Joshua 3
Joshua 3:1 – Preparation for Passing over the Jordan This section describes how the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River into the promised land. The people did not know exactly how God would help them, but they trusted Him as they moved forward. God often does things for His people that they do not expect (Isaiah 64:3 a). The focus is on their faith and careful preparation, following God's instructions given through Joshua. The Israelites were reminded to depend on God, to respect the symbols of His presence, and to prepare themselves spiritually for the wonders God would do among them.v. 1: The people of Israel moved to the edge of the Jordan River and camped there. Even though they did not yet know how they would cross, they trusted God’s promise that they would enter the land ( b). Joshua got up early to lead the people, showing his dedication and hard work. This sets a good example for leaders and shows that important work requires effort and attention ( c). v. 2: Officers went through the camp giving instructions to the people. This was to make sure everyone knew what to do and what to expect. It helped the people get ready to follow God’s leading. v. 3: The Israelites were told to follow the ark of the covenant. The ark was a sign of God’s presence with them. Before, the pillar of cloud and fire led the people, but now the ark would lead them. The ark is called the "ark of the covenant of the Lord their God," reminding them that God was in a special relationship with them. As long as God was with them, they did not need to be afraid ( d). Inside the ark were the tablets of the law, and over it was the mercy seat, symbolizing God’s law and grace. This teaches us that we should let God’s word and mercy guide us. v. 4: The people were told to keep a distance of about a thousand yards from the ark. This showed respect for God’s holiness and reminded them not to become too familiar with holy things. It also made it easier for everyone to see the ark and know which way to go. The people had never traveled this way before, so they needed God’s guidance. This verse reminds us that in new or difficult situations, we should trust God to lead us, even if the path is unfamiliar. God’s presence gives us courage to face new challenges, including the great unknowns of life and death ( e). v. 5: Joshua told the people to sanctify themselves, which means to set themselves apart and purify themselves. This was because God was going to do amazing things among them the next day. This teaches us to prepare our hearts when we expect God to work in our lives. We should separate ourselves from distractions and sin, and focus on honoring God ( f). The people needed to be spiritually ready to enter the holy land and to see God’s wonders. v. 6: Joshua commanded the priests to take up the ark and carry it in front of the people. Usually the Levites carried the ark ( g), but now the priests were chosen for this special event. The priests obeyed and led the way, showing that carrying out God’s commands is both an honor and a protection. Leaders and ministers should be bold in serving God, knowing that God is with them and will protect them ( h). Joshua 3:7 – God Honours Joshua at the Jordan This passage shows how God chooses to honour Joshua as the new leader of Israel, just as He honoured Moses. The miracle at the Jordan River will prove to everyone that Joshua is God’s chosen governor for Israel. In return, Joshua honours God by calling the people to listen and obey. This moment is important because it shows that when people honour God, He will honour them. The division of the Jordan River is both a sign of Joshua’s leadership and a reminder that God is still in control, just as He was at the Red Sea.v. 7-8: God speaks to Joshua in a special way, just as He spoke to Moses from the mercy seat ( i). This makes Joshua respected among the people and shows that God is with him. God wants everyone to see that Joshua is truly their leader, just like He showed the people that Moses was His servant at the Red Sea (; j). God tells Joshua to command the priests to stand at the edge of the Jordan River with the ark. The miracle will happen when they do this, proving that God is the one dividing the water ( k). – v. 9: Joshua calls the people to come and listen to the words of the Lord ( l). He wants them to pay attention to God’s instructions before they see the miracle. Hearing God’s word is important to help people be holy and ready for what God will do ( m). v. 10: Joshua tells the people that they will see proof that the living God is among them. God will drive out the Canaanites and other nations from the land. The miracle at the Jordan River is not just about crossing, but also a sign that God will help them win future battles. This is a sure promise that God’s power will protect them and give them victory (; n; o). v. 11: Joshua tells them that the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go ahead of them into the Jordan ( p). The ark is a sign of God’s presence and power. God Himself will go before them, and they can trust Him to lead the way. This teaches us to follow God’s commands and trust His promises, even when the way seems difficult ( q). v. 12: Joshua gives instructions to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, to be ready for special service ( r). These men will have an important job later, and they need to be close by and prepared when Joshua calls on them ( s). v. 13: Joshua explains that when the priests carrying the ark step into the Jordan, the river’s water will stop and stand in a heap ( t). God could have frozen the river, but He chooses a special miracle to show His power, like when He split the Red Sea (; u). This reminds everyone that the God who created the world and helped Moses is still with them now. Joshua 3:14 – The Passage over the Jordan This section gives a simple and direct account of how the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. The story does not use fancy words because the event itself is so powerful. The miracle of stopping the river shows God’s great power and care for His people. It also reminds us that God can do anything for those He wants to save, no matter how big the obstacles seem. v. 15: At the time the Israelites crossed, the Jordan River was much wider and deeper than usual because it was harvest time. The snow melting from Mount Lebanon made the river overflow its banks ( v). God could have let them cross when the river was low, but He chose this time to show His mighty power. Even when things seem impossible, God can easily help His people.v. 15-16: As soon as the priests carrying the ark touched the edge of the water, the river stopped flowing. The water above them piled up in a heap, and the rest flowed away, leaving dry ground for the people to cross ( w). This amazed everyone, even people living far upstream. Just like at the Red Sea, God changed the laws of nature to help His people ( x). God can turn water into dry land or even rocks into water whenever He wishes (; y; ; z). This miracle proves that God is stronger than any obstacle. It also points forward to future miracles, like when God will dry up the Euphrates River ( aa). When God wants to help His people, nothing can stop Him ( ab). For us, crossing the Jordan can be like facing death, but God’s presence prepares a safe way through it. v. 16: The people crossed the river directly opposite Jericho. This showed their courage, because Jericho was a strong city. It also made their enemies very afraid, as they saw God working for Israel. Seeing the beautiful land ahead, the Israelites were encouraged to keep going and trust God to give them victory. v. 17: The priests stood still in the middle of the Jordan with the ark while everyone crossed ( ac). The ark was a sign of God’s presence and power holding back the water. The priests had to trust God to protect them, even with a wall of water above their heads. Their faith was an example for the rest of the people. As the Israelites crossed, they did not need to be afraid, because God was with them, just as Psalm 23:4 says: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”
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