Joshua 3:4
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. 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.
The command to keep about two thousand cubits between the people and the ark, and not to come near it, so they might know the way they had not passed before, belongs to Israel's crossing of the Jordan with the ark. Christ, followed by angels, went before the ark, and the waters were cut off before Him. He and the angels remained with the ark and the priests in the riverbed until all Israel had crossed over.
When God's people enter a way they have never gone before, they must know the way and be sure every step is right before taking it. They are to seek wisdom from God for every detail rather than rushing ahead in old habits. God Himself goes before His people in such an untried way and points out exactly what they should do. Yielded obedience then brings prudence and equity and truth and certainty about the right course. Applied to the work of reorganization as the beginning of a new era, this calls for resting in God in quietness and confidence and moving slowly enough that each step is certain and sure, rather than doing much business that must afterward be undone.