What parallels exist between Joshua 4:18 and the parting of the Red Sea? Text focus: Joshua 4:18 “ When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD came up from the middle of the Jordan and the soles of the priests’ feet touched dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before.” Recalling the Red Sea account “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that 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.… The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen— the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea. Not one of them survived. But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.” Key parallels between the two miracles • Divine initiative – Red Sea: “The LORD drove back the sea” (Exodus 14:21). – Jordan: “the waters… returned to their place” only when the LORD’s prescribed order was completed (Joshua 4:18). • Leader’s obedience – Moses stretches out his hand (Exodus 14:21). – Joshua commands the priests to step out of the riverbed (Joshua 4:17-18). • Symbol of God’s presence – Red Sea: Moses’ staff, representing God’s authority (Exodus 4:17; 14:16). – Jordan: The ark of the covenant, the visible throne of God among His people (Joshua 3:11-13). • Path of “dry ground” – At both bodies of water the text emphasizes dry ground (Exodus 14:22; Joshua 4:18). The Lord does not merely lessen the water; He removes every obstacle. • Timing tied to stepping in or out – Red Sea closes after Israel is safely through and Egyptians are in (Exodus 14:26-28). – Jordan returns after the priests’ feet touch dry ground on the far side (Joshua 4:18). God’s timing protects His people and judges His enemies. • Memorial purpose – Red Sea: Remembered in Israel’s worship and psalms (Psalm 106:8-11). – Jordan: Twelve stones set up as a perpetual reminder (Joshua 4:6-7). • Faith for the next stage – Red Sea delivers from slavery and begins the wilderness journey. – Jordan crossing ends the wilderness and begins conquest of the Promised Land. God bookends the journey with matching miracles to assure the nation that He remains faithful. Significance for Israel • Confirms Joshua as Moses’ rightful successor (Joshua 3:7). • Reinforces that the same God who saved from Egypt now leads into Canaan. • Demonstrates covenant faithfulness—He fulfills promises made to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). • Provides a living testimony to subsequent generations that “the hand of the LORD is mighty” (Joshua 4:24). Takeaways for believers today • The Lord who opens a way through impossible waters still leads His people step by step (Isaiah 43:2). • Obedience activates God’s pledged help; miracles often await a faithful step. • Spiritual milestones deserve tangible reminders, so future generations can see and believe (Psalm 78:4). |
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