the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. the flowing water stood still.The Lord halted the Jordan at flood stage, opening a dry path for Israel just as He had divided the Red Sea for the generation of the exodus. The miracle confirmed that the living God went before His people and that Joshua led under the same divine authority given to Moses. God alone can restrain the forces that appear impossible to overcome and make a way into the inheritance He has promised. Psa 114:3 The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back; It backed up as far upstream as Adam, Adam lay roughly eighteen miles north of the crossing, near the Jordan River. The distance reached by the backed-up waters reveals the scale of God’s intervention. Israel did not cross through a shallow ford or a temporary opening; the river was held back by the power of the Lord. The name Adam, meaning man, also fittingly recalls a new beginning as Israel entered the land prepared for them. Exo 15:8 At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up;… a city in the area of Zarethan, Zarethan was a known location in the Jordan Valley and is later associated with Solomon’s administration and bronze work for the temple (1 Kings 4:12; 7:46). Such geographical detail places the event in Israel’s real history and identifies the extent of the waters held back upstream. 1Ki 7:46 The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain… while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. The Jordan’s flow southward into the Dead Sea ceased, leaving a broad, dry crossing place before Israel. The complete interruption of the river displayed God’s sovereign rule over creation and His faithfulness to bring His people safely into Canaan. Deu 3:17 The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it… So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. Jericho stood as the first fortified obstacle in the land, yet Israel entered Canaan by God’s power before any battle was fought. The crossing prepared the nation for the conquest and taught them that victory would come through obedience and trust in the Lord. Passing through the waters into a new life in the promised land also foreshadows the believer’s identification with God’s saving work and a life set apart for His purposes. Deu 34:1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses and led the people into the Promised Land. 2. The Israelites The people of God, who are crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. 3. The Jordan River The river that the Israelites miraculously crossed on dry ground. 4. Adam A city near Zarethan, where the waters of the Jordan were stopped. 5. Zarethan A location near the city of Adam, mentioned as a geographical marker. 6. The Sea of the Arabah (Salt Sea) Also known as the Dead Sea, where the waters of the Jordan were flowing before being cut off. 7. Jericho The city opposite the crossing point, which would be the first conquest in the Promised Land. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NatureThe stopping of the Jordan River demonstrates God's control over creation. We can trust God to intervene in our lives in miraculous ways. Faith and Obedience The Israelites had to step into the river before it parted. Our faith often requires us to take steps of obedience before we see God's provision. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The crossing of the Jordan was a fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. We can rely on God's promises in our own lives. Preparation for Spiritual Battles Just as the Israelites prepared to conquer Jericho after crossing the Jordan, we must prepare spiritually for the challenges we face. Community and Leadership Joshua's leadership and the unity of the Israelites were crucial. In our communities, strong leadership and unity are essential for overcoming obstacles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River strengthen your faith in God's ability to intervene in your life?2. In what ways can you demonstrate faith and obedience in your current circumstances, similar to the Israelites stepping into the Jordan? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness to His promises. How can this encourage you in your present situation? 4. What spiritual "battles" are you preparing for, and how can you apply the lessons from the Israelites' preparation for Jericho? 5. How can you contribute to unity and strong leadership within your community or church, following the example of Joshua and the Israelites? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14The crossing of the Red Sea, where God parted the waters for the Israelites, parallels the crossing of the Jordan River. Psalm 114 This psalm poetically recounts the miraculous events of the Exodus, including the parting of the Jordan River. Hebrews 11:30 References the faith of the Israelites as they conquered Jericho, which began with the crossing of the Jordan. 2 Kings 2:8 Elijah parts the Jordan River, showing a continuation of God's miraculous power over nature. Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, symbolizing a new beginning and fulfillment of God's promises.
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 Across, Adam, Arabah, Beside, Completely, Crossed, Cut, Distance, Failed, Flowed, Flowing, Heap, Higher, Jericho, Mass, Opposite, Over-against, Passed, Piled, Plain, Risen, Rose, Salt, Stand, Stood, Stopped, Towards, Town, Vicinity, Waters, Wholly, Zaretan, Zarethan, Zar'ethanDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 3:1-17 1416 miracles, nature of 4357 salt 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 Scripture The Meeting Hereafter. Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3 The New Leaders Commission The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord Stones Crying Out Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho. Joshua Links Joshua 3:16 NIVJoshua 3:16 NLT Joshua 3:16 ESV Joshua 3:16 NASB Joshua 3:16 KJV Joshua 3:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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