
Joshua 3:13
Joshua 3:13 advances the immediate literary flow of the chapter and should be interpreted in its canonical context, not as an isolated proof text. In the present translation it reads: 'And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.'. A close Hebrew reading supports attention to key lexical choices, clause movement, and redemptive-historical placement so doctrinal conclusions remain textually grounded.
Provenance. Rendered as an editorial synthesis tied to the canonical verse context and current chapter source.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:13
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Biblical cross-references named in the witness
- Joshua 3:13
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Jordan
Exposition: Joshua 3:13 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from...'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:14
Hebrew
וַיְהִי בִּנְסֹעַ הָעָם מֵאָהֳלֵיהֶם לַעֲבֹר אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן וְהַכֹּהֲנִים נֹֽשְׂאֵי הָאָרוֹן הַבְּרִית לִפְנֵי הָעָֽם׃vayehiy-vineso'a-ha'am-me'aholeyhem-la'avor-'et-hayareden-vehakhohaniym-noshe'ey-ha'arvon-haveriyt-lifeney-ha'am
KJV: And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;
AKJV: And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;
ASV: And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over the Jordan, the priests that bare the ark of the covenant being before the people;
YLT: And it cometh to pass, in the journeying of the people from their tents to pass over the Jordan, and of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people,
Commentary Witness (Generated)Joshua 3:14Generated editorial synthesis
Commentary Witness (Generated)
Joshua 3:14
Joshua 3:14 advances the immediate literary flow of the chapter and should be interpreted in its canonical context, not as an isolated proof text. In the present translation it reads: 'And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;'. A close Hebrew reading supports attention to key lexical choices, clause movement, and redemptive-historical placement so doctrinal conclusions remain textually grounded.
Provenance. Rendered as an editorial synthesis tied to the canonical verse context and current chapter source.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:14
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Biblical cross-references named in the witness
- Joshua 3:14
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Jordan
Exposition: Joshua 3:14 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:15
Hebrew
וּכְבוֹא נֹשְׂאֵי הָֽאָרוֹן עַד־הַיַּרְדֵּן וְרַגְלֵי הַכֹּֽהֲנִים נֹשְׂאֵי הָֽאָרוֹן נִטְבְּלוּ בִּקְצֵה הַמָּיִם וְהַיַּרְדֵּן מָלֵא עַל־כָּל־גְּדוֹתָיו כֹּל יְמֵי קָצִֽיר׃vkhevvo'-noshe'ey-ha'arvon-'ad-hayareden-verageley-hakhohaniym-noshe'ey-ha'arvon-nitevelv-viqetzeh-hamayim-vehayareden-male'-'al-khal-gedvotayv-khol-yemey-qatziyr
KJV: And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
AKJV: And as they that bore the ark were come to Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bore the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overflows all his banks all the time of harvest,)
ASV: and when they that bare the ark were come unto the Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (for the Jordan overfloweth all its banks all the time of harvest),
YLT: and at those bearing the ark coming in unto the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark have been dipped in the extremity of the waters (and the Jordan is full over all its banks all the days of harvest) --
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:15Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:15
Verse 15 And the feet of the priests - were dipped in the brim of the water - Thus we find that every thing occurred exactly in the way in which Joshua had foretold it. This must have greatly increased his credit among the people. For Jordan overfloweth all his banks, etc. - It has often been remarked that there was no need of a miracle in crossing Jordan, as it is but an inconsiderable stream, easily fordable, being but about twenty yards in breadth. But the circumstance marked here by the sacred historian proves that there was a time in the year, viz., in the harvest, that this said river overflowed its banks; and this is confirmed by another place in Scripture, 1Chr 12:15. As the miracle reported here took place about the beginning of April, a time in which rivers in general are less than in winter, it may be asked how there could be such an increase of waters at this time? The simple fact is, that the Jordan, as we have already seen, has its origin at the foot of Mount Lebanon, which mountain is always covered with snow during the winter months; in those months therefore the river is low: but when the summer's sun has melted these snows, there is consequently a prodigious increase of waters, so that the old channel is not capable of containing them; this accounts for the statement in the text that the Jordan overfloweth his banks all the time of harvest; and this was the time which God chose they should pass over it, that a miraculous interposition might be necessary, and that by the miracle they should be convinced of his omnipotence, who was not only their guide, but had promised to put them in possession of this good land.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:15
