1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
2 And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;
3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.
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.
5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
6 And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.
7 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee.
8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.
9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
10 And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God [is] among you, and [that] he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.
11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.
12 Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
14 And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;
15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
16 That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
17 And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
Overview of Joshua Chapter 3
Joshua Chapter 3 describes a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites as they prepare to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This chapter highlights themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention, emphasizing God’s guidance as the Israelites transition from their wilderness wanderings to a new beginning in Canaan.
Key Themes
- Faith and Obedience: The chapter underscores the importance of trusting in God’s promises and following His instructions.
- Divine Guidance: The presence of the Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God’s guidance and His covenant with the Israelites.
- Miraculous Intervention: The crossing of the Jordan River is portrayed as a miraculous event, reinforcing God’s power and faithfulness.
Summary of Events
- Preparation for Crossing (Verses 1-4):
Joshua instructs the Israelites to prepare to cross the Jordan River. They are told to consecrate themselves, as God will perform wonders among them. The Ark of the Covenant, carried by the priests, is to lead the way, serving as a guide for the people to follow.
- God’s Assurance (Verses 5-8):
Joshua commands the people to sanctify themselves, promising that on the next day, God will demonstrate His power. He instructs the priests to carry the Ark into the Jordan, assuring them that God will stop the waters of the river.
- Crossing the Jordan (Verses 9-17):
Joshua addresses the Israelites, affirming that they will witness God’s greatness. As the priests step into the river with the Ark, the waters of the Jordan are miraculously halted, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. This event is marked as a significant moment, reminiscent of the crossing of the Red Sea.
Detailed Analysis
Preparation for Crossing
The chapter opens with Joshua leading the Israelites from Shittim to the banks of the Jordan River. The emphasis on consecration indicates that spiritual readiness is crucial for experiencing God’s miracles. The directive to follow the Ark signifies the importance of divine leadership and the need for the people to remain focused on God as they embark on this new journey.
God’s Assurance
God’s promise of wonders serves to build anticipation and faith among the Israelites. The instructions given to the priests to carry the Ark into the river highlight the role of faith in action. The act of stepping into the water before it parts demonstrates a profound trust in God’s word, setting a precedent for future acts of faith among the Israelites.
Crossing the Jordan
The miraculous cessation of the Jordan’s waters is a powerful testament to God’s sovereignty and ability to intervene in natural circumstances. This event not only serves as a confirmation of God’s presence among His people but also acts as a reminder of His past deliverance during the Exodus. The crossing on dry ground symbolizes a new beginning for the Israelites, marking their transition from a nomadic existence to a settled life in the Promised Land.
Conclusion
Joshua Chapter 3 is a significant chapter that encapsulates the themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. The crossing of the Jordan River illustrates the Israelites’ journey into the Promised Land, serving as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and power. This chapter sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of conquest and settlement in Canaan, emphasizing the importance of relying on God’s guidance in all endeavors.
