Joshua - Chapter 3

Joshua 3.1 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. Joshua 3.2 And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; Joshua 3.3 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. 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. Joshua 3.5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. Joshua 3.6 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. Joshua 3.7 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. Joshua 3.8 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. Joshua 3.9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. Joshua 3.10 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. Joshua 3.11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the LORD of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan. Joshua 3.12 Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man. Joshua 3.13 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. Joshua 3.14 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; Joshua 3.15 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,) Joshua 3.16 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. Joshua 3.17 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.

Joshua : Chapter 3

The Miraculous Crossing of the Jordan

Chapter 3 of the Book of Joshua offers us a powerful account of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. This text illustrates how God demonstrates His power and presence among His people. By leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, led by the Ark of the Covenant, God demonstrates His holiness, His faithfulness to His promises, and the paramount importance of obedience.

This chapter draws significant parallels with the Exodus, highlighting God's care for His people. We invite you to explore five biblical passages that illuminate the profound themes of this transformative chapter.

Psalm 114:3

"The sea looked and fled, the Jordan rolled back;" This psalm evokes the miraculous crossing of the Jordan as recounted in Joshua 3, recalling God's power in the face of the elements.

Isaiah 43:2

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not hide you. When you walk through the fire, you You will not be burned; the flames will not let you burn." This verse echoes the divine protection Israel experienced during their crossing of the Jordan River, affirming that God is always present in times of trial.

Hebrews 11:29

"By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned." Although this verse refers to the Red Sea, it highlights the faith needed to miraculously cross the waters, just as in Joshua 3.

Exodus 25:10-22

"[Description of the Ark of the Covenant]" This passage describes the Ark of the Covenant, which plays a central role in the crossing of the Jordan River. The Ark symbolizes God's presence among his people and his guidance in critical times.

1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the people of God, to proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." This verse reflects the role of the priests in leading the people across the Jordan, emphasizing the importance of their sacred mission in God's plan.

By meditating on these passages, we can better understand God's greatness and his desire to lead us to our own Promised Land, calling us to active faith and joyful obedience.