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Biblical cross-references named in the witness
- 1Chr 12:15
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Jordan
- Scripture
- April
- Mount Lebanon
Exposition: Joshua 3:15 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:16
Hebrew
וַיַּעַמְדוּ הַמַּיִם הַיֹּרְדִים מִלְמַעְלָה קָמוּ נֵד־אֶחָד הַרְחֵק מְאֹד באדם מֵֽאָדָם הָעִיר אֲשֶׁר מִצַּד צָֽרְתָן וְהַיֹּרְדִים עַל יָם הָעֲרָבָה יָם־הַמֶּלַח תַּמּוּ נִכְרָתוּ וְהָעָם עָבְרוּ נֶגֶד יְרִיחֽוֹ׃vaya'amedv-hamayim-hayorediym-milema'elah-qamv-ned-'echad-harecheq-me'od-v'dm-me'adam-ha'iyr-'asher-mitzad-tzaretan-vehayorediym-'al-yam-ha'aravah-yam-hamelach-tamv-nikheratv-veha'am-'averv-neged-yeriychvo
KJV: That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
AKJV: That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up on an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
ASV: that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
YLT: that the waters stand; those coming down from above have risen--one heap, very far above Adam the city, which is at the side of Zaretan; and those going down by the sea of the plain, the Salt Sea, have been completely cut off; and the people have passed through over-against Jericho;
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:16Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:16
Verse 16 Rose up upon a heap - That is, they continued to accumulate, filling up the whole of the channel toward the source, and the adjacent ground over which they were now spread, to a much greater depth, the power of God giving a contrary direction to the current. We need not suppose them to be gathered up like a mountain, instar montis, as the Vulgate expresses it, but that they continued to flow back in the course of the channel; and ere they could have reached the lake of Gennesareth, where they might have been easily accumulated, the whole Israelitish army would have all got safely to the opposite side. Very far from the city Adam - beside Zaretan - Where these places were it is difficult to say. The city Adam is wholly unknown. From 1Kgs 4:12 we learn that Zartanah was below Jezreel near Bethshean, or Scythopolis, and not far from Succoth, 1Kgs 7:46. And it appears from Gen 33:17, Jos 13:27, that Succoth lay on the east side of Jordan, not far from the lake of Gennesareth; and probably Adam was on the same side to the north of Succoth. It is probable that the Israelites crossed the Jordan near Bethabara, where John baptized, Joh 1:28, and which probably had its name, the house of passage, from this very circumstance. After all, it is extremely difficult to ascertain the exact situation of these places, as in the lapse of upwards of 3,000 years the face of the country must have been materially changed. Seas, rivers, and mountains, change not; and though we cannot ascertain the spot, it is sufficiently evident that we can come near to the place. It has been considered a lame objection against the truth of the Iliad that the situation of Troy cannot now be exactly ascertained. There are even many ancient cities and considerable towns in Europe, that, though they still bear their former names, do not occupy the same spot. There are not a few of those even in England; among such Norwich, Salisbury, etc., may be ranked, neither of which is in its primitive situation. Right against Jericho - It would be impossible for the whole camp to pass over in the space opposite to Jericho, as they must have taken up some miles in breadth, besides the 2,000 cubits which were left on the right between them and the ark; but the river was divided opposite to Jericho, and there the camp began to pass over.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:16
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Biblical cross-references named in the witness
- 1Kgs 4:12
- 1Kgs 7:46
- Gen 33:17
- Joh 1:28
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Vulgate
- Gennesareth
- Bethshean
- Scythopolis
- Succoth
- Jordan
- Bethabara
- Seas
- Europe
- England
- Norwich
- Salisbury
- Jericho
Exposition: Joshua 3:16 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were...'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Joshua 3:17
Hebrew
וַיַּעַמְדוּ הַכֹּהֲנִים נֹשְׂאֵי הָאָרוֹן בְּרִית־יְהוָה בֶּחֽ͏ָרָבָה בְּתוֹךְ הַיַּרְדֵּן הָכֵן וְכָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל עֹֽבְרִים בֶּחָרָבָה עַד אֲשֶׁר־תַּמּוּ כָּל־הַגּוֹי לַעֲבֹר אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃vaya'amedv-hakhohaniym-noshe'ey-ha'arvon-veriyt-yehvah-vecharavah-vetvokhe-hayareden-hakhen-vekhal-yishera'el-'overiym-vecharavah-'ad-'asher-tamv-khal-hagvoy-la'avor-'et-hayareden
KJV: And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
AKJV: And the priests that bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
ASV: And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation were passed clean over the Jordan.
