Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go ahead of you into the Jordan. Behold,This word serves as a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of what follows. It is often used in Scripture to introduce a significant event or divine action. Here, it signals the miraculous event about to occur as the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River. the ark of the covenant
The Ark of the Covenant is a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolizes God's presence and covenant with Israel. The Ark's presence signifies divine guidance and assurance of God's promises. It is central to Israel's worship and a tangible representation of God's holiness and leadership. of the Lord of all the earth
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation, not just Israel. It highlights His universal authority and power, reinforcing that the miraculous crossing of the Jordan is an act of the Creator. This title for God underscores His dominion and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. will go ahead of you
The Ark leading the way signifies God's leadership and protection. It reassures the Israelites that God is with them, guiding them into the Promised Land. This mirrors the pillar of cloud and fire that led them through the wilderness, showing continuity in God's guidance. into the Jordan.
The Jordan River represents a significant geographical and spiritual boundary. Crossing it marks the transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land. The river's parting is reminiscent of the Red Sea crossing, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. This event prefigures baptism, symbolizing death to the old life and entry into a new life in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. 2. The Ark of the CovenantA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. 3. The Lord of all the earthA title emphasizing God's sovereignty over all creation. 4. The Jordan RiverThe river that the Israelites needed to cross to enter the Promised Land. 5. The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, who are about to enter the land promised to their ancestors. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is the Lord of all the earth, and His plans are sovereign over all creation. Faith in ActionJust as the Israelites had to step into the Jordan in faith, we are called to act in faith, trusting in God's promises. God's PresenceThe Ark symbolizes God's presence with His people. Today, we have the Holy Spirit as our constant companion and guide. Leadership and ObedienceJoshua's leadership and the people's obedience to God's command are models for us in following God's direction in our lives. Preparation for God's WorkThe Israelites prepared themselves spiritually before crossing the Jordan. We too must prepare our hearts and minds for the work God calls us to do. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God as "the Lord of all the earth" influence your perspective on current challenges you face? 2. In what ways can you demonstrate faith in action in your daily life, similar to the Israelites stepping into the Jordan? 3. How do you experience God's presence in your life today, and how does it compare to the Israelites' experience with the Ark of the Covenant? 4. What steps can you take to prepare yourself spiritually for the tasks God has set before you? 5. How can the leadership qualities of Joshua inspire you in your roles and responsibilities within your community or church? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 25:10-22Describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting its significance as the dwelling place of God's presence. Psalm 24:1Reinforces the idea of God as the Lord of all the earth, emphasizing His sovereignty. Hebrews 11:30References the faith of the Israelites as they crossed the Jordan, connecting to the broader theme of faith in action. Matthew 28:18-20Jesus' Great Commission, where He asserts His authority over heaven and earth, paralleling the authority of God in Joshua 3:11. Revelation 11:19Mentions the Ark of the Covenant in the heavenly temple, symbolizing God's enduring presence and faithfulness. People Adam, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Joshua, Levites, PerizzitesPlaces Adam, Jericho, Jordan River, Salt Sea, Sea of the Arabah, Shittim, ZarethanTopics Agreement, Ahead, Ark, Behold, Covenant, Crossing, Jordan, Pass, Passes, Passeth, PassingDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 3:11 1230 God, the Lord Joshua 3:1-17 4819 dryness Joshua 3:5-13 8021 faith, nature of Joshua 3:9-13 8112 certainty Joshua 3:10-13 8105 assurance, basis of Library 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
'And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 6. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. 7. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. 8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Meeting Hereafter.
Funeral Service. Joshua iii. 17. "And the priests that bare the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan." INTRODUCTION.--That must have been a striking sight! The whole of God's people passing over Jordan. On one side, on that of the Wilderness, a crowd pressing down, and going into the deep river bed, on the other, those who had traversed, rising out of …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord
'Only be then strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded thee... that thou mayest prosper wheresoever thou goest. 8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.'--JOSHUA i. 7,8. This is the central portion of the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Stones Crying Out
'For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over. 11. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
Let us begin from the last encampings of Israel beyond Jordan. Numbers 33:49: "They encamped near Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth unto Abel-shittim."--"From Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim were twelve miles." It is a most received opinion among the Jews, that the tents of the Israelites in the wilderness contained a square of twelve miles. So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "The encamping of Israel was twelve miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is forbidden …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 3:11 NIVJoshua 3:11 NLTJoshua 3:11 ESVJoshua 3:11 NASBJoshua 3:11 KJV
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