Joshua 3

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Joshua commanding the people to prepare to cross the Jordan River, which is at flood stage, in obedience to God's command. The priests, carrying the ark of the covenant, lead the way, and as they step into the river, the water stops flowing, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. The chapter also mentions the setting up of a memorial of twelve stones to commemorate the miraculous crossing. The event is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, demonstrating His ability to overcome any obstacle and fulfill His promises. As stated in Joshua 3:5, 'Joshua told the people, Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.' The crossing of the Jordan River is a pivotal moment in the conquest of Canaan, as seen in Joshua 3:10, where Joshua says, 'Here is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will certainly drive out the Canaanites.'

Context for the Chapter

Joshua chapter 3 is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, which is a fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. The chapter follows the events of Joshua 1-2, where Joshua assumes leadership and sends out spies to scout out the land. The crossing of the Jordan River marks the beginning of the conquest, which will be completed in the subsequent chapters. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it points to the ultimate victory of God through Christ, who will conquer sin and death. As seen in Hebrews 11:29-30, the crossing of the Jordan River is an example of faith in action.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power and promises, just as the Israelites trusted in God's ability to part the waters. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience and consecration, as believers must separate themselves from sin and prepare themselves for God's work in their lives. As stated in Joshua 3:5, believers must consecrate themselves to experience God's wonders.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. God parts the waters, allowing them to cross on dry ground, which is a miracle that shows God's power and faithfulness. The people are told to consecrate themselves, which means to separate themselves from sin and prepare themselves for God's work. As seen in Joshua 3:5, the people are commanded to consecrate themselves, and in Joshua 3:10, Joshua says that the people will know that the living God is among them.

Voices from the Church

“The crossing of the Jordan River is a remarkable example of God's power and faithfulness, demonstrating His ability to overcome any obstacle and fulfill His promises.”

— John Calvin

“The memorial of twelve stones serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness, providing a testimony to future generations of the miraculous crossing, and encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and obey His commands.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Preparation for the Crossing (Joshua 3:1-6) — The chapter begins with Joshua commanding the people to prepare to cross the Jordan River, which is at flood stage, in obedience to God's command. The people are told to consecrate themselves, which means to separate themselves from sin and prepare themselves for God's work.
2. The Crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:7-17) — The priests, carrying the ark of the covenant, lead the way, and as they step into the river, the water stops flowing, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. The event is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, demonstrating His ability to overcome any obstacle and fulfill His promises.
3. The Setting Up of the Memorial (Joshua 3:12-17) — The setting up of a memorial of twelve stones serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness, providing a testimony to future generations of the miraculous crossing. The memorial is a witness to the people of God's power and covenant love.
4. The Significance of the Crossing (Joshua 3:10-13) — The crossing of the Jordan River is a pivotal moment in the conquest of Canaan, as it demonstrates God's power and faithfulness. The event serves as a reminder of God's promises and covenant love, encouraging believers to trust in God's power and obey His commands.
5. Conclusion (Joshua 3:14-17) — The chapter concludes with the people crossing the Jordan River on dry ground, which is a miraculous event that showcases God's mighty power. The event serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and covenant love, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and obey His commands.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty

The chapter demonstrates God's power and sovereignty over creation, as He parts the waters and allows the people to cross on dry ground. The event showcases God's ability to overcome any obstacle and fulfill His promises, which is a testament to His sovereignty.

The Doctrine of Faith and Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, as the people trust in God's promises and follow His instructions, resulting in a miraculous event. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and obeying His commands.

The Doctrine of Covenant Theology

The chapter highlights the significance of the covenant between God and His people, as the ark of the covenant is carried by the priests and the people are reminded of God's promises and faithfulness. The event serves as a reminder of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people.

The Doctrine of Sanctification

The chapter emphasizes the importance of consecration and sanctification, as the people are told to separate themselves from sin and prepare themselves for God's work. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of living a holy and separated life, dedicated to God's service.

