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I. THE LINE OF THE MARCH: "Ye have not passed this way heretofore." The way was unknown, untried, danger-encompassed. Great conflicts lay in it. Great trials; trials of faith, trials of courage, trials of patience, trials of strength.

II. THE LEADER OF THE MARCH along the unknown, untried, and danger-encompassed way: "The ark of the covenant of the Lord." In other words, Jesus was the Leader of the march. He was with the Church in the wilderness — the true Joshua — the Captain of "the sacramental host of God's elect."

III. THE MARCH ITSELF.

1. It was to be a prompt following — unquestioning, soldierlike. To the high summons, "Follow Me," the response was to be, "Lord, we will follow Thee, whithersoever Thou goest."

2. It was to be humble, reverent following. "Come not near unto it." The following was to be far: far, and yet near. Near because far. Far, through a perception of the greatness of God; far, through a consciousness of unworthiness. Far in that sense, and therefore near. "For thus saith the High and Lofty One," &c.

3. It was to be a trustful following. The ark of the covenant of the Lord was to stand out clear and distinct, that each and all might see it; that even the little children might see it." There was to be no crowding round the ark of the covenant of the Lord. Nothing was to intervene between the people and their guide, and the object of their trust; not even Joshua. They were to see "no man, save Jesus only."

(W. Crosbie, M. A. , LL. B.)

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KJV: And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;

WEB: It happened after three days, that the officers went through the midst of the camp;