Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.
The priests obeyed without stirring until Joshua commanded, a rare and meek virtue. Yet God's true kindness shines most here: He guided their every step by His own voice so no confusion could halt them. The moment their feet touched dry ground, the Jordan rushed back to its course, sudden and complete; had it lingered, men would have doubted whether the cause was hidden or merely chance. God's power answers in precise intervals.
AI summary
Joshua kept every detail of what Moses had taught him close at hand, and when the moment came to lead God's people, he neither added to his orders nor forgot them. We must do the same: hold fast the good instructions given us, ready to pull them out when we need them most.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 4:10-19
The ark is called here the ark of the testimony rather than the ark of the covenant, though they mean the same thing, since the law inside was both covenant between God and His people and His testimony of His will to them. The priests remained in the Jordan until all had crossed and they received this command to come up.
AI summary