Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 3:17. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan to cleanse the land of sin and set it free for His people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling the Israelites to completely wash away the evil that was present in the Jordan River – the source of their problems. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD” : This refers to the high-ranking priests who were responsible for guarding the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred box containing God's presence. They were chosen to represent the entire nation and carry out this important task. “stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan” : They weren’t wading through water! They were standing completely on solid ground – representing a safe and stable place. This was a crucial point, as the river was full of trouble. “and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan” : This is the key part. The Israelites, who had been struggling with idolatry (worshiping idols instead of God), had to pass completely over Jordan . It wasn’t just a short crossing; it was a full and complete passage. The entire nation had to be cleared of its impurity. What does this mean practically? This event is considered a pivotal moment in the Old Testament. It's seen as a symbolic act of God’s judgment and purification. It demonstrates that when God’s people are truly faithful, He will ultimately cleanse the land and lead them to a new life free from sin. In essence, it’s about God’s unwavering commitment to his people and their ultimate liberation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context on why this event was important? Answer a specific question you have about the verse?