Joshua 3:3
And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֣ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּרְאֹֽתְכֶ֗ם
When ye see
H7200
כִּרְאֹֽתְכֶ֗ם
When ye see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּרִית
of the covenant
H1285
בְּרִית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
8 of 19
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
and the priests
H3548
וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
and the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
11 of 19
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
נֹֽשְׂאִ֖ים
bearing
H5375
נֹֽשְׂאִ֖ים
bearing
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
13 of 19
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֹת֑וֹ
H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תִּסְעוּ֙
it then ye shall remove
H5265
תִּסְעוּ֙
it then ye shall remove
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
מִמְּק֣וֹמְכֶ֔ם
from your place
H4725
מִמְּק֣וֹמְכֶ֔ם
from your place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 31:9And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.Deuteronomy 31:25That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,Joshua 3:8And 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.Numbers 10:33And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.2 Samuel 6:13And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
Historical Context
The ark contained the law tablets, Aaron's rod, and manna pot—comprehensive covenant symbols. Priests carrying it led Israel across Jordan (verse 6), demonstrating divine presence going before. This established the pattern: God leads, His people follow. The New Testament presents Christ as believers' leader whom they follow (John 10:4,27).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern and follow God's leading rather than human wisdom?
- What practices help you follow Christ's presence and direction daily?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'follow the ark of the covenant' establishes divine presence as Israel's guide. Where God goes, His people follow. The ark represented God's covenant promise and presence, making it appropriate to follow. This demonstrates the principle that God's presence, not human wisdom, should direct God's people's path.