“And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them anymore, because of the children of Israel.”
Context:The book of Joshua records the events following the death of Moses as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. In Joshua 5, the Israelites have just crossed the Jordan River miraculously on dry ground, and the news of this event has spread among the kings of the Amorites and the Canaanites.
The significance of the Jordan crossing:The crossing of the Jordan River was a crucial moment in Israel’s history. It symbolized their transition from the wilderness wanderings to the conquest and possession of the Promised Land. Just as the Red Sea crossing marked the liberation from Egypt, the Jordan River crossing signified the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey.
The reaction of the kings:When the kings of the Amorites and the Canaanites heard about the drying up of the Jordan River, their hearts melted, and their spirits failed them. This reaction reveals the fear and awe that the mighty acts of God inspired in the hearts of their enemies. The supernatural event had a profound impact, shaking the confidence and resolve of the pagan kings.
God’s purpose in the kings’ reaction:The kings’ fear and loss of spirit served as a testimony to the power and faithfulness of the Lord. It demonstrated that Israel’s success in conquering the Promised Land was not due to their own strength or military prowess, but because of God’s intervention on their behalf. This event foreshadowed the victories that awaited the Israelites as they entered the land.
Lessons for believers today:Joshua 5:1 reminds us of God’s sovereignty and power. It reassures us that when we are aligned with God’s purposes and follow His leading, He can bring about miraculous interventions to accomplish His plans. We can trust that God is able to overcome any obstacle or opposition we may face. It also serves as a reminder that the enemies of God will ultimately be defeated, and the plans of the Lord will prevail.
In conclusion, Joshua 5:1 highlights the fear and awe inspired by God’s miraculous act of drying up the Jordan River, which caused the hearts of the kings of the Amorites and the Canaanites to melt. This event reaffirmed God’s faithfulness and power, providing a strong foundation for the Israelites as they embarked on the conquest of the Promised Land.
