We now move to Episode Seven in our examination of the subject of the Ark of the Covenant. This chapter is titled, "The Waters Of The Jordan Miraculously Part."
As we have noted, we have already learned a number of great biblical truths thus far. However, we are just getting started...
At last, the Promised Land! After wandering for forty years in the wilderness, the children of Israel were about to enter the land God had promised to Abraham and his descendants. A major obstacle, however, stood in the way.
Between them and their dream was the swift current of the river Jordan. As God had previously parted the Red Sea, He would now work another remarkable miracle to bring His people to the land of promise. This miracle would center on the Ark of the Covenant.
Israel Had A New Leader
This was the appropriate occasion for God to raise up Joshua in the sight of the people. It was now his time to be confirmed by God as Israel’s new leader.
The Miracle Would Give Further Proof That God Was With Them
As the miracle at the Red Sea proved the Lord would be good to His promises, we find a similar miracle happening here.
The Miracle Occurs
As God promised, the waters parted when the priests, carrying the Ark, entered the Jordan River. The Bible explains it in this manner:
When the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of the people. Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan, their feet touched the water at its edge and the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up [in] a mass that extended as far as Adam, a city next to Zarethan…The priests carrying the ark of the LORD’s covenant stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3:14-17)
One can only imagine the great comfort that it gave the nation.
There Is No Doubt About The Supernatural Nature Of The Event
A close examination of the text will reveal that this crossing was a supernatural event due to the following circumstances.
1. The Event Was Predicted
First, the incident occurred as predicted. God had promised Joshua that this event would show His power to their enemies.
2. The Timing Was Supernatural
The timing of the event was exact. As soon as the priests stepped into the water, the Jordan parted.
3. The River Was At Flood Stage
To add to the miraculous character of the event, it occurred when the river was at flood stage.
4. The Bottom Was Dry
The bottom of the river was dry enough for all the people to walk across.
5. There Was A Long Duration
The wall of water lasted the entire time it took the children of Israel to cross the dry river.
6. The Water Returned
Immediately after the people entered the Promised Land and the priests came out of the river, the water returned. Again, the timing was perfect.
The Promise
Joshua assured the people that the living God would prove His presence among them and drive out the Canaanites.
Once this mighty miracle occurred, the Passover was celebrated (Joshua 4:19-5:10). The next day the manna ceased.
The Conquest Begins
Israel was now committed to fight against the inhabitants of Canaan. This included overcoming well-protected cities and armies with chariots. There was no going back.
In our next episode, we will discover another set of miracles, namely, when the people encountered the fortified city of Jericho upon entering the land...
Please note that this information, plus so much more, can be found in our book, In Search Of The Lost ArkThe Quest For The Ark Of The Covenant...
Like all of the material on our website educatingourworld, it is a free download that can be found under the heading of Bible Prophecy.
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