This verse sets the scene for the pivotal moment of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"Joshua got up early in the morning": This highlights Joshua's leadership and diligence. Getting up early shows his dedication to the task at hand and his eagerness to obey God's commands. It emphasizes the urgency of the situation and his commitment to leading the people into the Promised Land.

"and they moved from Shittim": Shittim was the last encampment of the Israelites on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. This marks the end of their long journey through the wilderness and their final preparation for entering Canaan. Leaving Shittim symbolizes leaving behind the past and moving towards a new future.

"and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel": This indicates the destination of their journey - the Jordan River, which formed the natural barrier between the wilderness and the Promised Land. The phrase "all the children of Israel" emphasizes that this was a national event, involving the entire community.

"They camped there before they crossed over": This suggests a period of waiting and preparation. They didn't immediately cross the river but paused to set up camp, likely to allow Joshua to issue instructions, for the priests to make preparations, and for the people to contemplate the significance of the upcoming event. This time was crucial for spiritual readiness and for receiving divine guidance.

In summary, this verse depicts Joshua leading the Israelites from their last encampment to the Jordan River, where they camped in anticipation of crossing into the Promised Land. It highlights Joshua's leadership, the completion of one phase of their journey, and the anticipation of entering a new and significant chapter in their history. The verse emphasizes the importance of preparation and obedience to God's plan.