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Joshua 3 Commentary
In Joshua 3, the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River under Joshua’s leadership. Early in the morning, Joshua led the people from the Acacia Grove to camp by the Jordan. After three days, the officers gave instructions: the people were to follow the ark of the covenant, carried by the Levitical priests, keeping a distance of about 1,000 yards. This would allow them to see the path clearly since they hadn’t been this way before. Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves because the Lord was going to do amazing things among them the next day. He also instructed the priests to carry the ark and go ahead of the people.
God spoke to Joshua, promising to exalt him in the eyes of all Israel so they would know He was with Joshua just as He had been with Moses. Joshua was to tell the priests to stand in the Jordan when they reached the water’s edge. Joshua then gathered the Israelites, calling them to come closer and hear the words of the Lord. He assured them that the living God was among them and would drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, and other nations.
The ark of the covenant, representing God’s presence, would lead the way. Joshua also directed them to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, to prepare for what God was about to do. (This was kind of a big deal!)When the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark went ahead. Despite the Jordan being at flood stage, as soon as the priests’ feet touched the water, the flow completely stopped.
The water piled up in a heap far upstream near the city of Adam, and the rest flowed away, leaving dry ground for the Israelites to cross. The priests stood in the middle of the riverbed, holding the ark, as the entire nation crossed safely. This miraculous event reminds us of the parting of the Red Sea in Egypt, while displaying God’s power, His faithfulness to His people, and His confirmation of Joshua’s leadership.
Crossing The Jordan
There are many great applications we can take from this chapter. One thought that sticks out is studying the circumstances and situation of what the crossing of the Red Sea and the crossing of the Jordan meant for Israel… and what it might mean for us today as well…
“It is instructive to contrast the crossing of the Red Sea (Ex. 14-15) and the crossing of the Jordan. The first crossing illustrates separation from the past (Egypt, the world), while the second crossing pictures entrance by faith into our spiritual inheritance in Christ. The enemy was defeated once and for all when the Egyptian army was drowned in the Red Sea, but the Jews had to win one victory after another when they crossed Jordan and entered Canaan. On the cross, Jesus defeated our enemies, but we have to walk and war by faith if we are to have daily victory. We “cross the Jordan” when we enter by faith into the victory experience of Rom. 6-8.”
Warren Wiersbe
For a deeper study into the victory experience of Romans, you can check out Romans 6, Romans 7, and Romans 8.
Walking By Faith
This seems like a daunting task for Joshua, the newly appointed leader. A whole nation is trying to cross a rushing river swollen with spring rains. Most likely, we are talking about hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people. Joshua is in command of them and the responsibility of executing this crossing lies heavily on his leadership. This is a huge task!
It would be essential to depend on God. So many times in life when struggles or challenges come, God does His best work. While we tend to focus on ourselves, He is focused on the big-picture journey. This was not just any journey. This was a promise of God that would be fulfilled. The people had every reason to believe God would deliver them from any and all complications.
This is a great example of what it means to walk by faith. We see something in front of us that feels like it is a huge challenge and we forget that the Lord is with us. We forget His promises to us. We sometimes forget His past faithfulness in our lives. This is why God had Israel integrate so many reminders into their worship and daily life. Joshua put God at the forefront of the decision-making. His leadership worshiped God.
Joshua Sets The Tone
Here in Joshua 3, the crossing of the Jordan was not something Joshua came up with, it was something God had promised. Therefore, Joshua knew the glory and honor must start with Him.
This is why the ark is called upon as the first to be sent. Joshua set the tone for the entire nation by proclaiming that their eyes will not be set on human wisdom, but on the glory of God. God’s presence would lead the way. He would go before them.
Through The Waters
But let’s consider another truth. Just as in Exodus, the Lord took them into the waters. Their path was not around, or over, but through. We don’t always enjoy going through the waters! Maybe you do, but I definitely do not. Give me a boat so I can safely float above. Give me a map so I can take another route. Many might wonder, why didn’t God just speak the words and transport them across instantly? In God’s plan for His people, He often will take them through the valley, so they can understand and experience His presence and continual grace.
“You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. [15] With power you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah [16] The water saw you, God. The water saw you; it trembled. Even the depths shook. [17] The clouds poured down water. The storm clouds thundered; your arrows flashed back and forth. [18] The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind; lightning lit up the world. The earth shook and quaked. [19] Your way went through the sea and your path through the vast water, but your footprints were unseen.”
Psalms 77:14-19 CSB
His way goes through the waters. They do not frighten Him. They do not overwhelm Him. When the waters saw God, they trembled. Even the depths shook.
Footprints Unseen
The final point to reflect on is the fact that God was present even though His footprints were unseen. This is the reality of life with Jesus. We question. We wonder. We complain. We cry. We struggle. We don’t see God in the moment even though He is right there working. Even though it seems our God has left us, we know He is near to us because sooner or later we witness the evidence of Him working. We must not look down to search for His footprints, but up to His face to see His glory.
“God’s way is in the sea-it is impossible to track His footsteps-but it is also in the sanctuary! In other words, however perplexing His providences may appear, they are governed by His redeeming love for His own, and are consistent with His perfect holiness. His ways may be veiled in mystery, but He leads His people as the shepherd His flock. Do not look down at your path, but up into His face.”
F.B. Meyer