Josué 3
Wayne Barber · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 3
Barber has an interesting note - At the time of the Israelite encampment on the plains of Moab the River Jordan was in flood. Those in Jericho probably felt reasonably safe behind their city’s double walls, for the river was deemed to be impassable at this time of year. The people in Jericho probably believed that only two courses lay open to the Israelites: (1) journey north and cross the Jordan below Lake Huleh, or (2) journey south and cross into Canaan by circling around the lower end of the Dead Sea. If they chose the former they would face a coalition of the northern kingdoms, and if they opted for the latter they would face a coalition of the southern kingdoms. God, however, chose neither route. (Joshua: A Devotional Exposition) William Blaikie - From Shittim to the banks of the Jordan is an a journey of a few miles, the road being all over level ground, so that the march was probably finished before the sun had risen high. However strong their faith, it could not be without a certain tremor of heart that the people would behold the swollen river, and mark the walls and towers of Jericho a few miles beyond. Three days are to be allowed, if not for physical, certainly for moral and spiritual preparation for the crossing of the river. (Joshua 3) When the great company arrives at the river and begins to set up camp, you can sense the anxiety and apprehension in the air over the impossibility of the circumstance that lay before them. THOUGHT - It has been said that the only difference between a live wire and a dead wire is the connection. A supernatural source of strength is available in every generation to enable God's people to cross the rivers of impossibility. (Donald Campbell) (Recall Joshua's "connection" - Nu 27:18+). Have you any rivers that seem to be uncrossable? Have you any mountains you cannot tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible He does the things others cannot do. Some writers see the crossing of the Jordan as a "type of our death with Christ" (C I Scofield). However one must be careful in assigning "types" to events in the Old Testament that are not specifically designated as types (See Typology). J Vernon McGee even ties it together with the name of the city Adam in Joshua 3:16 and writes "What is the meaning of this city? Well, friend, it is the city we all came from in the sense that Adam is the father of the human family and by Adam came death. What was taking place at the Jordan River represented the death and resurrection of Christ and His work on the cross. It not only reached forward over 1,900 years to where you and I are, but it also reached back to Adam and the beginning of the human family. That is the picture we have here." I personally think this is taking the text too far and am surprised that those who "typically" (pun intended) interpret the Scripture literally (especially in the prophetic passages) would in effect spiritualize or allegorize the text to this degree. And before you write me, I will admit that I could be the one in error! This note is written simply to encourage you to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+), for you have a Teacher, the Spirit of Truth (cf 1Jn 2:20+, 1Jn 2:27+) Matthew Henry Concise Commentary - Verses 1-6. The Israelites came to Jordan in faith, having been told that they should pass it. In the way of duty, let us proceed as far as we can, and depend on the Lord. Joshua led them. Particular notice is taken of his early rising, as afterwards upon other occasions (Josh 6:12, Josh 7:16, Josh 8:10), which shows how little he sought his own ease. Those who would bring great things to pass, must rise early. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty. All in public stations should always attend to the duty of their place. The people were to follow the ark. Thus must we walk after the rule of the word, and the direction of the Spirit, in everything; so shall peace be upon us as upon the Israel of God; but we must follow our ministers only as they follow Christ. All their way through the wilderness was an untrodden path, but most so this through Jordan. While we are here, we must expect and prepare to pass ways that we have not passed before; but in the path of duty we may proceed with boldness and cheerfulness. Whether we are called to suffer poverty, pain, labour, persecution, reproach, or death, we are following the Author and Finisher of our faith; nor can we set our feet in any dangerous or difficult spot, through our whole journey, but faith will there see the prints of the Redeemer's feet, who trod that very path to glory above, and bids us follow him, that where he is, we may be also. They were to sanctify themselves. Would we experience the effects of God's love and power, we must put away sin, and be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Irving Jensen - A survey of Joshua 3 and 4 reveals the underlying intent of the historical record of Israel’s movements at this time. The following chart will be helpful in understanding the basic organization—somewhat hidden—of these two chapters: (Rest-Land Won Everyman's Bible Commentaries) JOSHUA 3:1–5:1 3:1-17 4:1-14 4:15-4:18 4:19-5:1 Crossing the Jordan Camping at Gilgal People 12 Leaders Priests All Leadership Prominent Here Strength Prominent Here George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 3 1. Joshua rose early in the morning. That is, doubtless, on the morning of the third or fourth day after the proclamation mentioned, Joshua 1:11. Whether the spies had at this time returned or not is uncertain, though most probably they had. Lodged there before they passed over. That is, for one night. It would be more convenient for the congregation to pass over in the day-time; the miracle to be wrought would be more conspicuous; and a greater terror would be struck into