Joshua 3 Commentary

The Israelites leave the camp at Shittim and stay by the Jordan River for three days. On the third day, the officers tell them to follow the ark of the covenant carried by the Levitical priests from 2,000 cubits away. 

Joshua instructs the Israelites to sanctify themselves to experience a miracle. He also asks the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant and march ahead of the people toward the Promised Land.

The Israelites begin crossing the Jordan River. The LORD stops the upstream waters and cuts off the downstream, allowing the Levitical priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant to stand still in the Jordan River on dry ground until the entire nation finishes crossing it.