Joshua 3:6

And he said to the priests, "Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people." So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them.

Study Bible

And he said to the priests,
This phrase refers to Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses. Joshua's role as a leader is significant, as he is seen as a type of Christ, leading God's people into the Promised Land. The priests, from the tribe of Levi, were responsible for religious duties and carrying the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing their role as mediators between God and the people.

“Take the ark of the covenant
The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It represented God's presence and covenant with Israel. The Ark's presence signified divine guidance and assurance of victory, as seen in other biblical events like the fall of Jericho.

and go on ahead of the people.”
This instruction emphasizes the importance of God's presence leading the way. The Ark going ahead symbolizes that the Israelites were to follow God's guidance into the Promised Land. It reflects the principle of seeking divine direction before taking action, a theme echoed in Proverbs 3:5-6.

So they carried the ark of the covenant
The priests' obedience in carrying the Ark demonstrates their faith and trust in God's command. This act of carrying the Ark is a physical manifestation of their spiritual responsibility to uphold God's law and lead the people in worship and obedience.

and went ahead of them.
The priests leading the way with the Ark signifies the precedence of spiritual leadership and divine guidance over human plans. This mirrors the New Testament teaching of Christ as the head of the Church, leading His people. It also foreshadows the role of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, who goes before us into the presence of God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. His leadership is marked by faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

2. The Priests
The Levitical priests were responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant. Their role was crucial as they were intermediaries between God and the people.

3. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. It was central to Israel's worship and guidance.

4. The Israelites
The people of God, who were on the brink of entering the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years.

5. The Jordan River
The body of water that the Israelites needed to cross to enter the Promised Land. It represents a barrier that God would miraculously help them overcome.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Joshua's instruction to the priests demonstrates the importance of obedience in leadership. As believers, we are called to follow God's guidance even when the path is unclear.

The Role of Spiritual Leaders
The priests carrying the Ark symbolize the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide and intercede for their communities. Leaders today should seek to carry God's presence and lead with integrity.

God's Presence Goes Before Us
The Ark going ahead of the people signifies that God's presence leads and prepares the way for His people. We can trust that God is with us in every challenge we face.

Faith in Action
The act of taking up the Ark and moving forward requires faith. Believers are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises.

Preparation for New Beginnings
Crossing the Jordan was a new beginning for Israel. In our lives, we should be prepared for the new things God wants to do, leaving behind past failures and embracing His future plans.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua's leadership in this passage reflect the qualities of a godly leader, and how can we apply these qualities in our own leadership roles?

2. In what ways does the Ark of the Covenant symbolize God's presence in our lives today, and how can we ensure that we are following His guidance?

3. What barriers or "Jordan Rivers" are you facing in your life, and how can you trust God to help you overcome them?

4. How can the role of the priests in this passage inspire us to support and pray for our spiritual leaders?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith. How did you see God's presence and guidance in that situation, and how can that experience encourage you in your current walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25
Describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its significance as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

Numbers 10
Details the role of the Ark in guiding the Israelites during their wilderness journey, highlighting its function as a symbol of divine guidance.

Hebrews 11
Discusses the faith of the Israelites, including their crossing of the Jordan, as an example of trusting in God's promises.