Joshua 3:16
That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
Joshua 3:16 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Joshua describes the miraculous event where the waters of the Jordan River parted to allow the Israelites to cross over into the Promised Land. The Lord commanded Joshua to have the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant step into the water, and as soon as they did, the waters upstream stopped flowing and piled up in a heap, creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross. This display of divine power demonstrated God's faithfulness to His people and His ability to work miracles on their behalf. The reference to the city of Adam and the sea of the plain (the Dead Sea) emphasizes the geographical location and the extent of the miracle. The people were able to pass over the Jordan River near Jericho without getting wet, symbolizing their entry into the land God had promised them. This event foreshadowed the ultimate deliverance and salvation that would come through Jesus Christ, who would make a way for humanity to cross over from sin and death into everlasting life.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it serves as a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness in leading His people to victory. The reference to the waters standing and rising up in a heap very far from the city Adam can be seen as a miraculous intervention by God to create a way for the Israelites to pass over to the other side, as they escaped from the pursuing Egyptians. The specific mention of the city Adam, which means 'red earth,' could symbolize the sinful nature of humanity, and God's ability to deliver His people from the bondage of sin. The failure and cutting off of the waters towards the salt sea could also represent the defeat of the enemy, as the people passed over towards Jericho, a city that would soon fall at the hand of the Israelites. This verse can serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty, His ability to make a way where there seems to be no way, and His faithfulness in leading His people to victory.
Joshua 3:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
World English Bible
the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over right against Jericho.
Douay-Rheims
The waters that came down from above stood in one place, and swelling up like a mountain, were seen afar off, from the city that is called Adom, to the place of Sarthan: but those that were beneath, ran down into the sea of the wilderness, (which now is called the Dead Sea) until they wholly failed.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the waters that came downe from aboue, stayed and rose vpon an heape and departed farre from the citie of Adam, that was beside Zaretan: but the waters that came downe towarde the Sea of the wildernes, euen the salt Sea, failed, and were cut off: so the people went right ouer against Iericho.