Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Joshua 1-4
Joshua 3:17
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.
Reminiscent of the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14, and now over forty years later, Israel will once again walk across a raging riverbed on dry ground. This time it is the Jordan River which at that time of year its waters would commonly overflow its banks (3:15). In this miracle a few things are happening.
God was proving to Joshua His power and giving this new leader confidence that all God said was true and would be true.
God was showing all Israel that Joshua was His chosen man to follow Moses.
Practically speaking, God was providing a way for Israel to cross the swelling waters of the Jordan.
The news of this marvel was certain to be shared in those days for it seems that nothing was done in secret. The news of this miraculous crossing of the river probably found its way to Jericho preparing them to fear Israel even more than they already did. For more information on this, see Rahab’s report to the spies in 2:9-11.
Also, by placing the twelve stones of memorial according to the Lord’s instructions, future generations of Israelites would be reminded of God’s miraculous power and love for their nation.
Yes, indeed this was a mighty miracle that served God’s people in many ways, not to mention the glory He received unto Himself. But frankly it pales in light of the coming conquest of Jericho. Stay tuned and keep reading the Bible for an exciting, and largely unexpected chapter in the life of Israel is the coming attraction.
Oh, and by the way. Before seeing Rahab in too negative a light, consider this. God honored her by placing her name in the genealogy of Christ in Matthew chapter one. She was the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth. She was the grandmother of Obed, the great grandmother of Jesse, and she was the great-great grandmother of David the King! She may have started out wrong, but evidently she ended strong! The saying once again proves true. “God can hit a mighty lick with a crooked stick.”
Dr. William T. Howe
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