Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 3:8. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about God’s plan for the Israelites after they conquered Canaan (modern-day Israel). Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about protecting the Ark of the Covenant . The Ark was incredibly sacred to the Israelites – it held the tablets of the Ten Commandments. God wanted to ensure that the Ark wouldn't be lost or damaged and would always remain safe in a place where it could be seen as a sign of God’s power. Let's unpack it word by word: “And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant…” - This tells us who is responsible for this command. It means the leaders of the Israelite priesthood will be given the authority to do something specific. “…saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan…” – “The brink of the water” refers to a specific point on the Jordan River near the Dead Sea. This is where they needed to stand still for a period of time. “ye shall stand still in Jordan.” - This is the key part! It’s telling them to stop . To pause and remain in that particular spot. What does this all mean? It's a command to be incredibly cautious and to not move or venture beyond a specific point near the Jordan River. The idea is that God is protecting something precious – the Ark – and he wants to ensure it stays safe for a long time. It’s a sign of divine protection and control. Historical Context (Briefly): In the Book of Joshua, after Israel conquered Canaan, God told Moses to build the Ark. He instructed the priests to stand still in Jordan while they built the Ark. This verse is about fulfilling a specific part of that plan – safeguarding the sacred object and ensuring its safety. Essentially, it’s a powerful statement about God's protection and his unwavering commitment to the holiness of His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in a different way?