Old Testament
Joshua 3:4
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But keep a distance of about 2,000 cubits between you and it. Do not come closer, so you can see the way to go, since you have not traveled this way before.
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Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
What Joshua 3:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to maintain a distance of about 2,000 cubits from the Ark of the Covenant as they prepare to cross the Jordan River. The Ark represents God's presence and guidance. By keeping their distance, the people can see the way they should go, as they are entering unfamiliar territory. This distance also emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence. The instruction to not come too close serves as a reminder that they have not traveled this path before, highlighting their need for divine guidance in a new journey. This moment marks a significant transition for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, relying on God's direction to navigate the unknown ahead.
How to apply Joshua 3:4 to your life
In our lives, we often face new challenges and paths we haven't traveled before. This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance and maintain a respectful distance, allowing us to observe and understand the way forward. Trusting in God's direction can lead us through unfamiliar situations with confidence.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3:1–4:24)
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Joshua
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Joshua 3:4
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 3:4 mean?
Joshua 3:4 means that God instructed the Israelites to keep a distance of about 2,000 cubits from the Ark of the Covenant as they prepared to cross the Jordan River. This distance allowed them to see the path ahead and emphasized the need for reverence towards God's presence.
What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Joshua 3:4?
In Joshua 3:4, the Ark of the Covenant represents God's presence and guidance. By keeping their distance from it, the Israelites were reminded of God's holiness and their need for His direction as they entered unfamiliar territory.
Why did God tell the Israelites to keep a distance in Joshua 3:4?
God instructed the Israelites to keep a distance in Joshua 3:4 so they could see the way to go, as they had not traveled that path before. This instruction highlighted the importance of following God's guidance in new and unknown situations.
What does '2,000 cubits' refer to in Joshua 3:4?
In Joshua 3:4, '2,000 cubits' refers to a specific measurement of distance, approximately 3,000 feet or 914 meters. This distance was meant to ensure that the Israelites could observe the Ark and follow its lead without getting too close.
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