and when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark had dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the time of harvest),
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 15. Water. Thus they manifested the strength of their faith. Calmet.—Immediately the obedient waters divided, and the gravel or sand was left dry. verse 17. Bible.—Channel. The barley harvest was ready about the 30th of April. Leviticus 23:10. On other occasions this overflowing of the Jordan is noticed, 1 Chronicles 12:15. Sirach 24:36. Doubdan says that when he visited these parts, at the same season of the year, the Jordan was quite full, on account of the melted snow, and ready to leave its banks. It was about a stone throw across, and very rapid. See Calmet. 1:2. The rains which fall in spring, serve to increase the inundation, (Deut, 11:14,) as well as the snow which melts at that time on Libanus, though a great part resists the violent heats. Mirum dictu, says Tacitus v. tantos inter ardores opacum fidumque nivibus. Jeremiah 18:14 and 49:19.