“And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above, and they shall stand upon an heap.”
Context: Joshua 3 is part of the account of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River as they entered the Promised Land. Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt, but it was Joshua who succeeded Moses and was chosen by God to lead the people into the land flowing with milk and honey.
Symbolism of the Ark of the Covenant: The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred symbol of God’s presence among His people. It contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4). The Ark was carried by the priests, and its presence signified God’s guidance and power.
Obedience and Faith: In this verse, the priests were instructed to step into the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant. They were to trust God’s promise that when their feet touched the water, it would miraculously part, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This act required great faith and obedience on the part of the priests.
God’s Power over Nature: The crossing of the Jordan River mirrored the crossing of the Red Sea during the Exodus from Egypt. Just as God had parted the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptian army, He demonstrated His power over nature once again by parting the waters of the Jordan River. This event served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people.
Confirmation of Joshua’s Leadership: The successful crossing of the Jordan River affirmed Joshua’s leadership in the eyes of the Israelites. It demonstrated that God was with him, just as He had been with Moses. This miracle served as a powerful testimony to Joshua’s authority and the legitimacy of his position.
Application to our lives: Joshua 3:13 reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience in our walk with God. Like the priests, we are called to trust in God’s promises, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We may encounter “Jordan Rivers” in our lives-challenges, uncertainties, or difficult situations. However, if we step out in faith and obedience, God can part the waters and lead us through.
In conclusion, Joshua 3:13 teaches us about faith, obedience, God’s power over nature, and His faithfulness to His promises. It encourages us to trust in God’s guidance and step out in faith, knowing that He is with us and will provide a way even when faced with obstacles.
