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.

JOSHUA 3:4KJV
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Joshua 3:4 (KJV)

What does Joshua 3:4 mean?

Joshua 3:4 instructs the Israelites to keep a distance of about two thousand cubits (roughly half a mile) between themselves and the Ark of the Covenant as they follow it, so they can clearly see the path they are to take, since they have never traveled this way before. This command is meant to help them know where to go and to show respect for the holiness of the Ark.

In this verse, Joshua is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The Ark, carried by the priests, leads the way, and the people are told not to come too close. The distance ensures everyone can see the Ark and follow its lead, highlighting both the sacredness of the Ark and the newness of the journey ahead.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 3:4

  • רֶחֶק (rekheq, H7350) — "space": This word means a physical distance or separation. The instruction to keep a space emphasizes the need for reverence and order as the people follow the Ark.
  • אַל־תִּקְרְבוּ (al-tiḳrevu, H7126) — "come not near": This phrase is a direct command not to approach too closely, underlining the holiness of the Ark and the seriousness of following God's instructions.
  • דֶּרֶךְ (derekh, H1870) — "way": This word means "path" or "road." The verse uses it to highlight that the Israelites are about to travel a route they have never taken before, making it crucial to follow the Ark's guidance.

Why Joshua 3:4 matters

  • Joshua 3:4 clarifies that the Ark is not just a symbol but a guide for the people, showing them the way forward in unfamiliar territory.
  • The verse highlights the importance of reverence and respect for sacred things, as shown by the specific command to keep a distance from the Ark.
  • This instruction sets the stage for the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, emphasizing that the people's success depends on following God's lead, not their own experience or understanding.

Where else these words appear

“heretofore” Hebrew H8543 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Exodus 21:36 Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
  • 1 Samuel 20:27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

“heretofore” Hebrew H8032 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
  • 1 Samuel 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

“measure” Hebrew H4060 · used in 53 verses

  • Exodus 26:2 The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
  • Nehemiah 3:21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.
  • Ezekiel 40:28 And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;

“space” Hebrew H7350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
  • Isaiah 37:26 Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps.