Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites. Now when all the Amorite kings west of the JordanThe phrase "Amorite kings" refers to the rulers of the Amorites, a significant group in Canaan. Historically, the Amorites were known as fierce warriors and were often seen as a formidable force. The mention of "west of the Jordan" situates these events geographically, indicating the land of Canaan, which the Israelites were about to enter. This phrase sets the stage for the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, emphasizing the strategic and divine nature of Israel's entry into the Promised Land. and all the Canaanite kings along the coast
The "Canaanite kings" were rulers of various city-states in the land of Canaan. The "coast" refers to the Mediterranean coastline, a region known for its trade and cultural exchanges. The Canaanites were known for their polytheistic beliefs and practices, which were in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. This phrase highlights the widespread impact of God's actions, reaching even the coastal regions. heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan
The act of drying up the Jordan River is a direct demonstration of God's power and favor towards Israel. The Hebrew word for "dried up" (יָבַשׁ, yabash) signifies a miraculous intervention, reminiscent of the parting of the Red Sea. This event served as a divine sign to both the Israelites and their enemies, affirming God's presence and support for His people. before the Israelites until they had crossed over
The phrase "before the Israelites" underscores the protective and guiding presence of God as the Israelites entered the Promised Land. The crossing of the Jordan was not just a physical transition but a spiritual one, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. The phrase "until they had crossed over" indicates the completeness and thoroughness of God's provision, ensuring safe passage for all His people. their hearts melted and their spirits failed
The imagery of "hearts melted" and "spirits failed" conveys a profound sense of fear and demoralization among the Canaanite and Amorite kings. The Hebrew word for "melted" (מוּג, mug) suggests a complete loss of courage and resolve. This reaction is a testament to the psychological impact of God's miraculous acts, instilling fear in the hearts of Israel's enemies and paving the way for their conquest. for fear of the Israelites
The "fear of the Israelites" is ultimately a fear of the God who fights for them. This fear is not merely of the people themselves but of the divine power that accompanies them. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a nation that would be feared and respected by others, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:25. This fear serves as a divine tool, preparing the way for Israel's victories in the land of Canaan. Persons / Places / Events 1. Amorite KingsThese were rulers of the Amorites, a group of people living in the land of Canaan. They were known for their fortified cities and were significant adversaries to the Israelites. 2. Canaanite KingsThese were rulers of the Canaanites, inhabitants of the coastal regions of Canaan. They were part of the broader group of people living in the Promised Land that God had promised to the Israelites. 3. The Jordan RiverA significant geographical landmark in the Bible, the Jordan River was miraculously dried up by God to allow the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. 4. The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, led by Joshua, who were entering the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt and years of wandering in the desert. 5. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who demonstrated His power and faithfulness by performing miracles for His people. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerThe miraculous drying of the Jordan River is a testament to God's supreme power over creation. Believers can trust in God's ability to overcome any obstacle in their lives. Fear of the LordThe reaction of the Amorite and Canaanite kings shows the fear that God's mighty acts can instill in those who oppose Him. Christians are reminded to live in reverent fear of the Lord, acknowledging His power and authority. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesJust as God fulfilled His promise to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land, He remains faithful to His promises today. Believers can find assurance in God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His word. Courage in the Face of OppositionThe Israelites' crossing of the Jordan and the subsequent fear of their enemies encourage believers to have courage and faith when facing challenges, knowing that God goes before them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the reaction of the Amorite and Canaanite kings to God's miracle at the Jordan River demonstrate the power of God in our lives today? 2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in our own lives, similar to His faithfulness to the Israelites? 3. How can the fear of the Lord, as seen in the reaction of the kings, influence our daily walk with God? 4. What are some "Jordan Rivers" in your life that you need God to part, and how can you trust Him to do so? 5. How can the account of the Israelites crossing the Jordan inspire us to face our own challenges with courage and faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15:14-16This passage describes how the nations trembled at the power of God when He delivered Israel from Egypt, similar to the fear instilled in the Canaanite and Amorite kings. Deuteronomy 2:25God promised to put the fear and dread of Israel upon the nations, which is fulfilled in Joshua 5:1 as the kings' hearts melted. Psalm 114:3-5This Psalm poetically recounts the parting of the Jordan River, emphasizing God's control over nature and His power to deliver His people. People Amorites, Canaanites, Israelites, JoshuaPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Gibeath-haaraloth, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan RiverTopics Across, Along, Amorite, Amorites, Beyond, Canaanite, Canaanites, Coast, Courage, Crossed, Dried, Dry, Face, Heart, Hearts, Israelites, Jordan, Kings, Longer, Melted, News, Pass, Passed, Passing, Presence, Sons, Spirit, Till, Towards, Waters, West, WestwardDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 5:1 4819 dryness
4857 west Library The Captain of the Lord's Host
And he said, Nay, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. JOSHUA v. 14. The army of Israel was just beginning a hard conflict under an untried leader. Behind them the Jordan barred their retreat, in front of them Jericho forbade their advance. Most of them had never seen a fortified city, and had no experience nor engines for a siege. So we may well suppose that many doubts and fears shook the courage of the host, as it drew around the doomed city. Their chief had his own heavy burden. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhether the Rite of Circumcision was Fitting?
Objection 1: It seems that the rite of circumcision was unfitting. For circumcision, as stated above ([4474]AA[1],2), was a profession of faith. But faith is in the apprehensive power, whose operations appear mostly in the head. Therefore the sign of circumcision should have been conferred on the head rather than on the virile member. Objection 2: Further, in the sacraments we make use of such things as are in more frequent use; for instance, water, which is used for washing, and bread, which we …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Circumcision Bestowed Sanctifying Grace?
Objection 1: It seems that circumcision did not bestow sanctifying grace. For the Apostle says (Gal. 2:21): "If justice be by the Law, then Christ died in vain," i.e. without cause. But circumcision was an obligation imposed by the Law, according to Gal. 5:3: "I testify . . . to every man circumcising himself, that ne is a debtor to do the whole law." Therefore, if justice be by circumcision, "Christ died in vain," i.e. without cause. But this cannot be allowed. Therefore circumcision did not confer …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica 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 Scripture The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
THE TORMENTS OF GIANT BAD FEELINGS I am just a bundle of feelings. I never imagined one could have such a variety of them as I am now experiencing. Most of them are bad ones and I am greatly disturbed by them. Really, I doubt whether I am sanctified, on account of the feelings I have. Do sanctified people always feel joyful? I have heard that they do, and if it is true that they do, then I am not sanctified. Big doubts take up company with me every morning, and so long as I feel as I do I do not …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan 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 Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come 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 5:1 NIVJoshua 5:1 NLTJoshua 5:1 ESVJoshua 5:1 NASBJoshua 5:1 KJV
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