YLT: and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of Jehovah stand on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan--established, and all Israel are passing over on dry ground till that all the nation hath completed to pass over the Jordan.
Commentary WitnessJoshua 3:17Quoted commentary witness
Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:17
Verse 17 The priests - stood firm on dry ground - They stood in the mid channel, and shifted not their position till the camp, consisting of nearly 600,000 effective men, besides women, children, etc., had passed over. 1. Is it not surprising that the Canaanites did not dispute this passage with the Israelites? It is likely they would, had they had any expectation that such a passage would have been attempted. They must have known that the Israelitish camp was on the other side of the Jordan, but could they have supposed that a passage for such a host was possible when the banks of the Jordan were quite overflowed? It was not merely because they were panic struck that they did not dispute this passage, but because they must have supposed it impossible; and when they found the attempt was made, the passage was effected before they could prepare to prevent it. 2. God now appears in such a way, and works in such a manner, as to leave no doubt concerning his presence or his power, or of his love to Israel. After this, was it possible for this people ever to doubt his being or his bounty? This, with the miraculous passage of the Red Sea, were well calculated to have established their faith for ever; and those who did not yield to the evidence afforded by these two miracles were incapable of rational conviction. 3. In some respects the passage of the Jordan was more strikingly miraculous than that even of the Red Sea. In the latter God was pleased to employ an agent; the sea went back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, Exo 14:21. Nothing of this kind appeared in the passage of the Jordan; a very rapid river (for so all travelers allow it to be) went back to its source without any kind of agency but the invisible hand of the invisible God. 4. Through the whole period of the Jewish history these miracles, so circumstantially related, were never denied by any, but on the contrary conscientiously believed by all. Nor did any of them in their revolts from God, which were both foul and frequent, ever call these great facts in question, when even so full of enmity against God as to blaspheme his name, and give his glory to dumb idols! Is not this a manifest proof that these facts were incontestable? and that Jehovah had so done his marvellous works that they should be had in everlasting remembrance? Reader, the same God who is over all is rich in mercy to all that call upon him. He changes not, neither is he weary: trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength; and He ever saves his followers out of the hands of all their enemies, and, having guided them by his counsel, will receive them into his glory.
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:17
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness
- Jordan
- Israel
- This
- Red Sea
- Reader
Exposition: Joshua 3:17 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.
Apologetics Notes
- Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.
- Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.
- Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.
Citation trailOpen the commentary counts, references, and named sources.
Scholarly apparatus
Commentary citation index
This chapter now surfaces commentary as quoted witness material with an explicit citation trail. The index below gathers the canonical references and named authorities detected inside the commentary layer for faster academic review.
Direct commentary witnesses
11
Generated editorial witnesses
6
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Canonical references surfaced in commentary
- Joshua 3:1
- Joshua 3:2
- Joshua 3:3
- Joshua 3:4
- Joshua 3:5
- 2Sam 15:25
- 1Kgs 8:6-11
- Num 2:2
- Joshua 3:6
- Joshua 3:7
- Joshua 3:8
- Joshua 3:9
- Joshua 3:10
- Joshua 3:11
- Joshua 3:12
- Joshua 3:13
- Joshua 3:14
- 1Chr 12:15
- Joshua 3:15
- 1Kgs 4:12
- 1Kgs 7:46
- Gen 33:17
- Joh 1:28
- Joshua 3:16
- Joshua 3:17
Named authorities or texts surfaced in commentary
- Josephus
- Jordan
- Joshua
- Wednesday
- April
- Egypt
- From Shittim
- Jericho
- Moses
- Levites
- Kohath
- Eli
- Jerusalem
- Absalom
- Dead Sea
- Israel
- Hittites
- Hivites
- Canaan
- Phoenicia
- Sidon
- Gerizim
- Gibeon
- Hermon
- Gennesareth
- Og
- Behold
- Scripture
- Mount Lebanon
- Vulgate
- Bethshean
- Scythopolis
- Succoth
- Bethabara
- Seas
- Europe
- England
- Norwich
- Salisbury
- This
- Red Sea
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Commentary Witness
Joshua 3:1
Provenance. Rendered as a quoted commentary witness with explicit reference extraction from the source prose.
Canonical locus
Joshua 3:1
Source lane
Apologetics Bible source bundle
Named authorities or texts detected in the witness