the minds of the Canaanites. There is no evidence that the Israelites were informed of the manner in which they were to cross the river, yet they went forward in faith, being assured that they should pass it, Joshua 1:11. Duty often calls us to take one step without knowing how we shall take the next; but if brought thus far by the leadings of Providence, and while engaged in his service, we may safely leave the event to him. He will cleave the flood or the rock rather than that the way of his servants should be obstructed. Joshua 3:1-13 Strange Territory "You have not passed this way before." - Joshua 3:4 When our son Stephen was eight, he was invited to stay overnight at a cousin's house. It was his first time away from home and it all sounded like an exciting adventure. But when we got ready to leave, he started getting that homesick feeling! With tears glistening in his eyes and his voice quavering, he cried, "Mommy, I don't feel so good. I'd better go home with you." My wife responded, "It's up to you, but I know you'd have a good time." "But Mommy," Stephen whimpered, "they said they were going to climb a big hill tomorrow, and I've never been there before." We too can become fearful sometimes as we look ahead because we've "never been there before." But just as the Lord took care of Joshua and Israel (Josh. 3), He will take care of us. Perhaps right now you are anxious about some new and untried pathway on which the Lord is leading you. Then listen to God's Word and take courage: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" (Ps. 32:8). I have promised you My presence With you everywhere you go; I will never, never leave you As you travel here below. - Rose God does not ask us to go where He does not lead. Joshua 3:2 At the end of three days the officers went through the midst of the camp; Joshua 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Joshua 1:11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you, to possess it.’” OFFICERS MUSTER THE CAMP The camp was mustered so that they might pass muster and be ready to break camp. At the end of three days the officers went through the midst of the camp - The text does not give details of why 3 days but clearly there were preliminary preparations that had to be undertaken before crossing the Jordan. Also keep in mind that it is in the spring season when the waters melting from Mount Hermon and the latter rains would swell the Jordan into a raging river! Imagine being an Israelite and seeing this raging river for three days and not knowing how they would be able to cross such a torrent! This uncertainty/impossibility would make it even more dramatic when God provided the way as described later in this chapter. It must have been during this 3 days that God gave Joshua assurance that Yahweh would make a way across the Jordan (see "Then..." in Joshua 3:5) The Lord often delays long enough so we will recognize His hand at work in the deliverance that is going to come THOUGHT - Are you staring at a raging torrent of impossible circumstances? Obstacles in a believer's life are opportunities for God to show Himself mighty. As someone has said Fear sees the obstacle; faith sees the opportunity. In every difficulty you can find an opportunity. What do we focus on? Do we see only the size of our problems, or do we see the "size" of our infinite God? Only He can give us 20/20 spiritual vision (cf "Vertical Vision") We need to remember the mindset (heartset) of Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 13:1-14:45, for they had faith to see the opportunities despite the obstacles. (Nu 13:28-29, 31-32+ versus Nu 13:30+, Nu 14:7-9+) The question is will we focus on the size of our obstacles or the size of our God. While God may provide a way for you to cross over the "raging river" you are facing, it is not guaranteed. But what is guaranteed is 1 Cor 10:13+ Paul writing "No temptation (test) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (tested) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation (test) will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." Let me ask another question -- Will God be most glorified in your life by bringing you through possible circumstances or impossible circumstances? (That's rhetorical!) Waiting on the Lord is hard to do. Waiting of the Lord is vital (Isaiah 40:31+) And remember when God allows (permissive will as with Job) or sends a test, it is never to make us bitter, but to make us better. A W
Josué 3
Barber notes that the Ark "was stolen from them later on in their history and they kept thinking that something was mystical about that Ark. No, it’s God’s presence with them, but they needed to focus on that. It’s just like with us, we have got to learn to focus on Christ. He is our Ark, and we went through this last time together. We cannot look at the circumstance; we’ve got to learn to look at Him who is our provider in the midst of that circumstance." (Joshua: A Devotional Exposition) Donald Campbell - They were to have no casual or careless intimacy with God but a profound spirit of respect and reverence. God was to be considered not “the Man upstairs” but the sovereign and holy God of all the earth. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before - Amplified "that you may [be able to see the ark and] know the way you must go," NET = Keep your distance so you can see which way you should go." If the nation kept the distance, everyone would be able to see the Ark. Campbell- The distance was also essential so that the largest possible number of this great population could see the ark. God was about to lead them over unfamiliar ground, over a way they had not taken before. It was new territory so without the Lord’s guidance and leadership the people would not know which direction to take. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Joseph Parker - A wonderful process we have seen in all these readings. We have seen the cloud by day displaced, giving way to the ark of the covenant. Hence the words, "Ye have not passed this way heretofore,"--that is, as we have seen, Ye have not heretofore had the ark of the covenant ahead of you, but only a symbolic cloud. (Joshua 3 Commentary) Paul Apple - Striking out into new territory – We need God’s guidance and presence Think of the exciting tension there must have been to travel to the moon and take that first step onto unknown terrain … God calls us at times to leave our comfort zone and step out in faith and tackle new frontiers and challenges … but we can be confident of His presence with us (Taking God's Gift of the Promised Land Spiritual Victory in the Book of Joshua)
