You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. It. Hebrew “when you shall have come to the brink (or extremity) of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan,” ( Bible.) which some explain by saying that they were to stop on the eastern bank, as soon as they had wet their feet, (Serarius) while others say they crossed quite over, and stood at the other side. Masius.—But it is more probable, that as soon as they had touched the waters, the priests halted till the bed of the river was presently dried up, and then they placed themselves in the middle of it, close to the raging billows, which, rising up like mountains, were stopped in their career, ( Bible.) and forced to retire backwards to their source, verse 15. 17. Calmet. 4:9. Bonfrere. A. Lap.—Some translate, “into the division,” instead of part, or extremity. Calmet.