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.
But keep about 3,000 feet of distance between yourselves and it. Don't come close to it, so that you can see the path you need to take. You have never traveled this route before.
God is instructing the Israelites to keep their distance from the ark of the covenant so they can clearly see which way to go on this unfamiliar journey.
📚 Historical Context
The Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant would lead the way, but the people needed to maintain a respectful distance from this sacred object. This was both for reverence and practical purposes - so the entire nation could see the ark and follow its path across the river.
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