Josué 3
Barber adds the consecration would include "abstaining from everything that might take their minds off the seriousness of the task that lay before them." (Joshua: A Devotional Exposition) Paul Apple - The urgency of crossing the Jordan and getting moving did not rise above the necessity of having prepared hearts. Sometimes we can be all about action when we have neglected our devotion and worship. What steps did the Israelites take to consecrate themselves: - probably involved fasting, probably involved abstinence from sexual relationships, certainly involved asking the Lord to search their hearts for any sin. (cf Ps 139:23-24) (Taking God's Gift of the Promised Land Spiritual Victory in the Book of Joshua) We get a sense of what this consecration involved by comparing with an earlier, similar charge in Exodus 19:10-14+ The LORD also said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; 11 and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 “You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13‘ No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” 14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments. For - Term of explanation - explains why consecration is commanded. Tomorrow the LORD (Jehovah) will do wonders (pala) among you - NIV = "amazing things." NET = "the LORD will perform miraculous deeds." Joshua has heard from Yahweh how Israel would be enabled to cross the flooding Jordan and so stimulates the people's anticipation. Yahweh would perform a miracle in the midst of the people. Wonders (pala) in the Septuagint is the adjective thaumastos which means wonderful, marvelous, remarkable and literally beyond human comprehension. It is interesting that while God says there will be wonders, the text does not say that Yahweh gave him the specific details. Nevertheless Joshua obeyed without questioning God. After all Joshua had seen Yahweh part the Red Sea when Moses held up his staff. But now, no Moses and no staff, but Joshua still believes Yahweh will do wonders. It is because we lose sight of a God Who can accomplish the impossible that we too often meet with frustration, futility and even failure when we come to an "impassable Jordan." Campbell - spiritual not military preparation was needed at this time because God was about to reveal Himself by performing a great miracle in Israel’s midst. As a person would prepare scrupulously to meet someone of earthly fame so it was appropriate for the Israelites to prepare for a manifestation of the God of all the earth. The same command was heard at Sinai when the previous generation prepared itself for the majestic revelation of the Lord in the giving of the Law (Ex. 19:10–13-see above). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) F B
Josué 3
Barber - God planned to do a work as significant as the parting of the waters of the Red Sea (cf. Josh 4:23–24), and this would enhance Joshua in the eyes of the people. His power would also confirm the fact that Joshua was not alone in leading the people against so formidable an enemy. (Joshua: A Devotional Exposition) Matthew Henry Concise Commentary - Verses 7-13. The waters of Jordan shall be cut off. This must be done in such a way as never was done, but in the dividing of the Red sea. That miracle is here repeated; God has the same power to finish the salvation of his people, as to begin it; the WORD of the Lord was as truly with Joshua as with Moses. God's appearances for his people ought to encourage faith and hope. God's work is perfect, he will keep his people. Jordan's flood cannot keep out Israel, Canaan's force cannot turn them out again. My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, All I have to do is follow. My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, All I have to do is follow. Strength for today is mine alway' And all I need for tomorrow. My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, And all I have to do is follow George Bush - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 3 7. And the Lord said unto Joshua, &c. Or, ‘for the Lord had said as,’ in numberless cases elsewhere. It seems highly probable that these words were spoken to Joshua before the preceding charge was given to the people. That which constitutes the ground or reason of a particular order or statement, and which is properly antecedent to it, is often by the sacred writers placed last. This day will I begin to magnify thee, &c. To make thee great, to raise thee in the estimation of thy people, to confirm thine authority, and to clothe thee with honor. God had before put distinguished honor upon Joshua on several occasions, Ex. 24:13; Deut. 31:7, but it had not been in so public and solemn a manner; now he designs to magnify him as the successor of Moses in the government. He was to be the visible instrument of working a mighty miracle in the eyes of the nation; and from his circumstantially foretelling how the waters should be cut off, as soon as the feet of the priests should touch them, v. 13, it was demonstrated that the secret of the Lord was with him. True greatness belongs to those with whom God is, whom he employs in his service, and upon