Lessons from Joshua 3

1. The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter teaches that faith and obedience are essential for experiencing God's power and promises. As seen in Joshua 3:5, the people are told to consecrate themselves, and in Joshua 3:10, Joshua says that the people will know that the living God is among them.
2. The Power of God's Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's power and sovereignty over creation, as He parts the waters and allows the people to cross on dry ground. The event showcases God's ability to overcome any obstacle and fulfill His promises.
3. The Significance of Covenant Theology — The chapter highlights the significance of the covenant between God and His people, as the ark of the covenant is carried by the priests and the people are reminded of God's promises and faithfulness. The event serves as a reminder of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people.
4. The Importance of Consecration and Sanctification — The chapter emphasizes the importance of consecration and sanctification, as the people are told to separate themselves from sin and prepare themselves for God's work. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of living a holy and separated life, dedicated to God's service.
5. The Application to the Believer's Life — The chapter teaches that believers must trust in God's power and obey His commands, just as the Israelites trusted in God's ability to part the waters. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's promises and obeying His commands.

Themes from Joshua 3

1. Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, as the people trust in God's promises and follow His instructions, resulting in a miraculous event. As seen in Joshua 3:5, the people are told to consecrate themselves, and in Joshua 3:10, Joshua says that the people will know that the living God is among them.
2. God's Sovereignty and Power — The chapter demonstrates God's power and sovereignty over creation, as He parts the waters and allows the people to cross on dry ground. The event showcases God's ability to overcome any obstacle and fulfill His promises.
3. Covenant Theology — The chapter highlights the significance of the covenant between God and His people, as the ark of the covenant is carried by the priests and the people are reminded of God's promises and faithfulness. The event serves as a reminder of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people.
4. Consecration and Sanctification — The chapter emphasizes the importance of consecration and sanctification, as the people are told to separate themselves from sin and prepare themselves for God's work. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of living a holy and separated life, dedicated to God's service.
5. The Application to the Believer's Life — The chapter teaches that believers must trust in God's power and obey His commands, just as the Israelites trusted in God's ability to part the waters. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's promises and obeying His commands.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the crossing of the Jordan River represent in the context of the conquest of Canaan?
2. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faith and obedience?
3. What is the significance of the memorial of twelve stones?
4. How does the chapter demonstrate God's power and sovereignty over creation?
5. What is the application of the chapter to the believer's life, in terms of trusting in God's power and obeying His commands?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Joshua 3

	Sermon	Description
	Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging his role as a messenger of God and emphasizes the importance of radical choosing and repentance. He highlights the two categorie
	Future Trends for the Body of Christ by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the things that are at hand rather than being distracted by distant and exciting things. He shares a pe
	Clothed With Power From on High by Les Wheeldon	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the disciples' experience after Jesus' resurrection. He emphasizes that the disciples were still struggling to understand and were not yet fil
	Audio Sermon: Man's Petty Kingdom by Art Katz	This sermon emphasizes the importance of radical commitment and separation from worldly influences to enter into a new level of relationship with God. It calls for a shift from ins
	Through the Bible - Joshua by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God when He performs miracles in our lives. He uses the example of the Israelites crossing the River Jorda
	Apostleship - Part 4 by Norman Grubb	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of having faith in God and how it relates to overcoming obstacles. The sermon references Joshua's command to cross the river and c
	(Through the Bible) Joshua 1-8 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the excitement and importance of walking after the Spirit. He references the story of Joshua encountering a man with a drawn sword near Jeric
	Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land by Alden Gannett	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests
	The Ark of the Covenant: Crossing Jordan Part Ii by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites as they finally reach the promised land after 40 years of discipline. However, they face a great obstacle in t
	Crossing Jordan at Harvest Time by Carter Conlon	Carter Conlon emphasizes the significance of crossing the Jordan River at harvest time, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey and the current state of society. He highl

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 3

In this chapter, we see the mighty power of God, who parts the waters of the Jordan River, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This event is a testament to God's faithfulness and covenant love, and serves as a reminder of His promises to His people. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, as the people trust in God's power and follow His instructions, resulting in a miraculous event. As Matthew Henry notes, the crossing of the Jordan River is a type of baptism, symbolizing the believer's death to sin and new life in Christ. The chapter teaches that believers must trust in God's power and obey His commands, just as the Israelites trusted in God's ability to part the waters. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's promises and obeying His commands, and provides a powerful example of God's power and sovereignty over creation. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?