For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.

JOSHUA 4:10KJV
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Joshua 4:10 (KJV)

What does Joshua 4:10 mean?

Joshua 4:10 describes how the priests carrying the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan River until everything God had commanded Joshua was completed, just as Moses had instructed Joshua. The people hurried across the river while the priests remained in place, ensuring the crossing was done as God directed.

In this verse, the focus is on the priests’ obedience and the careful following of God’s instructions during a key moment in Israel’s journey. Joshua is leading the people, carrying out commands given by God and passed down from Moses, while the people cross the river quickly, showing both urgency and trust in the process.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 4:10

  • עָמַד (ʿāmad, H5975) — "stood": This word emphasizes that the priests remained firmly in place in the river’s midst, not moving until the task was fully finished. Their steady presence marked the miracle and orderliness of the crossing.
  • תָּוֶךְ (tāwek, H8432) — "midst": This word means the very middle or center, highlighting that the priests were not just near the edge but right in the heart of the river, making the event more striking.
  • חָפַז (ḥāfaz, H4116) — "hasted": The word for "hasted" shows that the people crossed with a sense of urgency, possibly out of awe or concern, but also with trust that the way would stay open as long as needed.

Why Joshua 4:10 matters

  • Joshua 4:10 highlights the careful obedience to God’s instructions, showing that every detail mattered in this significant event.
  • The verse connects Joshua’s leadership to Moses, reinforcing that Joshua is faithfully continuing what Moses began under God’s direction.
  • The scene underscores the miraculous nature of the crossing: the priests’ standing in the river’s center with the ark, and the people’s quick passage, all happening while the waters are held back.

Where else these words appear

“hasted” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 13:10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.
  • Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

“finished” Hebrew H8552 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 47:15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.
  • Joshua 8:24 And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.
  • Isaiah 16:4 Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.