NOTES for Jos 4:1-24
As long as the priests with the ark of the covenant stand on the dry bed of the Jordan, its waters remain still. The priests will not go into battle bearing weapons, but they are called to serve the One who grants victories to the people, and so they are entrusted with carrying the ark of the covenant. It is through them that the Lord holds back the waters of the Jordan while the warriors cross to the other bank.
From those ancient times to this day, the Lord continues to act through the ministers He has called. Today too, the Church, appointed to hold back the dark torrents that seek to sweep everything away, provides a crossing to the shore indicated by the Lord.