Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 3:13. It’s a really significant passage in the Bible and it speaks about a dramatic turning point in God's plan to deliver Israel from their enemies. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment when God decides to completely end the Israelites’ reliance on the land itself for survival. It’s a clear sign that God is going to ultimately control the entire region, and He wants to make sure His people are safe and secure. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass…” : This is a key phrase – it means something will happen. It’s not just a prediction; it’s a definite event. “…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…” : This is where the action begins. "The soles of the feet" refers to the priests who were responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant – a very important symbol of God's presence and power. They were physically in the water. This is crucial because it means they’re now completely settled in the Jordan River. “…the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above…” : This is the core of the verse. The “waters that come down from above” refers to rain and the water flowing from the sky – the land itself. The priests are being removed from their usual position, effectively stopping the natural flow of water. “…and they shall stand upon an heap.” : This is a powerful image. “Standing on an heap” suggests a culmination of something significant. It means that God will finally complete his plan to protect Israel. It's not just about ending one thing, but creating a place for them to be safe and secure. What does it mean overall? This verse is a symbolic representation of God’s ultimate victory over evil. It signifies: God’s Sovereignty: He has complete control over everything. Protection: He will protect His people from harm. Finality: This isn't just a temporary interruption; it’s a definitive ending to a cycle of conflict and threat. Victory: It represents God’s victory over his enemies, establishing His dominion and ensuring the safety of Israel. In short, Joshua 3:13 is a dramatic moment where God decisively decides to end the Israelites' reliance on the land itself, securing their future under his protection. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example, would you like me to: Explain it in simpler terms? Discuss its symbolism? Connect it to other parts of the Bible?