Joshua 3:5

Analysis & Commentary

Joshua's command to "sanctify yourselves" (hitqaddešû, הִתְקַדְּשׁוּ) uses the Hebrew reflexive form, indicating self-consecration through ritual purification and spiritual preparation. This term appears before major divine encounters—Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:10-15), covenant renewal (Joshua 7:13), and here before crossing Jordan. The sanctification involved washing garments, abstaining from sexual relations, and purifying oneself ceremonially, but primarily demanded heart preparation to encounter the holy God. The promise "tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you" (yiftsor Yahweh biqirbkem niflaot, יַעֲשֶׂה יְהוָה בְּקִרְבְּכֶם נִפְלָאוֹת) uses niflaot (נִפְלָאוֹת), meaning extraordinary, miraculous acts beyond human ability. This same word describes the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 3:20) and God's mighty works throughout redemptive history. The theological principle is crucial: God's miraculous intervention requires human preparation and consecration. Divine power operates most dramatically when His people prepare their hearts to receive and witness His glory. This pattern continues in the New Testament: before Pentecost, disciples devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 1:14); before revival, God's people humble themselves and turn from sin (2 Chronicles 7:14). The connection between holiness and power runs throughout Scripture—God displays His strength through sanctified vessels prepared to witness and proclaim His glory.

Historical Context

This command preceded Israel's miraculous Jordan crossing during the spring flooding season when the river overflowed its banks (Joshua 3:15). The timing made natural crossing impossible, requiring obvious divine intervention. Israel camped at Shittim in the plains of Moab, having completed the 40-year wilderness wandering. The entire generation that witnessed the Exodus plagues and Sinai theophany had died (except Joshua and Caleb), leaving a new generation who had not personally witnessed those miracles but had heard the accounts. Joshua's call to sanctification prepared them for the miracle they would experience. Ancient Near Eastern peoples commonly practiced ritual purification before encountering deity or entering sacred space. Priests washed before serving in the tabernacle (Exodus 30:17-21), worshipers purified before approaching God's presence. The sanctification requirement demonstrated that approaching God's presence demands reverence, preparation, and holiness. This generation would cross dry-shod through Jordan as their fathers had crossed the Red Sea, establishing continuity of divine faithfulness and power across generations. The miracle would authenticate Joshua's leadership as Moses' legitimate successor and demonstrate to Canaanites that Israel's God was mightier than all pagan deities.

Questions for Reflection

• What specific steps of spiritual preparation and sanctification do you need to take before expecting God to work powerfully in your life and circumstances?
• How does anticipating God's miraculous work 'tomorrow' affect your spiritual preparation and consecration today?
• In what ways has your expectation of divine intervention diminished because you've neglected the preparation and sanctification God requires?