Study Questions:

1. When were the waters of the Jordan divided? Joshua 3:15, 16

2. Where else did Joshua command twelve stones to be set up? Joshua 4:9

3. Where did the children of Israel camp after they came up from the Jordan? Joshua 4:19

4. What was the purpose of the twelve stones that Joshua erected in Gilgal? Joshua 4:22-24

Commentary and Reflection:

When Israel entered the wilderness, the Lord parted the waters of the Red Sea for His people to pass through; now, He parts the waters of the Jordan for the same purpose. These manifestations of Yahweh’s power were intended to show that Israel was guided by the Almighty and had a special place in His plan.

“The people of Jericho remembered well the report of Israel crossing the Red Sea 40 years previously, and this even yet struck terror to their hearts (Joshua 2:9, 10); a repetition of that miracle, close at hand, could be counted on to intensify their fear. Lor God, the volume of water in the Jordan made no difference.” – SDABC, Joshua 3:13

Another interesting note from the Adventist Bible Commentary, “Hitherto the pillar of cloud and fire had guided Israel on their way. Now it was to be seen no more. In their crossing of the Jordan the ark, which had formerly been carried in the midst of the camp (Num. 2:17), was to lead the way. It was the center of their religion and a symbol of God’s presence. Thus the Lord was with them still, though no longer in the pillar of cloud. The ark was the repository of His holy and immutable law. Above the ark was the mercy seat, reminding them of God’s mercy, patience, forgiveness, and grace. Thus early in their national experience God said to them, in effect, Let My character, My justice, and My mercy be your guide. Let the Ten Commandments, My standard of right, show you how to live, and My grace help you to obey it. As long as they would follow these principles they would be safe.” SDABC, Joshua 3:3

“To impress upon them the fact that it was God who gave them entrance to Canaan, and who would lead them in its conquest, His presence was to go before them. In a similar way He has promised to lead us. As Israel followed the ark, representative of divine justice and mercy, it is our privilege to follow on. At the end of the journey we will find “honour and immortality, eternal life” (Rom. 2:7, 8), and a ready welcome into the heavenly Canaan (Matt. 25:21,34).” SDABC, Joshua 3:3

“God knew His people, knew how soon they would forget His great works of deliverance for them unless provision be made for keeping this great event in mind. Future generations must not be permitted to forget God’s leading. Even so today “we have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (LS 196). There were 12 tribes and 12 stones, all the people thus being represented. There were two monuments — one erected in the midst of the river, and another of stones taken from the bed of the river, set up at the site of their first encampment in the Land of Promise. These monuments to the power of God were to be a memorial of the successful completion of the wilderness wanderings. The murmuring, rebellion, and disappointment of the wilderness were to be things of the past. In the Red Sea, Israel had been “baptized unto Moses” (1 Cor. 10:2); here they were baptized, as it were, unto Joshua. Through these demonstrations of His power God sought, among other things, to confirm the confidence of the people in their appointed leaders (Joshua 3:7; 4:14).” SDABC, Joshua 4:6

Dear brothers and sisters, we are on the verge of entering heavenly Canaan. We are on the very borders of the Promised Land. We cannot set dates, but the events unfolding today corroborate the words of the Faithful and True Witness, ” “Surely, I am coming quickly.” Rev. 22:20.

“Prepare to meet your God,” Amos 4:12.

May you have a successful and blessed day!