Joshua Chapter 3 Bible Study: Crossing the Jordan River

The Preparation for Crossing the Jordan

Joshua chapter 3 describes one of the most miraculous and significant events in Israel’s history: the crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The chapter opens with Joshua and the Israelites moving from their camp at Shittim to the banks of the Jordan River. They wait there for three days, a period of preparation and anticipation. During this time, the officers instruct the people to follow the priests who will be carrying the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark, a sacred chest representing God’s presence and throne, was to be their guide. The people are commanded to maintain a specific distance of about 2,000 cubits (around half a mile) from the Ark, a sign of reverence and respect for God’s holiness. Joshua’s words to the people during this time are powerful: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5). This command for sanctification, or ritual purification, emphasizes that this was not merely a military maneuver but a holy act, requiring the spiritual readiness of the entire nation.

The Priests Carry the Ark into the River

The climax of the chapter occurs when the Israelites are ready to cross. Joshua commands the priests to take up the Ark of the Covenant and lead the people into the river. The Jordan River at this time of year, during the harvest season, was at its fullest, overflowing its banks. This detail is crucial; it highlights that the crossing was not a simple feat but a genuine miracle. The text states that “as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bore the ark had rested in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap” (Joshua 3:15-16). This miraculous cessation of the river’s flow created a dry passage for the people to cross. The priests carrying the Ark stood firmly in the middle of the riverbed, serving as a symbolic anchor for God’s presence, while the entire nation of Israel, from women and children to the armed men, passed through on dry ground.

The Significance of the Miracle

The crossing of the Jordan River holds immense significance, both historically and theologically.

Confirmation of Joshua’s Leadership: This miracle served as God’s public affirmation of Joshua’s authority. God had promised Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Joshua 3:7). The parting of the Jordan, a mirror image of Moses’s parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14), firmly established Joshua as the new, God-appointed leader. It instilled confidence in the people and respect for Joshua.
A Reminder of God’s Power: The event was a powerful reminder to the Israelites that the same God who had delivered them from Egypt was still with them. It was a tangible sign of His faithfulness and His power to overcome any obstacle in their path, including the seemingly impassable river and the fortified walls of Jericho.
A Theological Marker: The crossing marks the end of their wilderness journey and the official entry into the Promised Land. The wilderness generation, who had been commanded to wander, had died out. The new generation was now entering the land of promise, a fulfillment of God’s covenant.
A Symbol of Consecration: The dry riverbed upon which the priests stood while the people crossed was a new and holy place. The crossing itself was a moment of national consecration, a public declaration that Israel was a people set apart for God’s purposes.

Theological Themes

God’s Presence as a Guide and Source of Power: The Ark of the Covenant leads the way, not a military commander. This emphasizes that God’s presence is the true source of Israel’s strength, direction, and power. They are to follow Him, not their own strategies.
The Importance of Faith and Obedience: The miracle occurred only when the priests, in an act of faith, stepped into the overflowing waters. This teaches that God often asks us to take a step of faith before He reveals His miraculous power. Obedience to His specific commands is what unlocks His intervention.
Divine Miracles as Public Affirmations: God performed this miracle “in the sight of all Israel” so they would know that He was with Joshua. God’s miraculous acts are often public displays intended to build faith and solidify leadership.
The New Testament Connection: The crossing of the Jordan River is a powerful foreshadowing of Christian baptism. Just as Israel passed through the waters to enter a new life in the Promised Land, believers pass through the waters of baptism to enter a new life in Christ, leaving their old lives behind.

Practical Lessons

Take the First Step of Faith: Like the priests who stepped into the river, we are often called to take a step of faith and obedience before we see God’s full plan unfold.
Follow God’s Leading: The Israelites were commanded to follow the Ark. We must follow God’s leading in our lives, trusting that He will make a way for us, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable.
Sanctify Yourself for a Holy Mission: The command to “sanctify yourselves” reminds us that when we are embarking on a mission for God, we must prepare our hearts and minds to be in a right relationship with Him.
God’s Presence is Our Assurance: The crossing of the Jordan teaches us that we can face any “overflowing river” in our lives with confidence, knowing that the same God who was with Israel is with us. His presence is our ultimate guarantee of victory.

Relevant Cross-References

Exodus 14:21-22: The parting of the Red Sea, a parallel miracle that established God’s power to deliver His people.
Exodus 25:10-22: The initial instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant, detailing its contents and significance.
Joshua 1:5: God’s promise to Joshua, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you,” which is publicly confirmed in this chapter.
Psalm 114:3-5: A poetic reference to the Jordan River turning back from God’s presence.
Acts 7:45: Stephen’s sermon mentions Joshua leading the people into the Promised Land.
Romans 6:4: Paul’s teaching on baptism as a symbol of death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ.