Topical Bible: Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Across the River Jordan

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◄ Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Across the River Jordan ►

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The journey of the Israelites through the desert, culminating in their crossing of the River Jordan, is a pivotal event in biblical history, marking the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the conquest of the Promised Land. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 3 and 4, and holds significant theological and historical importance.

Background

After the exodus from Egypt and the subsequent forty years of wandering in the desert due to disobedience and lack of faith (Numbers 14:33-34), the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, stood on the brink of entering Canaan, the land promised to their forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The River Jordan represented the final barrier between the Israelites and the Promised Land.

Preparation for Crossing

Joshua, having succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel, received direct instructions from God regarding the crossing of the Jordan. The people were commanded to consecrate themselves, for the LORD was about to perform wonders among them (Joshua 3:5). The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, was to lead the way, carried by the Levitical priests (Joshua 3:3-4).

The Miraculous Crossing

As the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the Jordan, the waters upstream stopped flowing and piled up in a heap, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground (Joshua 3:15-17). This miraculous event echoed the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing God's power and faithfulness to His promises. The crossing occurred during the harvest season when the Jordan was at flood stage, highlighting the miraculous nature of the event (Joshua 3:15).

Significance of the Twelve Stones

Following the crossing, God instructed Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe, take stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests stood. These stones were set up at Gilgal as a memorial to the miraculous crossing and as a teaching tool for future generations (Joshua 4:1-7). The stones served as a tangible reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness.

Theological Implications

The crossing of the Jordan is rich with theological symbolism. It represents a transition from the old life of wandering and disobedience to a new life of promise and fulfillment. The event underscores themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. It also prefigures Christian baptism, symbolizing the believer's passage from death to life and entry into the promises of God.

Renewal of Covenant and Circumcision at Gilgal

After crossing the Jordan, the Israelites camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. Here, Joshua circumcised the new generation of Israelites, renewing the covenant that had been neglected during the wilderness years (Joshua 5:2-9). This act of obedience was crucial for the people to be consecrated and prepared for the battles ahead.

Celebration of the Passover

At Gilgal, the Israelites celebrated the Passover, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt and reaffirming their identity as God's chosen people (Joshua 5:10-12). This celebration marked the end of manna, as they began to eat the produce of the land, signifying a new chapter in their journey.

Conclusion

The crossing of the River Jordan stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. It marks a significant moment in Israel's history, as they transition from a nomadic existence to becoming a nation in their own land. The event continues to inspire faith and obedience among believers, serving as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 4:10
For the priests which bore the ark stood in the middle of Jordan, until everything was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hurried and passed over.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... very devout and was hoping for the salvation of Israel. ... of the Holy Family on their
journey to Bethlehem ... They passed through no more towns, but skirted all the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... it is easy to follow the perilous journey of the ... that carried the child nation through
its early ... Thus Israel's early history illustrates the fundamental truth ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Land and the People.
... He travelled on his mission of love through Judaea, Samaria ... him in a three days'
journey from Bethlehem to ... the classic battle-ground of Israel"and westward to ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

The Israelites
... Harran, the first stage on his journey, bore a ... of 'Ain Qadis the forces of Israel
grew and ... Aqaba; skirting Edom accordingly, they marched through a waterless ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day ... supplies of water furnished
to the Israelites in their journey through the Arabian desert to the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The Awakening of Zion
... lay, and sigh over the changed conditions of the journey. ... it flows through us, as
a river through the land ... the drying up of Jordan before Israel: 'the waters ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the awakening of zion.htm

Canaan
... needed was to go a short journey of three ... Exodus, was over before the children of
Israel had emerged ... precious things from Africa and Arabia through the ports ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... two or three of them in a day's journey.**. ... been introduced into the Biblical around
text through a misconception ... tradition in the kingdom of Israel, the latter ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... to cascade, flows for some distance through gorges before ... flowed merrily along for
a day's journey, is swallowed up ... from the encroachments of the desert by a ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... accomplished the greater part of their journey in territories ... the Shausu in the very
heart of the desert. The road ran through wide wadys, tolerably well ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm