Joshua 3-4: The Israelites Cross on Dry Ground (Again!)

The Rev. Thomas Eckstein, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Joshua 3-4.

As the Israelites stand on the banks of the Jordan River, Joshua receives specific instructions from YHWH to have the priests, bearing the Ark, step into the river's rushing waters and stand still. In an event that mirrors the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, the Jordan miraculously halts its flow, allowing the entire Israelite nation to cross over on dry ground. After the Israelites have safely crossed the Jordan River, Joshua is commanded by God to select twelve men, one from each tribe, to retrieve twelve stones from the riverbed. These stones are to serve as a lasting memorial to commemorate this miraculous crossing.

The Book of Joshua is a compelling account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It narrates their journey from the crossing of the Jordan River to the triumphant capture of the Promised Land. Filled with military campaigns, divine guidance, and moments of faith and obedience, this book underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of unwavering commitment to their divine mission. It stands as a powerful testament to the faith, resilience, and unity of the Israelites as they claim the inheritance promised to them by God.