John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. And Joshua spoke unto the priests , etc.] On the morrow, that is, on the tenth day of the month, the day on which they went over Jordan: saying, take up the ark of the covenant ; in which the law was put, which was the covenant between God and the people, from whence the ark had this name; and in which it was typical of Christ, in whom both the law, the covenant of works, was fulfilled, and with whom the covenant of grace was made; who is the Mediator; surety, and messenger of it, and in whom all the blessings and promises of it are, and with whom it is, and will be kept for evermore: the ark, the priests were ordered to take up and bear on their shoulders; for no other way might they carry it; these typified the ministers of Christ who bear his name, his Gospel in the world, (see Acts 9:15); and pass over before the people ; over the river Jordan, to direct them in the way through it, and encourage them to follow them: and they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people ; from the place where they had lodged the night before to the brink of the river.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - The Israelites came to Jordan in faith, having been told that the should pass it. In the way of duty, let us proceed as far as we can and depend on the Lord. Joshua led them. Particular notice is taken of his early rising, as afterwards upon other occasions, which shows ho little he sought his own ease. Those who would bring great things to pass, must rise early. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty. All in public stations should always attend to the duty of their place. The people were to follow the ark. Thus must we walk after the rule of the word, and the direction of the Spirit, in everything; so shall peace be upon us as upon the Israel of God; but we must follow our minister only as they follow Christ. All their way through the wilderness was a untrodden path, but most so this through Jordan. While we are here, we must expect and prepare to pass ways that we have not passed before but in the path of duty we may proceed with boldness and cheerfulness Whether we are called to suffer poverty, pain, labour, persecution reproach, or death, we are following the Author and Finisher of ou faith; nor can we set our feet in any dangerous or difficult spot through our whole journey, but faith will there see the prints of the Redeemer's feet, who trod that very path to glory above, and bids u follow him, that where he is, we may be also. They were to sanctif themselves. Would we experience the effects of God's love and power, we must put away sin, and be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 יהושׁע3091 אל413 הכהנים3548 לאמר559 שׂאו5375 את853 ארון727 הברית1285 ועברו5674 לפני6440 העם5971 וישׂאו5375 את853 ארון727 הברית1285 וילכו1980 לפני6440 העם׃5971
