What role did the priests play in the miracle at the Jordan River? Setting the Scene • The nation had reached flood-stage Jordan (Joshua 3:15). • The LORD had already told Joshua, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it” (Joshua 3:3). • The miracle would hinge on the priests’ obedience. The Priests as Bearers of the Presence • They carried the ark—the physical throne of God among His people (Exodus 25:22). • Wherever the ark went, the LORD’s presence and authority went; therefore, the priests were representing God Himself as they walked. • Their role underscored that the coming victory was spiritual before it was military or geographical. Stepping First: A Public Act of Faith • Command: “When the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD… rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters… will be cut off” (Joshua 3:13). • They had to place their feet into a river at flood stage—before any visible change. • The moment their feet touched, “the waters flowing downstream were cut off” (Joshua 3:16). • Their faith-filled first step parallels: – Moses lifting the staff at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16). – Elijah and Elisha striking the Jordan with the cloak (2 Kings 2:8,14). Standing Firm Until All Passed • “The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed on dry ground” (Joshua 3:17). • They remained immovable: – In the center of the riverbed. – Bearing the ark’s weight, likely for hours. • Their steadfastness provided: – A living shield—waters held back as long as they stood. – A visible reminder that God Himself was holding the path open. Completion and Confirmation • Only after “the priests came up from the river, carrying the ark… the waters of the Jordan returned to their place” (Joshua 4:18). • Stones were taken from where the priests stood (Joshua 4:3–9) as perpetual evidence of God’s literal intervention. • Joshua was exalted in the people’s eyes (Joshua 4:14), but it began with the priests’ obedient faith. Lessons for Today • God often calls leaders to step first so others may follow (Hebrews 13:7). • Faith trusts God’s Word before seeing results (2 Corinthians 5:7). • True ministry holds steady until the entire flock is safely through (1 Peter 5:2–3). |
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