Lesson 6: Another Miraculous Crossing for Israel
Scripture to Read: Joshua 3:1-17
The Jordan River is perhaps the most important
body of water in Israel, both in biblical times
and today. Much of everyday life in the Holy
Land relies on the steady flow of the Jordan
from its source at Mount Hermon in northern
Israel down the eastern edge of Israel to the
Dead Sea—the lowest spot on earth at nearly
1,300 feet below sea level. The most prominent
event involving the Jordan during this time
period was its crossing by Joshua and the people
of Israel as they entered the Promised Land after
forty years of wandering in the desert. The
Jordan was at flood stage when the Israelites
reached it, making a crossing all but impossible.
However, Joshua told the people to follow the
priests, who were carrying the Ark of the
Covenant. As soon as the priests stepped into
the water the Jordan stopped flowing, which
allowed the entire nation to cross over on dry
ground as happened earlier at the Red Sea—a
second miraculous parting of the waters. Joshua
4 records that Joshua sent representatives from
each tribe back into the river to retrieve stones
and construct a memorial at Gilgal. He also
instructed Israel to tell anyone who asked about
the stones the story of God’s miraculous power
in leading His people into the Promised Land.
Study Questions
- Why did God lead Israel to the edge of the
Jordan when it was at flood stage?
- Why was it important for the people to
follow the priests carrying the Ark?
- Do you think it is important for us to have
memorials in our lives as reminders of God's
power and answers to our prayers?
Something to Think About
It is always good to be reminded of God's faithfulness in our lives. Remembering what He has done can also help keep us from forging ahead on our own and forgetting to wait on the Lord.
We must learn to discern and follow God’s leading.
|
