Joshua 3:15

Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge,

Study Bible

Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season.
The Jordan River, a significant geographical feature in Israel, often swells during the harvest season due to the melting snow from Mount Hermon. This natural phenomenon makes crossing the river particularly challenging, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the Israelites' crossing. The timing during the harvest season, likely around April, aligns with the Passover, a period of great significance in Israel's history. This overflowing symbolizes obstacles that seem insurmountable without divine intervention, drawing parallels to other biblical events where God intervenes in nature, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22).

But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan
The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant represent God's presence among His people. The Ark, containing the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and manna, signifies God's covenant, guidance, and provision. The priests' role underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and obedience in the face of daunting challenges. This act of faith by the priests is reminiscent of the faith required by the Israelites when they first left Egypt, highlighting a recurring theme of trust in God's promises.

and their feet touched the water’s edge,
The moment the priests' feet touch the water signifies the activation of God's promise through an act of faith. This step into the water is a physical manifestation of trust, akin to Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water (Matthew 14:29). It illustrates the principle that faith often requires action before witnessing God's power. This event foreshadows the New Testament teaching of living by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), and it typifies the believer's journey of stepping into the unknown, trusting in God's provision and protection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land.

2. The Jordan River
A significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites, representing the transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land.

3. The Priests
Levites carrying the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence and guidance.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest containing the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenant with Israel.

5. Harvest Season
A time when the Jordan River was at its fullest, making the crossing more miraculous.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
The priests had to step into the overflowing Jordan before the waters parted. This teaches us that faith often requires us to take the first step, trusting in God's provision.

God's Timing
The crossing occurred during the harvest season when the river was at its fullest. This demonstrates that God's timing may not align with human logic, but it serves to magnify His power and glory.

Symbol of Transition
The Jordan River represents a boundary between the old life in the wilderness and the new life in the Promised Land. In our lives, God calls us to leave behind old ways and step into His promises.

Presence of God
The Ark of the Covenant, carried by the priests, signifies that God's presence goes before us. We are reminded to seek His guidance in all our endeavors.

Community and Leadership
The priests' role in leading the people across the Jordan highlights the importance of godly leadership and community in achieving God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the overflowing Jordan River during the harvest season challenge the Israelites' faith, and what does this teach us about facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our lives?

2. In what ways does the crossing of the Jordan River parallel the crossing of the Red Sea, and how can these events encourage us in our personal faith journey?

3. What role does the Ark of the Covenant play in the crossing of the Jordan, and how can we apply the principle of God's presence going before us in our daily decisions?

4. How does the timing of the crossing during the harvest season demonstrate God's power, and what does this teach us about trusting God's timing in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to take a step of faith before seeing God's provision. How did this experience strengthen your trust in Him, and how can you apply this lesson to current challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14
The crossing of the Red Sea, where God parted the waters for the Israelites, parallels the crossing of the Jordan, demonstrating God's continued faithfulness and power.

Psalm 114
Celebrates the miraculous events of the Exodus, including the parting of the sea and the Jordan, highlighting God's sovereignty over nature.

Hebrews 11
The faith chapter, which includes references to the faith of those who trusted God in crossing the Red Sea and entering the Promised Land.

Isaiah 43
Speaks of God making a way through the waters, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance and guidance.