You will know which way to go

Joshua 3:1-17
You will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.
The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
It was spring - the first month of the Hebrew calendar, 'Nisan', which is March/April approaching the time of the barley harvest.
The river was swollen with Mt Hermen's melted snows, not the priests stepped into the flood-water, a blockage at Adam, about 29km upstream, dammed the river, leaving the river-bed dry.
As with the Red Sea crossing, 40 years earlier natural forces are employed to clear the way in a miracle of timing.
Sanctify/consecrate/purity: prepare yourselves before God, by ritual purification and self-examination in the light of what God requires.
Why?
The Lord will show the greatness to Israelite and keep distance to the Ark, for God is holy. Fear the Lord and consecrate yourself is necessary.
How?
God will let me know which way to go. Give honor and praises to the Lord.