And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan (v.17)
Message: Israel Crosses the Jordan River
Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components.
What the Lord is Saying:
Ch. 1 - Moses has died and now his assistant Joshua has been called by the Lord to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan and into Canaan. The Lord calls Joshua to be strong and courageous and confirms He will be with him. He is to be careful to do according to the Law. Joshua passed on this promise to the people of Israel and they respond that they will obey Joshua as they know the Lord God is with him.
Ch. 2 - Joshua sends out two spies to Jericho and Rahab, the harlot, provides them shelter and hides them from the authorities of Jericho. There is fear from the Canaanites of the Israelites. Rahab knows the Lord has given Israel the land of Canaan. She hides the spies and a promise is given to her that she and her family will be protected by tying a cord of scarlet thread in the window.
Ch. 3 - Joshua and sons of Israel went to the Jordan to lodge there for 3 days before crossing – upon seeing the Ark of the covenant carried by the Levitical priests then they shall follow it, keeping a distance of 2,000 cubits. The Lord promises to exalt Joshua and promises to still the waters of the Jordan as the ark goes across it. Take 12 men, each from a tribe of Israel, stand in the waters of the Jordan and it will be stilled. And all the nation crossed the Jordan, again on dry ground.
Additional thoughts - The ark of the covenant normally was carried by non-priestly Levites (sons of Kohath). The ark was the presence of God as it says in Exodus 25:22, it is there that God will meet with his people. Thus, God would be going before them, leading them as they crossed the Jordan and came into the land of Canaan, the land that was indeed promised by God for them. And God would also show his power to the people, similar to when they crossed the Red Sea. Once the priests carrying the ark stood in the water, the water stopped and the people crossed over on dry land. Also, 2,000 cubits is about 3,000 feet or 0.57 of a mile and is also the distance that Jews are allowed to travel on Sabbath days. It is also the distance from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem.
What I learn and apply - God communicates truths through Joshua about what He will do but then He also shows us through examples in our lives that He has power and He is in control. He demonstrates His power to us. H reminds us He is present. He achieved something here that only he could have done, but he took them through an obstacle in life. Surely they would know the power of God to rescue them in the future.
Summary: The Lord sends the ark of the covenant (His presence) ahead of Israel in crossing the Jordan to Canaan and stills the water of the Jordan to show them His power now and in the future.
Promise: God begins and ends our salvation - parting the red sea, but then also stilling the water of the Jordan to take us to our promised land. He is faithful.
Prayer: Lord, you are faithful. You give me promises and You come through. I can trust in You that You will do what You say. You led Israel through the Jordan into the land you had promised to them. And you will lead me through the storms and trials of life that are present and you will bring me home to heaven. Thank You for the peace that is only found in You. Help me to be one that helps others see the peace of You.
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