1 Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
2 At the end of three days the officers went through the camp
3 and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it,
4 Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length. Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.”
5 Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
6 And Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people.” So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people.
7 The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
8 And as for you, command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, ‘When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’”
9 And Joshua said to the people of Israel, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.”
10 And Joshua said, “Here is how you shall know that the living God is among you and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusites.
11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is passing over before you into the Jordan.
12 Now therefore take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, from each tribe a man.
13 And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”
14 So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people,
15 and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest),
16 the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho.
17 And the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.
The True Meaning of Joshua 3
This chapter of the Book of Joshua recounts a pivotal moment in the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. The author, believed to be Joshua himself, provides a firsthand account of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, a critical step in the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan. The Israelites face a significant obstacle as they prepare to enter the land God has promised them – the Jordan River is at flood stage. However, the Lord intervenes, parting the waters and allowing the people to cross on dry ground, much like the parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus (Exodus 14:21-22). This event not only demonstrates God’s power but also establishes Joshua’s leadership and the people’s trust in him as the successor to Moses.
The chapter also highlights the importance of the Ark of the Covenant, which leads the way as the Israelites cross the Jordan. The Ark, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, represents the presence of God among his people. Its central role in this event underscores the divine guidance and protection the Israelites enjoy as they embark on the conquest of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 33:1).
Joshua 3:1-6
The Israelites in Joshua 3:1-6 are preparing to cross the Jordan River to enter the land of Canaan. The passage begins by highlighting the early start of the Israelites, emphasizing their readiness and obedience. This is significant as it shows their commitment to following God’s commands promptly and without hesitation. It sets the tone for the miraculous events that are about to unfold as they step into the promised land.
The text mentions that after three days, the officers of the Israelites commanded the people to prepare themselves. This period of three days could symbolize a time of consecration, purification, and readiness for the great miracle that was to occur. The number three is associated with divine completeness in many instances throughout the Bible, such as the three days Jesus spent in the tomb before being resurrected. The Levitical priests carried the ark of the covenant, instructing the people to follow it as they set out from their camp. The ark represented the presence of God among His people. The Israelites were to keep a distance of about 2,000 cubits (around 3,000 feet) between them and the ark. This distance could signify the holiness and reverence due to God’s presence. It was a reminder for the people to maintain a respectful distance and not to treat the ark casually or irreverently, as seen in the account of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:7.
Joshua then addresses the people, telling them to consecrate themselves because the next day the Lord will do amazing things among them. This call to consecration highlights the importance of spiritual preparation before witnessing the work of God. It echoes the notion of holiness and purity required to encounter God and His wonders, a concept seen throughout the Bible (Exodus 19:10-11, 1 Peter 1:15-16).
The statement that the Lord will do amazing things among them is a promise of divine intervention and miraculous deeds. It reinforces the idea that the success of the Israelites was not dependent on their own strength or strategies but on God’s power and faithfulness. This message speaks to the broader theme of reliance on God and His ability to work wonders in the lives of His people, a theme reiterated in the New Testament with verses like Philippians 4:13. This passage sets the stage for the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and underscores the importance of obedience, consecration, and faith in God’s promises. It reminds us that God goes before His people, leading the way and orchestrating events for their benefit. The account of the Israelites crossing the Jordan serves as a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness, His ability to part the waters, and His commitment to leading His people to victory.
Joshua 3:7-13
The Lord speaks to Joshua in Joshua 3:7-13, instructing him on what to do as the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River. The Lord commands Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people and to stand in the river. This is a significant moment as the Ark represented the presence of God among His people. The priests carrying the Ark into the river signifies the Israelites’ trust and dependence on God to lead them into the Promised Land.
This passage demonstrates the importance of obedience and faith in following God’s directives. Joshua, as a leader appointed by God, had to follow these specific instructions to ensure the success of the Israelites’ journey. It teaches us that obedience to God’s word is crucial in achieving His plans for us. Even when the tasks seem daunting or unconventional, like standing in a river with the Ark of the Covenant, trusting in God’s guidance is essential.
The reference to the Ark of the Covenant is significant throughout the Bible. The Ark was a sacred chest that contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s staff. It symbolized God’s covenant and presence with His people. Throughout their journey, the Israelites carried the Ark with them, signifying God’s guidance and protection. The Ark precedes the people into the river in this passage, showcasing the Israelites’ reliance on God to part the waters and lead them safely to the other side.
The crossing of the Jordan River mirrors the Israelites’ earlier experience at the Red Sea when God parted the waters for them to escape from Egypt. This event serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in delivering His people from bondage and leading them to freedom. It reinforces the principle that God is always with His people, guiding them through challenges and obstacles. Reflecting on Joshua 3:7-13 reminds us of the importance of trust, obedience, and faith in God’s leading. Just as Joshua and the Israelites followed the Lord’s instructions and witnessed His miraculous power in parting the Jordan River, we too should trust in God’s plans for our lives and follow His guidance. This passage encourages us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own, knowing that He is faithful to lead us through the waters of life towards His promises.
Joshua 3:14-17
The Israelites, led by Joshua, prepared to cross the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, and we witnessed a powerful and miraculous event in Joshua 3:14-17. This event is significant as it marks a new chapter in the history of the Israelites, as they were about to inherit the land that God had promised to their ancestors. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the waters of the Jordan River, causing the waters upstream to stop flowing and pile up in a heap. This created a dry path for the Israelites to cross over into the land that God had promised them. This miraculous event displays God’s power and faithfulness to His people. It is reminiscent of the parting of the Red Sea during the time of Moses, showing that God is always present and able to make a way where there seems to be no way.
The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred item representing God’s presence among His people. It was a symbol of His covenant with Israel. The fact that the priests carrying the Ark had to step into the waters before they parted signifies the importance of faith and obedience in experiencing God’s miracles. This teaches us that sometimes we need to step out in faith and trust God, even when the situation seems impossible.
The crossing of the Jordan River also holds symbolic significance. The river served as a barrier between the Israelites and the Promised Land, just as there may be barriers or obstacles in our lives that seem insurmountable. However, just as God made a way for the Israelites to cross the Jordan, He can also make a way for us to overcome obstacles in our own lives if we trust in Him.
This event reinforces the idea that God is faithful to His promises. Just as He had promised to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He orchestrated this miraculous crossing of the Jordan River to demonstrate His faithfulness. This can serve as a reminder to us that God’s promises are trustworthy and that He will always fulfill them in His perfect timing. God demonstrates His power and faithfulness to His people in the Bible in similar instances. For example, in Exodus 14, God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptian army. This event, like the crossing of the Jordan River, shows us that God is in control of all circumstances and is able to intervene on behalf of His people. The passage of Joshua 3:14-17 reminds us of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and power. It teaches us the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s promises. Just as God made a way for the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, He can also make a way for us in our own lives if we rely on Him completely.
After Joshua 3
The Israelites stood on the banks of the Jordan River, their hearts filled with anticipation. They had come so far, enduring trials and tribulations, but now the moment had arrived. A miraculous event unfolded as the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the waters. The river parted, creating a path for the people to cross over to the promised land.
With awe and reverence, the Israelites followed the priests, their feet treading upon the dry ground. They had reached the threshold of a new chapter, a land flowing with milk and honey, where God’s blessings awaited them. Yet, as they stood on the other side, they knew that the journey was far from over. The battles that lay ahead would test their faith and their resolve, but the Lord had promised to be with them every step of the way.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.