Joshua 3:7-13 | The Way of Scripture

Joshua 3:7-13

What will the Jordan crossing show about the Lord and Joshua?

Berean Standard Bible

7 Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses. 8 Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the waters, stand in the Jordan.’” 9 So Joshua told the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.” 10 He continued, “This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will surely drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites. 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go ahead of you into the Jordan. 12 Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. 13 When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—touch down in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.”

What is the context?

The Lord says He will begin to exalt Joshua so that Israel knows He is with him as He was with Moses. Joshua’s authority is confirmed through the Lord’s action, not through a claim that he independently controls the river.

Joshua calls the people to hear the Lord’s words. The crossing will show that the living God is among them and will drive out the named nations. The ark of the Lord of all the earth will go ahead, and the river will stop when the priests’ feet touch the water.

Twelve men are also to be selected, one from each tribe. Their task becomes clear in the next chapter. The promised sign therefore prepares the whole people for entry and for remembering what the Lord has done.

How is this passage commonly understood?

The USCCB notes connect the language of the waters standing in a heap with the exodus song, emphasizing continuity between Moses and Joshua. Wesley also sees the event confirming Joshua’s appointment. The command concerns this crossing and its announced sign, rather than a general promise that any risky step will force God to perform a miracle.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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