Definition: And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, [and] the soles of the priestsâ feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as [they did] before.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 4:18. It's a really significant story about God’s judgment against Israel’s wickedness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel was causing trouble: The verse describes the priests of Israel, who were responsible for protecting the Ark of the Covenant – a holy symbol of God's presence – being brought up out of the city of Jericho. They were defying God’s will: They were standing on dry land, which is impossible! This was a sign that they weren’t following God’s instructions and were practicing evil. God’s Judgment Begins: Because of this disobedience, God decided to punish them with a massive flood. The Flood: The waters of the Jordan River returned to their original place in the riverbed, flowing over all the banks of the Jordan. This is the flood that devastated the land and killed many people. Putting it together – Simple Explanation: “When the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant came out of the city of Jericho, they were standing on dry ground. This was a clear sign that Israel was not obeying God’s laws. God sent a flood to wash away their evil and remind them of his power.” Key Takeaway: It's a story about God’s righteous anger and His ability to punish sin. It demonstrates that disobedience leads to consequences, and that God is ultimately in control and will always deliver. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger context of the story of Israel’s rebellion?