“And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the Lord your God.”
Context: Joshua 3:9 is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. After the death of Moses, Joshua became the leader of the Israelites. At this point, they had arrived at the Jordan River, and God was preparing to perform a miracle, parting the waters of the Jordan so that they could cross on dry land.
Joshua’s Instructions: In this verse, Joshua addresses the children of Israel and invites them to gather near him to listen to the words of the Lord their God. This demonstrates Joshua’s role as a mediator between God and the people. He encourages the people to pay attention and be prepared to receive divine instructions.
Importance of Hearing God’s Words: Joshua’s call for the people to come closer and listen to the words of the Lord highlights the significance of hearing and obeying God’s instructions. The Israelites had experienced God’s faithfulness in the past, and now they were about to witness another miraculous event. Attentiveness to God’s words was crucial for them to understand His will and to align themselves with His plans.
Faith and Trust: Joshua’s command implies a call to faith and trust in God. By gathering to hear God’s words, the Israelites were placing their confidence in God’s guidance and provision. It required their willingness to follow God’s lead, even if they did not fully comprehend the details of what was to come. Their obedience would be a testament to their faith and trust in God’s sovereignty.
Application: Joshua’s instruction to the Israelites to hear God’s words holds relevance for us today. As believers, we are encouraged to seek God’s voice and listen attentively to His instructions through prayer, meditation on His Word (the Bible), and fellowship with other believers. By doing so, we open ourselves to receive divine guidance, wisdom, and direction for our lives.
Trusting God’s Plan: Similar to the Israelites, we may find ourselves in situations where we need to trust God’s plan even when we cannot see the full picture. It requires faith to step forward, knowing that God is with us and will provide for our needs. The act of hearing God’s words and obeying them becomes a demonstration of our trust in His faithfulness.
In summary, Joshua 3:9 emphasizes the importance of hearing and obeying God’s words. Joshua called the people of Israel to gather and listen to God’s instructions, encouraging them to have faith and trust in God’s plans. This verse serves as a reminder for us to seek God’s guidance, trust His sovereign will, and obediently follow His leading in our lives.
