In this chapter, Joshua and the Israelites cross the Jordan River. The following morning, after the spies returned from Jericho in chapter 2, Joshua and the Israelites arrived at the banks of the Jordan River. They camped beside the Jordan River for three days, and then Israelite leaders gave instructions to all the people to follow the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant so they could guide them, since they’ve never traveled that way before. The leaders also told them to stay about a half mile behind them and never get any closer.
Joshua then informed the people, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you.” In the morning Joshua said to the priests, “Lift up the Ark of the Covenant and lead the people across the river.” And so they started out.
The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites. Now they will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses. Give these instructions to the priests who are carrying the Ark of the Covenant: “When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop.”
So Joshua told the Israelites, “Come and listen to what the Lord your God says. Today you will know that the living God is among you. He will surely drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites. Think of it! The Ark of the Covenant, which belongs to the Lord of the whole earth, will lead you across the Jordan River!” (Joshua 3:5-11) Wow...Joshua is starting his leadership giving God all the glory! That’s what I’m talking about!
Joshua continues, “Now choose twelve men, one from each tribe. The priests will be carrying the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. When their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will pile up there in one heap.” (That’s my God...He’s about to part the Jordan River!)
When the people set out to cross the Jordan, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. Now it was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water began piling up at a town upstream called Adam, which is near Zarethan. (Lord, you are no joke!) And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lord’s covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.” (Joshua 3:12-17) Wow!
Lord, thank you for your Word today! You are a mighty God and you are worthy to be praised! If we, simply, trust in you...you will direct our path on dry ground. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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