College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Joshua 3 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 3
God's instructions to Joshua. Joshua and the people of Israel moved from their camp at Shittim to the banks of the Jordan. Just before they crossed over into Canaan, God spoke again to Joshua and gave him final instructions about the passage. A thrill of excitement must have run through the entire camp as they came to this thrilling moment.
Joshua's instructions to the people, Joshua ordered the Levites which carried the Ark of the Covenant to go before the people but to stop at the edge of the river. Joshua also commanded the people to take twelve men from among them, one man from every tribe. These men were to select stones to carry out of the Jordan and use in the construction of a memorial.
The parting of the Jordan. Although the river was in flood stage at the time, God wrought a mighty miracle as He caused the waters which ran down from the north to stop, and also prevented the waters from the south from flowing back into the river bed. Dry land was exposed, and the people of Israel were allowed to march across on dry ground. The priests who bore the Ark of the Covenant stood firm on dry ground where the water had been until all the people of Israel had passed over into Canaan.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
God makes known His will to man. God does not leave man alone in darkness to grope in an effort to find out the will of God. God had made known His will in an unmistakably clear way. He gave explicit instructions to Joshua as the people of Israel prepared to cross over into the Promised Land. He has given all mankind His will as they seek to know what is expected of them in their effort to reach an upper and better kingdom.
2.
God's people march in faith. The people of Israel must have been sorely tried as Joshua ordered them to march forward toward the banks of the swollen Jordan River. The priests themselves led the way, and their faith must have been sorely tried as they were ordered to step down into the water and march forward as if they were to attempt to walk across the flooded stream. Such is often the case of the believer as he is asked to do something for which he cannot see a reason. It is at this point where the Christian walks by faith.
3.
Obedience to God brings victory, God does not always work in the same way. When the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea, Moses held up his staff over the water. The people of Israel may have been expecting Joshua to do something similar, but Joshua himself was in the background as they crossed the Jordan River. The priests took the lead. As they obeyed, God parted the waters of the Jordan. The people who had come to this point in faith and obedience were then enabled to cross the raging river on dry ground. In the spiritual realm such experiences are repeated day by day by those who trust and obey. They march forward to victory as they obey God.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 3
1.
Where was Israel's camp before they crossed the Jordan?
2.
How long did the people of Israel wait at the edge of the Jordan?
3.
How much space was between the people of Israel and the Ark?
4.
List three of the seven names by which groups of the inhabitants of Canaan were identified.
5.
How many men were the people of Israel to select for Joshua's special task?
6.
What time of year was it when the people crossed Jordan?
7.
Near what city on the north were the waters stopped?
8.
By what two names was the Dead Sea identified?
9.
What town in Canaan was directly opposite the point where they crossed?
10.
What article of tabernacle furniture was to go before the people?