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 waters flowing downstreamThis phrase refers to the Jordan River, which was at flood stage during the Israelites' crossing. The Hebrew word for "waters" is "מַיִם" (mayim), often symbolizing chaos and danger in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The miraculous halting of these waters signifies God's sovereign control over creation, echoing the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus. This act reassures the Israelites of God's continued presence and power as they enter the Promised Land. stood still and rose up in a heap a great distance away, at Adam the city beside Zarethan The waters flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) were completely cut off and the people crossed over opposite Jericho 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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