ISRAELITES CROSS THE JORDAN RIVER

JOSHUA 1–4

The opening chapters of Joshua find Israel encamped east of the Jordan River on the plains of Moab at a place called Shittim (Josh. 2:1). We might want to dash forward to the well-known account of Jericho’s fall, but for two chapters the Scripture focuses our attention on the banks of the Jordan River (Joshua 3–4). While there were other ways to enter Canaan, Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan for three reasons, each sending a powerful message both to the Israelites and the inhabitants of Canaan.

First, the King of the Universe is faithful. Even though Jacob’s journey to Egypt marked the beginning of a long sojourn outside the Promised Land, there was no question that the Lord would bring Israel back to this very land as a great nation (Gen. 46:3–4). After forty years in the desert and the passing of the generation who had escaped Egypt, the time had come.

Stone pile. After crossing the Jordan River on dry ground, the Israelites took twelve stones from Jordan and erected a memorial to commemorate how the Lord cut off the waters of the Jordan.

Replica of the Ark of the Covenant. The flow of the Jordan stopped as the priests who carried the ark entered the water.

As the Lord led Jacob’s descendants to enter Canaan and claim their promise, this new generation faced another water barrier, the Jordan River. Again, the Lord showed his faithfulness and power. He stopped the flow of the Jordan, and as they crossed the river, this generation of Israelites saw a reminder of the miracle given their parents. The association between these two crossings provided a visible and memorable encouragement that the Lord keeps his promises.

Second, this crossing of the Jordan River was used to mark a new chapter in Israel’s continuing history. Just as the Lord had begun the previous chapter in Israel’s history with a water crossing at the Red Sea, so a water crossing marked the start of this new chapter. Both miracles happened at the same time of year (Exod. 12:3; Josh. 4:19), both permitted Israel to cross the waterway on “dry ground” (Exod. 14:16, 22, 29; Josh. 3:17; see also Josh. 4:23), and both were associated with the journey to the land of promise.

Israel encamps on the plains of Moab

Third, the miracle attending the crossing of the Jordan River sent a powerful message that the Lord would safeguard Israel’s efforts during the coming conquest. Wading was the only way for them to cross the Jordan—a daunting adventure when the river was running at flood stage (Josh. 3:15). At that time of year the water at that location could be up to twelve feet deep1 with currents so swift and fierce that they threatened the life of anyone who dared enter.2 It is no wonder that such a crossing, particularly under the watchful eyes of hostile forces, was deemed an act of heroism in Bible times (1 Chron. 12:15).

Israel camped next to the water of the Jordan River for three days contemplating all that lay ahead. Then the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant led Israel forward. As soon as the feet of those carrying the ark touched the water’s edge, the water ceased flowing from upstream, and all the perils of that crossing went downstream with the rest of the water (Josh. 3:16). The Israelites walked across on dry ground, not only assured that the Lord was in the lead keeping his promises, but also secure in the knowledge that he would safeguard their mission in the days ahead.

Today, the Jordan River is much smaller in volume than during flood stage, when the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land.

The Red Sea crossing had been a testimony of the Lord’s power and faithfulness, but it was far away from Canaan. The Jordan River near Jericho was a border and significant gateway into the Promised Land. And the stone memorial placed by the crossing site became a ready reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness (Josh. 4:4–7).

Great Bitter Lake, one of the possible crossings of the Red Sea. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground to enter the Promised Land, they were reminded of how the Lord had opened the water for their parents to escape from Egypt.