whom his blessing rests. The honor that comes from man may surround one with a temporary eclat, but let those that aspire to lasting and solid distinction seek it in the favor of God. Joshua 3:8 "You shall, moreover, command the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.' command: Jos 3:3 1Ch 15:11,12 2Ch 17:8,9 29:4-11,15,27,30 30:12 31:9,10 2Ch 35:2-6 Ne 12:24-28 13:22,28 shall stand: Jos 3:17 Ex 14:13 La 3:26 Joshua 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Jordan Flooded (taken in 1935) STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD In a similar setting in which Israel was faced with a great "obstacle" (an approaching Egyptian army) Moses said to the people “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. (Exodus 14:13+, cf 2Chr 20:17) You shall, moreover, command the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan - Septuagint is rendered "you will stand in the Jordan." NET has "wade into the water." However Living Bible has "you shall stop at the edge of the river." NLT has "take a few steps into the river and stop there." Amplified has "When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan." Notice there is substantial difference in how the versions render this passage. Are the priests to stop at the edge or are they to touch the water. Joshua 3:13 would seem to support that in verse 8 they are at the edge, but one cannot be dogmatic (in my opinion). In context, these appear to be new instructions from God following Joshua's instructions in Joshua 3:6. Joshua's trust in Yahweh's initial instruction was a step of faith that led to further revelation by God in this verse. THOUGHT - God allows us plenty of time to view the impossible before He does His work. Will you examine your heart before the Lord so that He might do a great work in your life for His glory and honor? F B
Josué 3
Barber - This is another example of faith and works going together. Everything happened exactly as the Lord had instructed Joshua. We could wish that the Church today was as quick to obey the commands of Christ. All too often our leaders reinterpret the text of Scripture to suit their own views on specific matters, and then wonder why the Lord has removed the church’s lampstand from its place (Revelation 2:5). But how are we to explain the fact that the Jordan suddenly stopped flowing? The Bible clearly states that the river was in flood...Israel’s bridgehead into Canaan was effected directly opposite Jericho. And the people of Jericho, having relied on the river to form a barrier between them, must now have had their earlier apprehensions intensified. (Joshua: A Devotional Exposition) Joshua 3:14 Standing On The Edge [The Israelites] set out . . . to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before [them]. — Joshua 3:14 Today's Scripture: Joshua 3:9-17 My little girl stood apprehensively at the pool’s edge. As a nonswimmer, she was just learning to become comfortable in the water. Her instructor waited in the pool with outstretched arms. As my daughter hesitated, I saw the questions in her eyes: Will you catch me? What will happen if my head goes under? The Israelites may have wondered what would happen when they crossed the Jordan River. Could they trust God to make dry ground appear in the riverbed? Was God guiding their new leader, Joshua, as He had led Moses? Would God help His people defeat the threatening Canaanites who lived just across the river? To learn the answers to these questions, the Israelites had to engage in a test of faith—they had to act. So they “set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before [them]” (v.14). Exercising their faith allowed them to see that God was with them. He was still directing Joshua, and He would help them settle in Canaan (vv.7,10,17). Lord, we’re prone to quickly forget Your goodness and care for us. May we trust You today and into the new year—whatever uncertainties we face. You are the God who can be trusted. Fear fades when we trust our Father. (See How To Handle Fear) Joshua 3:15 and when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest), the feet of the priests: Jos 3:13 Isa 26:6 Jordan overflows: Jos 4:18 1Ch 12:15 Jer 12:5 49:19 all the days of harvest: Jos 5:10-12 Lev 23:10-16 De 16:1-9 Joshua 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE MIRACULOUS DRAMA BEGINS Don Anderson - Here we come to the test of faith. The Jordan is at flood stage. With the river moving so rapidly, the human natural response would be one of great fear. And when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest) (a pertinent parenthesis! See 1935 picture of Jordan flooded) - The priests carrying the ark pictured God as the One Who was leading the way into the Promised Land. When they dipped in the edge of the water, God carried out a miracle in the swollen river Jordan. It is interesting how this miracle followed the obedience of the priests to do as instructed. It was a picture of their faith for they had no foreknowledge of what was about to transpire. God sometimes uses men in some way to carry out His miracles. One thinks of the miracle of the loaf and fishes (Mt 14:15-21, Jn 6:9ff) Campbell on the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest) - It was the time of the barley harvest, the month of Nisan (March–April), the first month of their year (Joshua 4:19). This fact would come into play in Joshua 5:11+ when "they ate some of the produce of the land." The river was at flood stage—a foreboding sight to the priests and people and a severe test of their faith. Would they hesitate in fear or would they advance in faith, believing that what God had promised (about the water stopping, 3:13) would actually happen? (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) THOUGHT - "We usually want the river to be dry before we even make a step; but God was truly calling Israel to step out in faith." (Guzik)