Bible Strands
Joshua 3:7
Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD speaks to Joshua immediately before the Israelites cross the Jordan, following the directive for the priests to carry the ark ahead of the congregation.
The words — The phrase אָחֵל ('a.Chel) and גַּדֶּלְ/ךָ֔ (ga.del./Kha) literally render "I will begin to make great," marking the initiation of elevated status.
The thread — The motif of public exaltation continues in Joshua 4:14 and 1 Chronicles 29:25, while the assurance of God's presence echoes Joshua 1:5.
Why it lands — The text states God's purpose in elevating Joshua's leadership is to verify His ongoing presence with him, demanding recognition of divine continuity rather than human merit.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.
Cross-references
- Joshua 4:14 On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.
- Joshua 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
- 1 Chronicles 29:25 The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.
- 2 Chronicles 1:1 Now Solomon son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and highly exalted him.
- Psalms 18:35 You have given me Your shield of salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me.
- Philippians 2:9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,
- Joshua 1:17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses.
- Job 7:17 What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him,
- John 17:1 When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.
- Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.