Topical Encyclopedia The event of the crossing of the Jordan River is a significant moment in the history of Israel, marking the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the conquest of the Promised Land. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 3 and 4, and is a testament to God's faithfulness and power in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.Context and Background After the death of Moses, Joshua son of Nun became the leader of the Israelites. God commanded Joshua to lead the people across the Jordan River into the land He had promised to their ancestors. The crossing of the Jordan was not merely a geographical transition but a spiritual and covenantal milestone for the nation of Israel. The Crossing of the Jordan The crossing took place during the harvest season when the Jordan River was at flood stage, making the event even more miraculous. God instructed Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people. As soon as the priests' feet touched the water's edge, the waters of the Jordan were miraculously cut off, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This event is reminiscent of the crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing God's continued presence and guidance. Joshua 3:15-17 states: "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, the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a mass that extended as far as Adam, a city near Zarethan. The water flowing downstream into the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off, and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 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 over on dry ground until the entire nation had completed the crossing." The Pillar of Stones Following the crossing, God commanded Joshua to set up a memorial of twelve stones taken from the middle of the Jordan River. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This memorial served as a tangible reminder of God's miraculous intervention and faithfulness. Joshua 4:20-24 records: "And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. Then he said to the Israelites, 'In the future, when your children ask their fathers, "What is the meaning of these stones?" you are to tell them, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground." For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.'" Significance The crossing of the Jordan River and the erection of the stone pillar symbolize God's unchanging faithfulness and the importance of remembering His mighty acts. The event underscores the necessity of faith and obedience in the life of God's people. It also serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to overcome natural obstacles to fulfill His divine purposes. The memorial stones at Gilgal became a lasting testimony to future generations of the miraculous entry into the Promised Land, encouraging them to trust in the Lord and His promises. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 4:1-9And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying, Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 27:2-6 Joshua 8:30 Library 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid' The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Reaction against Egypt Resources What is the Shekinah glory? | GotQuestions.orgShould Catholic tradition have equal or greater authority than the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is Absalom's Monument? | GotQuestions.org Pillar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pillar by Absalom, to Keep his Name Alive Pillar by Jacob, his Covenant With Laban Pillar by Joshua, the Crossing of the Jordan River Pillar by Moses, the Covenant Between Jehovah and Israel Pillar by Samuel, the Defeat of the Philistines Pillar: Broken and Carried to Babylon Pillar: Monuments Erected to Commemorate Events by Jacob, his Vision of Angels Pillar: Monuments of Idolatry, to be Destroyed Pillar: Pillar of Salt, Lot's Wife Turned To Pillar: Prophecy of One in Egypt Related Terms Standing-pillar (3 Occurrences) El-elohe-Israel (1 Occurrence) |
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