When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, When the whole nationThis phrase emphasizes the collective unity and identity of the Israelites as a single people under God. The Hebrew word for "nation" here is "goy," which often refers to a distinct group of people with a shared heritage and purpose. The crossing of the Jordan marks a pivotal moment in their journey, symbolizing a transition from wandering to possessing the Promised Land. This collective action underscores the importance of community and shared faith in achieving God's promises. had finished crossing The completion of the crossing signifies a moment of fulfillment and divine intervention. The Hebrew root "avar" means to pass over or through, indicating not just a physical crossing but a spiritual passage from one state of existence to another. This act is reminiscent of the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing God's continuous guidance and protection. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience and trust in His timing. the Jordan The Jordan River is a significant geographical and spiritual landmark in the Bible. It represents a boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land. Historically, the Jordan has been a site of many important biblical events, including the baptism of Jesus. Its crossing by the Israelites is a testament to God's miraculous power, as He stopped its waters to allow safe passage. This event foreshadows the spiritual crossings and transformations that believers experience through faith. the LORD said The phrase highlights the direct communication between God and Joshua, emphasizing the divine authority and guidance in the leadership of Israel. The Hebrew name for God used here is "Yahweh," which denotes His eternal presence and covenant relationship with His people. This communication underscores the importance of listening to God's voice and following His instructions, as He is the ultimate source of wisdom and direction. to Joshua Joshua, whose name means "The LORD is salvation," is a central figure in this narrative. As Moses' successor, he is tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. His leadership is characterized by faithfulness and courage, qualities that are essential for fulfilling God's purposes. Joshua's role is a foreshadowing of Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew), who leads believers into the ultimate Promised Land of eternal life. This connection highlights the continuity of God's salvation plan throughout the Scriptures. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Whole Nation of IsraelRefers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were journeying to the Promised Land. 2. The Jordan RiverA significant geographical landmark that the Israelites crossed miraculously, symbolizing a transition from the wilderness to the Promised Land. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who guides and instructs His people. 4. JoshuaThe leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. 5. Crossing the JordanA miraculous event where God stopped the flow of the river, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in TransitionJust as God was faithful to Israel in crossing the Jordan, He is faithful to us in our life transitions. Trust in His guidance. Leadership and ObedienceJoshua's role highlights the importance of obedient leadership. Leaders should seek God's direction and act accordingly. Memorials of God's WorkThe crossing of the Jordan was marked by setting up stones as a memorial. We should remember and celebrate God's work in our lives. Community in God's PlanThe whole nation crossed together, emphasizing the importance of community in God's plan. We are called to journey together in faith. Miracles as a Testament to God's PowerThe miraculous crossing serves as a testament to God's power and presence. We should recognize and testify to God's work in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the crossing of the Jordan River demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. In what ways can we, like Joshua, seek and follow God's guidance in our leadership roles today? 3. What are some "memorial stones" in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness and provision? 4. How can we support and encourage one another in our faith journeys, as the Israelites did when crossing the Jordan together? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's miraculous intervention. How did it strengthen your faith, and how can you share that testimony with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14The crossing of the Red Sea parallels the crossing of the Jordan, both demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. Deuteronomy 31:7-8Moses' charge to Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the people into the Promised Land. Psalm 114A poetic reflection on the miraculous events of the Exodus and the crossing of the Jordan. Hebrews 11:30The faith of the Israelites in crossing the Jordan is part of the broader account of faith in action. People Gad, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, ReubenPlaces Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River, Red SeaTopics Clean, Completed, Completely, Crossing, Finished, Jordan, Joshua, Nation, Pass, Passed, Passing, Quite, Saying, Spake, Speaketh, SpokeDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 4:1-9 5443 pillars Joshua 4:1-24 4366 stones Library Stones Crying Out 'For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over. 11. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Jordan Memorial Stone THE JORDAN MEMORIAL STONE One thing has always troubled me, and that is the witness of entire sanctification. How may one know all the time that He is sanctified? What is the witness to sanctification? Is it a feeling? an assurance? a peace? or what is it? Is it equally strong at all times, or does it come and go? If you can give me any information on this line, I shall greatly appreciate it. * * * * * One of the things that Joshua commanded the Israelites to do at the crossing … Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid' 'And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 6. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. 7. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. 8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was. That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City. Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Holy War, MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual … John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Joshua The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 4:1 NIVJoshua 4:1 NLTJoshua 4:1 ESVJoshua 4:1 NASBJoshua 4:1 KJV
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