Joshua 3:4 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

The distance pointed out is striking. I do not think as some have supposed, that the distance ordered between the ark and the people, was that the multitude which followed might not crowd upon one another, so as to prevent the whole from seeing. But I rather think that there was somewhat typical and figurative in it. Under the old dispensation, the people were prohibited from coming nigh. And this was meant to shadow forth the difference between the law and the gospel. See Hebrews 12:18-19. But in the gospel-state, we that were afar off are brought nigh by the blood of Jesus. Hebrews 10:21-22. There is somewhat very striking in this command. Two thousand cubits was almost half a mile. The priests therefore in the face of an enemy ' s country were to pass over unarmed, and at a distance from the main body of the army. But then they had the ark of God's presence with them. Yes, dearest Jesus! where thou art an host of foes cannot make us fear. I would have the Reader remark with me, how much the passing of Jordan represented the river of death. Of this it may be also said to every believer, "Ye have not passed this way heretofore." Oh! for the ark of the covenant of God, or which is the same thing, Jesus whom that ark represented, to be with me when I pass the dark valley; for then shall I fear no ill while thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:4; Isaiah 43:2.