Joshua 3:16 - the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over near Jericho.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Joshua 3:16" mean?
This verse, Joshua 3:16, describes the miraculous event that allowed the Israelites to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Let's break it down:
"The waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap...": This refers to the flow of the Jordan River being blocked upstream. The water that was flowing normally simply stopped and piled up.
"...a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan;": This specifies the location where the water was blocked. "Adam" was a city located upstream from the crossing point, near Zarethan. The distance implied by "a great way off" suggests a considerable length of the river was affected. The purpose of blocking the water a "great way off" from the crossing point was to provide a long period of time for the riverbed to dry up before the people would cross.
"...and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off.": This part explains what happened downstream. The flow of water heading towards the Dead Sea (also known as the Sea of the Arabah or the Salt Sea) was completely stopped. This left the riverbed dry for the Israelites to cross.
"Then the people passed over near Jericho.": This indicates the Israelites crossed the Jordan River in the vicinity of Jericho, a significant city in the Promised Land.
In essence, the verse describes:
A Miracle: The natural flow of the Jordan River was supernaturally stopped.
Specific Location: The blockage occurred upstream near the city of Adam, near Zarethan.
Dry Riverbed: The water downstream towards the Dead Sea was cut off, leaving a dry riverbed.
Crossing Point: The Israelites crossed the Jordan River near Jericho.
Significance of the Verse:
Divine Power: It demonstrates God's power over nature and His ability to fulfill His promises to the Israelites.
Parallel to the Red Sea: It echoes the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus, further establishing Joshua as a leader blessed by God, just like Moses.
New Beginning: Crossing the Jordan River signifies a new beginning for the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land and begin their conquest.
Fulfillment of Promise: The crossing is a pivotal moment showing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to bring the Israelites to the land He had sworn to give them.
The verse highlights the supernatural nature of the event, emphasizing God's intervention in history to fulfill His purposes.
Joshua 3:16 - the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over near Jericho.
What does "Joshua 3:16" mean?
This verse, Joshua 3:16, describes the miraculous event that allowed the Israelites to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Let's break it down:
"The waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap...": This refers to the flow of the Jordan River being blocked upstream. The water that was flowing normally simply stopped and piled up.
"...a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan;": This specifies the location where the water was blocked. "Adam" was a city located upstream from the crossing point, near Zarethan. The distance implied by "a great way off" suggests a considerable length of the river was affected. The purpose of blocking the water a "great way off" from the crossing point was to provide a long period of time for the riverbed to dry up before the people would cross.
"...and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off.": This part explains what happened downstream. The flow of water heading towards the Dead Sea (also known as the Sea of the Arabah or the Salt Sea) was completely stopped. This left the riverbed dry for the Israelites to cross.
"Then the people passed over near Jericho.": This indicates the Israelites crossed the Jordan River in the vicinity of Jericho, a significant city in the Promised Land.
In essence, the verse describes:
A Miracle: The natural flow of the Jordan River was supernaturally stopped.
Specific Location: The blockage occurred upstream near the city of Adam, near Zarethan.
Dry Riverbed: The water downstream towards the Dead Sea was cut off, leaving a dry riverbed.
Crossing Point: The Israelites crossed the Jordan River near Jericho.
Significance of the Verse:
Divine Power: It demonstrates God's power over nature and His ability to fulfill His promises to the Israelites.
Parallel to the Red Sea: It echoes the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus, further establishing Joshua as a leader blessed by God, just like Moses.
New Beginning: Crossing the Jordan River signifies a new beginning for the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land and begin their conquest.
Fulfillment of Promise: The crossing is a pivotal moment showing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to bring the Israelites to the land He had sworn to give them.
The verse highlights the supernatural nature of the event, emphasizing God's intervention in history to fulfill His purposes.