Matthew Poole and continuators on Joshua 3:4

4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it , that ye may know the way by which ye must go : for ye have not passed this way † heretofore.

Which make a thousand yards, and at which distance from it the Israelites seem to have been encamped in the Wilderness. And because they generally went from their Tents to the Ark to worship God, especially on the Sabbathdays; hence it hath been conceived, that a Sabbath-days journey reached only to 2000. Cubits. But that may be doubted; for those who encamped nearest the Ark, were at that distance from it, and came so far; but the most were further from it, and their Sabbath-days journey was considerably longer.

Partly from the reverent respect they should bear to the Ark; and partly for the following reason.

That the Ark marching so far before you into the River, and standing still there till you pass over, may give you the greater assurance of your safe passage.

Marginal references: ‡ Heb. [illegible: 1 word] yesterday and the third [illegible: 1 word]