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Book of Joshua - Chapter 3 - Verse 3

3:3
And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Joshua, the people of Israel are being commanded to follow the ark of the covenant of the Lord. The ark of the covenant was a sacred container that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments and represented the presence of God among the people. The priests and Levites were responsible for carrying and protecting the ark as they journeyed through the wilderness. So, when the people saw the ark being carried by the priests, they were to immediately leave their current location and follow after it. This command symbolized the importance of staying close to the presence of God and being obedient to His will. It was a reminder for the Israelites to trust in God and His guidance as they traveled to the promised land. By following the ark, the people were showing their faith and commitment to God's covenant with them. This verse serves as a lesson for believers today to always seek God's presence and follow His leading in their lives.

Theological Overview

Within this verse from the book of Joshua, we see a directive from the leaders of Israel to the people concerning the Ark of the Covenant. The ark symbolized the presence and power of the Lord, and its movements were of utmost importance. The command to follow the ark when it was carried by the priests was significant as it signified the people's obedience and reverence to God. The image of the people following the ark serves as a reminder of the Israelites' faith and reliance on God for guidance and protection. It also highlights the role of the priests as mediators between the people and God, leading them in following His divine will.

Furthermore, this verse can be interpreted theologically as a representation of the call for believers to follow God wholeheartedly and to be obedient to His commands. It emphasizes the importance of being attentive to God's leading and to aligning one's actions with His will. The phrase "go after it" can be seen as a call to actively pursue God and His presence in our lives, acknowledging His sovereignty and authority. This verse serves as a timeless reminder for Christians to follow God faithfully and to trust in His guidance, just as the Israelites followed the Ark of the Covenant in their journey into the promised land.

American Standard Version

and they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
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