What is the context?
The priests remain until the Lord commands Joshua to call them out. When they step from the river onto dry land, the waters return and overflow the banks as before.
The people go up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camp at Gilgal east of Jericho. The crossing has a stated completion, date within the year, and place of encampment.
The return of the river closes the passage behind them. The narrative again links the event to the Lord’s direction rather than treating the ark or its carriers as independently powerful.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley emphasizes the priests’ waiting until called and the river returning to its usual course. The USCCB cross-references connect the first-month date with the exodus calendar. The stated date prepares for events that follow, but it does not by itself identify an absolute year or establish a modern location for every feature of Gilgal.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.
Where can I study this further?
No deeper study linked yet.