What parallels exist between Joshua 3:14 and the parting of the Red Sea? Opening Snapshot: Two Waters, One Faithful God “So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.” “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.” Shared Foundations • Both scenes unfold at critical turning points—Israel leaving bondage (Exodus 14) and Israel entering promise (Joshua 3). • Each event hinges on Israel’s obedience to a direct, literal word from God (Exodus 14:15-16; Joshua 1:2; 3:6). • The goal is pure: showcase God’s covenant faithfulness and unmatched power (Exodus 14:31; Joshua 4:24). Parallel #1: Leadership That Acts by Faith • Moses lifts his staff at God’s command (Exodus 14:16). • Priests carry the ark and step into the Jordan (Joshua 3:15). • In both, leaders move first, modeling trust before the people follow (Hebrews 13:7). Parallel #2: Tangible Symbol of God’s Presence • Red Sea: the pillar of cloud/fire accompanies Israel (Exodus 13:21-22). • Jordan: the ark of the covenant—the very throne of God—goes ahead (Joshua 3:11). • Message: God Himself breaks the barrier; no human effort can. Parallel #3: Waters Divided, Dry Ground Revealed • “The LORD drove back the sea… turned it into dry land” (Exodus 14:21). • “The waters flowing downstream stood still… the people crossed over opposite Jericho” (Joshua 3:16). • Same Creator commands creation, asserting total authority (Psalm 77:16-20). Parallel #4: Timing That Magnifies Dependence • Red Sea opens during the night watch, trapping Pharaoh’s army in God’s plan (Exodus 14:24-25). • Jordan stops at flood stage, when the river is naturally impassable (Joshua 3:15). • God’s miracles occur when human options are exhausted (2 Corinthians 1:9). Parallel #5: Deliverance Coupled with Judgment • Israel passes safely; Egyptians are overwhelmed (Exodus 14:26-28). • Israel enters the land; Canaanite kings lose heart, sealing their defeat (Joshua 5:1). • Rescue for God’s people often signals judgment for persistent rebels (Isaiah 43:2-3). Parallel #6: Call to Remember • Moses leads Israel in a song of victory (Exodus 15:1-18). • Joshua commands twelve stones be set up as a perpetual memorial (Joshua 4:5-7). • Remembering fuels worship and future obedience (Deuteronomy 6:12). Parallel #7: Covenant Advancement • Red Sea: establishes Moses as leader and confirms the Sinai covenant is coming (Exodus 14:31; 19:4-6). • Jordan: establishes Joshua’s leadership and confirms God’s promise to Abraham is being fulfilled (Joshua 3:7; Genesis 15:18). • The same covenant God advances His purposes generation after generation (Psalm 105:8-11). Parallel #8: Foreshadowing New-Covenant Salvation • Passing through water prefigures deliverance from sin’s slavery (1 Corinthians 10:1-2). • Crossing into promise prefigures entering eternal rest through Christ (Hebrews 4:8-10). • Both events point ahead to Jesus, the ultimate Way through death into life (John 14:6). Closing Reflection: One Story, Consistent Faithfulness The Red Sea and the Jordan stand as bookends to Israel’s wilderness journey, each miracle echoing the same truth: the Lord is with His people, keeps His word, and makes a way where none exists (Isaiah 43:16). Walking in that confidence today is as literal and sure as the ground that formed beneath Israel’s feet. |
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