“Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.”
This verse is part of the account of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. Prior to this event, Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness for forty years. However, he did not live to see them enter the Promised Land. Now, Joshua was appointed by God to lead the Israelites into their inheritance.
In this specific verse, Joshua is speaking to the people of Israel, instructing them to behold and take notice of the ark of the covenant. The ark of the covenant was a sacred container that held the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God’s presence and covenant with His people.
The ark was to go before the Israelites as they crossed the Jordan River. This was a significant moment because the river presented a physical barrier between the Israelites and the Promised Land. The crossing of the Jordan River held great symbolic meaning for the Israelites, signifying their transition from the wilderness into the fulfillment of God’s promise.
By mentioning that the ark of the covenant is the Lord’s and that He is the Lord of all the earth, Joshua emphasizes the sovereignty and authority of God. It is a reminder to the Israelites that the Lord is not confined to one location or limited by any earthly boundary. He goes before them, leading the way, and they are to follow Him in faith and obedience.
This verse teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us of the significance of God’s presence and His covenant with His people. The ark of the covenant represented God’s faithfulness and His commitment to fulfill His promises. Second, it emphasizes the need for trust and obedience. The Israelites were to follow the ark and trust that God would make a way for them to cross the Jordan River.
Lastly, this verse highlights the universal lordship of God. As the Lord of all the earth, His authority extends beyond any physical boundary or human limitation. It reminds us that God is in control, and we can trust Him to lead us through challenging circumstances and into the fulfillment of His purposes.
