14 And it cometh to pass, in the journeying of the people from their tents to pass over the Jordan, and of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and at those bearing the ark coming in unto the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark have been dipped in the extremity of the waters (and the Jordan is full over all its banks all the days of harvest)— 16 that the waters stand; those coming down from above have risen—one heap, very far above Adam the city, which 'is' at the side of Zaretan; and those going down by the sea of the plain, the Salt Sea, have been completely cut off; and the people have passed through over-against Jericho; 17 and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of Jehovah stand on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan—established, and all Israel are passing over on dry ground till that all the nation hath completed to pass over the Jordan.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 3:14-17
Commentary on Joshua 3:14-17
(Read Joshua 3:14-17)
Jordan overflowed all its banks. This magnified the power of God, and his kindness to Israel. Although those who oppose the salvation of God's people have all advantages, yet God can and will conquer. This passage over Jordan, as an entrance to Canaan, after their long, weary wanderings in the wilderness, shadowed out the believer's passage through death to heaven, after he has finished his wanderings in this sinful world. Jesus, typified by the ark, hath gone before, and he crossed the river when it most flooded the country around. Let us treasure up experiences of His faithful and tender care, that they may help our faith and hope in the last conflict.