What is the context?
The priests remain in the river until the people have done what the Lord commanded through Joshua. The narrative returns to the crossing after describing the memorial stones.
Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh cross armed, fulfilling the obligation given through Moses. About forty thousand troops go ahead into the plains of Jericho. Their participation connects the earlier promise of help with action.
The Lord exalts Joshua before Israel, and the people revere him as they revered Moses. The account locates that recognition in the Lord’s confirmation of his commission, rather than presenting personal intimidation as the source of rightful leadership.
How is this passage commonly understood?
The USCCB notes explain the repeated account as resumption after the memorial-stone digression. Wesley regards the people’s haste as possible weakness of faith; that judgment is his inference. The text explicitly says they hurried, while emphasizing that the whole crossing and the commands were completed.
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.