Joshua | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

JOSHUA 3

GOD ALLOWS THE ISRAELITES TO CROSS THE JORDAN RIVER

Joshua continues to lead the Israelites towards the Promised Land, preparing them for the wonders that God has in store for them. God tells Joshua that he will be exalted before the Israelites, showing God’s anointing of his leadership. God promises His presence will be with Joshua, just as God was with Moses.

God instructs Joshua to cross the Jordan River, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God's presence and the physical representation of the law. Once the priests step into the river and their feet enter the water, the river stops flowing and God clears a path for the Israelites to cross.

When God previously parted the Red Sea in Exodus 14, he did not require Moses or the Israelites to step foot into the water. As the Israelites got closer to the Promised Land, God required greater faith from them to move forward. God has worked miracles before and He wants His people to have faith that He will do it again!

STUDY QUESTIONS

In Joshua 3, what did the Israelite priests carry with them on their journey to Canaan? What is the significance of this? (See Exodus 25:10–22)

How is the story of the Jordan River crossing similar to the crossing of the Red Sea? How is it different? (See Joshua 3 and Exodus 14)