Joshua Chapter 3 — Crossing the Jordan River
Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River as God stops the flow of water, allowing the nation to cross into the Promised Land on dry ground.
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Notable Verses
Joshua 3:5
“Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.””
This verse emphasizes the spiritual preparation required before witnessing God's miraculous intervention in the life of the nation.
Joshua 3:17
“The priests who bore the ark of the LORD’s covenant stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.”
This verse records the completion of the miracle and the physical entry of the nation into their new land on dry ground.
Chapter Summary
Joshua and the Israelites move from Shittim to the banks of the Jordan River. After three days, officers instruct the people to follow the Ark of the Covenant carried by the Levitical priests, maintaining a respectful distance of about two thousand cubits. Joshua calls the people to sanctify themselves in preparation for the wonders God is about to perform. God promises to magnify Joshua's leadership in the eyes of all Israel, affirming that He is with Joshua just as He was with Moses. As the priests carrying the Ark step into the river—which was at flood stage due to the harvest season—the waters from upstream stop and rise in a heap at the city of Adam. The entire nation of Israel then crosses the riverbed on dry ground near Jericho while the priests remain stationary in the middle of the Jordan with the Ark until the crossing is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the text, the waters of the Jordan stopped flowing and rose up in a heap as soon as the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the water. This allowed the entire nation to cross on dry ground even though the river was at flood stage.
The people were commanded to keep a distance of about 2,000 cubits so they could clearly see the path they needed to take. Since they had never traveled that way before, the Ark served as their visible guide.
The water coming down from upstream stood and rose up in one heap at a city called Adam, while the water flowing toward the Salt Sea was completely cut off. This created a dry path for the Israelites to pass over near the city of Jericho.
Study Note
The mention of the Jordan overflowing its banks indicates the crossing occurred during the spring harvest, when the river was traditionally at its highest and most dangerous level.
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