In Joshua 3, the Israelites are preparing to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land. Joshua, their leader, is instructed by God to lead the people across the river. Early in the morning, the Israelites set out from their camp and came to the Jordan. The priests, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, step into the river, and as soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of the river stops. The people then cross over on dry ground, just as they had crossed the Red Sea during the time of Moses.
Once all the Israelites have crossed, God commands Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, to take twelve stones from the riverbed as a memorial. These stones are to serve as a reminder to future generations of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan.
The chapter concludes with the priests exiting the Jordan River, and as soon as their feet leave the water, the river resumes its normal flow. The people set up camp in Gilgal, and Joshua is magnified in the eyes of the people, as they recognize that God is with him, just as He was with Moses.
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