How does Joshua 4:10 demonstrate obedience to God's commands through the priests' actions? Setting the scene Joshua 3–4 narrates Israel’s passage through the Jordan into Canaan. God parted the waters as soon as the feet of the ark-bearing priests touched the river (Joshua 3:13). Joshua 4:10 zooms in on what happened while the nation crossed. Text focus “Now the priests carrying the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan until everything the LORD had commanded Joshua was done by the people, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried across.” (Joshua 4:10) God’s clear command • Joshua received explicit instructions: – “When you reach the edge of the waters, stand still in the Jordan.” (Joshua 3:8) – The people must cross while the priests remain. (Joshua 3:13, 17) • The command ultimately traces back to Moses’ pattern of leading under God’s voice (Exodus 25:22; Numbers 4:15). The priests’ role: standing firm • Location: “in the middle of the Jordan.” They occupied the very spot God selected, not drifting to safer banks. • Duration: “until everything … was done.” Obedience lasted the entire task, not merely at the beginning. • Posture: They “stood,” bearing the ark without wavering—symbolizing steadiness in God’s presence. • Purpose: Their presence held back the waters (Joshua 3:16), creating the dry path for Israel. Marks of obedience we see • Immediate response—no negotiation or delay (cf. Psalm 119:60). • Wholehearted compliance—every detail “just as Moses had directed Joshua.” • Self-denial—remaining in a potentially dangerous riverbed while the nation hurried across. • God-centered trust—confidence that the LORD, not human effort, restrained the water (Joshua 3:13, 17). Lessons for today • God’s commands are meant to be obeyed precisely, not approximately. • True obedience often requires steadfast endurance—remaining in place until the mission is finished (Hebrews 10:36). • Serving God can mean standing still while others move forward; faithfulness, not visibility, defines success. • The obedience of a few can open the way for many (Romans 5:19; Philippians 2:8). Supporting Scriptures • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Hebrews 11:29—faith expressed in crossing waters by obeying God’s word. |
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