Old Testament
Joshua 4:18
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When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD came up out of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up onto the dry land, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed all its banks as before.
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And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
What Joshua 4:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment as the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant step out of the Jordan River. As soon as their feet touch the dry land, the river's waters return to their normal state, flooding its banks just as they had before the miraculous crossing. This event highlights God's power and faithfulness, demonstrating that He can control nature and provide for His people. The ark of the covenant symbolizes God's presence among the Israelites, and its safe passage signifies His guidance and protection. The timing of the waters returning to their place emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith in God's commands. The priests' actions serve as a reminder that following God's instructions leads to His miraculous interventions in our lives.
How to apply Joshua 4:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's timing and power. Just as the priests acted in faith by stepping onto dry land, we too should take steps of faith in our lives, believing that God will intervene and provide for us when we follow His guidance.
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: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Joshua 4:18
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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 4:18 mean?
Joshua 4:18 describes the moment when the priests carrying the ark of the covenant stepped out of the Jordan River onto dry land, causing the river's waters to return and flood its banks. This event illustrates God's power and faithfulness in guiding His people.
What is the significance of the ark of the covenant in Joshua 4:18?
In Joshua 4:18, the ark of the covenant represents God's presence among the Israelites. Its safe passage across the Jordan signifies God's guidance and protection during their journey.
What does the phrase 'the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up' mean in Joshua 4:18?
The phrase 'the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up' indicates that the priests stepped out of the Jordan River onto dry land. This act marked the moment when God's miraculous intervention caused the waters to return.
How can we apply Joshua 4:18 to our lives today?
Joshua 4:18 encourages us to trust in God's timing and take steps of faith, just as the priests did. It reminds us that following God's guidance can lead to miraculous outcomes in our lives.
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