יהושע, פרק ד׳, פסוק י׳

The crossing of the Jordan River represents more than just a physical journey; it is a deeply spiritual moment where the entire nation relies on the steadfastness of the priests carrying the Ark. Standing firm in the dry riverbed, the priests wait patiently until a specific condition is met before the journey can continue.

Commentators explore the nature of the task that had to be completed while the priests stood in place. One perspective suggests it involves a verbal message delivered by Joshua to the Israelites as they crossed. According to [רש״י] and [מצודת דוד], Joshua clarified the terms of their entry, ensuring the people understood they were crossing on dry land for a distinct purpose: to conquer the land and drive out its inhabitants. Alternatively, [אברבנאל] explains that Joshua used this moment to repeat God's promises of victory. These were the exact assurances Moses passed down before his death, such as the promise that God would give them every place they stepped. Another view, presented by [מלבי״ם], is that the spoken words focused on the official transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua, fulfilling God's instructions given in the Tent of Meeting before Moses passed away.

In contrast to the idea of a speech, other scholars view the necessary task as a physical action. [רד״ק] and [ביאור שטיינזלץ] explain that the people needed to gather stones from the riverbed and set them up, fulfilling an earlier command given by Moses. However, [אברבנאל] challenges this interpretation. He argues that the command to take stones was directed at twelve specific men, not the entire nation, and that the actual placement of the stones was completed at a later stage, not while the people were still inside the river.

As the crossing unfolded, the Israelites moved with great speed. The primary approach among commentators, including [מצודת דוד], [אברבנאל], and [ביאור שטיינזלץ], is that the people hurried out of respect for the Ark and the priests. They wanted to avoid burdening the priests, who were standing still holding the heavy Ark in the riverbed. Alongside this practical consideration, [ביאור שטיינזלץ] offers emotional and psychological reasons for their swift pace. The people may have felt a natural fear that the waters could suddenly return and wash them away. On the other hand, their speed might have been driven by pure excitement, a deep love for the Commandment, and an overwhelming desire to finally step foot into the Land of Israel.

The rapid pace of the crossing also influences how commentators understand the sequence of events regarding the stones. [רד״ק] suggests that the stones were set up before the people hurried across the river. Conversely, [אברבנאל] concludes that Joshua only set up the twelve stones inside the Jordan after the priests had entirely exited the water, carefully placing the stones in the exact spot where the priests' feet had rested.