Joshua 4:19

"When the priests who bore the ark of the LORD’s covenant had come up out of the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet had been lifted up to the dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place, and went over all its banks, as before."

Key Reflection

This passage symbolizes the transition from the old covenant to the new. As the priests bearing the ark stepped onto dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their original state, mirroring how Jesus' death and resurrection brought about a new way of life, separating the old order of sin from the new covenant of grace.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Gilgal, mentioned here by anticipation (compareJoshua 5:9), the modern Jiljulieh (Conder), was on rising ground (compareJoshua 5:3), and, according to Josephus, nearly five miles from the river, and consequently about two from the city itself. The site of the camp was no doubt fortified by Joshua, as it constituted for some time the abiding foothold in Canaan, from where he sallied forth to subdue the country. It was also the place of safety where the ark, and no doubt also the women, children, cattle, and other property of the people were left.

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