The Jordan River crossing recorded in Joshua 3 holds great significance in the biblical narrative. This miraculous event allowed the Israelites to enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The Jordan crossing demonstrated God’s power and fulfilled His promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants. In this roughly 9,000 word article, we will explore the context, events, and implications of the Jordan River crossing in depth.
Context of the Jordan Crossing
After escaping from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the Sinai wilderness for 40 years. This was due to their disobedience and unbelief during the exodus journey (Numbers 14:26-35). The exodus generation died off, and now a new generation under Joshua was camped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. They were poised to enter Canaan and claim the land God had promised hundreds of years earlier to Abraham (Genesis 12:7).
Two significant events set the stage for the crossing of the Jordan River. First, Moses died on Mount Nebo after viewing the Promised Land from afar (Deuteronomy 34:1-8). Joshua was installed as the new leader of Israel (Joshua 1:1-18). Second, Joshua sent two spies into the land who stayed in the house of Rahab in Jericho (Joshua 2). Rahab hid the spies and helped them escape when soldiers came looking for them. In exchange, the spies promised to spare Rahab and her family when Jericho was conquered. Rahab’s faith was commended in Hebrews 11:31.
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites were camped along the plains of Moab near the Jordan River. This was their last obstacle to cross before entering Canaan. At flood stage, the Jordan River was swift, deep, and dangerous – up to 1,300 feet wide (Joshua 3:15). There were also no bridges across it. But God miraculously intervened to provide a crossing on dry ground into the Promised Land.
Parting of the Jordan River
Joshua received instructions from God to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people to the Jordan River (Joshua 3:1-4). The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence with Israel. As the priests approached the riverbank, the waters miraculously piled up in a heap upstream at the city of Adam and left the riverbed dry (Joshua 3:14-17). This allowed the Israelites to cross over on dry ground into Canaan.
The parting of the Jordan River had similarities to the Red Sea crossing in the exodus. In both cases, God supernaturally intervened to part a body of water, allowing the Israelites safe passage on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22). As the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the Jordan River, the waters parted, just as with Moses stretching out his staff at the Red Sea.
The imagery of the Jordan parting evoked God’s creative power at the dawn of time. Psalm 114:3 says “The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back.” Just as God had pushed back the chaotic waters in creation (Genesis 1:9-10; Psalm 104:9), He now pushed back the waters of the Jordan so His people could cross into the Promised Land.
The parting of the Jordan River was a public demonstration of God’s power before all Israel. They saw firsthand that He could overcome any barrier or obstacle to fulfill His promises. This miraculous event was meant to bolster their faith before going to conquer the fortified cities of Canaan.
The Memorial Stones
God instructed Joshua to have one man from each tribe pick up a stone from the riverbed to construct a memorial on the western bank after crossing over (Joshua 4:1-3). These 12 stones were set up as a monument at Gilgal, their first campsite in the Promised Land (Joshua 4:19-24). The memorial served as a tangible reminder for future generations of God’s faithfulness in parting the Jordan. The stones signaled that the Israelites should remember what God had done and tell their children (Joshua 4:6-7, 21-24).
The monument of 12 stones paralleled a similar memorial constructed after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14:22, 28). Moses had directed that 12 pillars be set up using the stones from the dry riverbed (Exodus 24:4-8). Both memorials used stones to visibly commemorate God’s miraculous interventions so the people would not forget.
Archaeologists have discovered ancient stone structures matching the description of the memorial at Gilgal. One is a semi-circle of boulders dating to the Late Bronze Age (1550-1200 BC) arranged in the shape of the Jordan River. Though not proven conclusively, it may mark the Israelites’ crossing into Canaan.
Fulfillment of God’s Promise
The Jordan River crossing represented the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Abraham’s descendants the land of Canaan. God had pledged to make of Abraham a great nation and give his offspring the territory between Egypt and the Euphrates (Genesis 15:18-21). Now hundreds of years later, that promise was coming true before their eyes.
Joshua emphasized this connection to reassure the Israelites of God’s faithfulness. In Joshua 1:2-4, God promises to give them “every place where you set your foot” just as He had told Moses. The miraculous Jordan crossing proved God would do what He had promised long before.
The Israelites were also renewing the covenant made at Sinai after a generation had died off in the wilderness because of unbelief. Now as the people crossed the Jordan, they affirmed the covenant again through circumcision and observing the Passover (Joshua 5). God remained committed to the covenant, and the Jordan crossing signaled the Israelites’ renewed participation.
Ultimately, the Jordan River crossing provided tangible proof that God would fulfill the promise made to Abram 430 years earlier in Genesis 12:7 – “To your offspring I will give this land.” God was faithful across centuries to complete what He had pledged.
Parallels to Christian Baptism
The New Testament draws parallels between the crossing of the Jordan River and Christian baptism. 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 refers to the Red Sea crossing and then the Jordan River, saying the Israelites “were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” Though not actual baptisms, these crossings prefigured the spiritual reality of baptism into Christ.
In a similar vein, Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist marked the commencement of His public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17). Christian baptism signals the start of a believer’s new life in Christ and identification with Him. The location of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River drew symbolic connections back to Joshua leading the Israelites across.
Baptism pictures dying and rising with Christ, just as the Israelites in Moses and Joshua’s day passed through waters and entered new life (Romans 6:3-4). The Israelites arose on the western banks of Jordan to conquer Canaan. Baptized believers emerge to walk in new spiritual life, leaving their old selves behind.
While the Jordan River crossings were physical in nature, Christian baptism signifies a spiritual reality. But God used the miraculous crossings to foreshadow the inward transformation and identification with Christ that baptism represents.
Strategic Importance
From a strategic military perspective, crossing the flooded Jordan River was an incredible feat. Typical amphibious landings of troops are complex maneuvers, but Joshua conducted one flawlessly into enemy territory. There was no resistance at the crossing site, allowing all Israel to reach the western shore and establish a beachhead.
After the crossing, the Israelites established a base camp at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho about one mile from the Jordan (Joshua 4:19). This launching point was strategic for beginning the conquest of Canaan by first attacking Jericho. Taking Jericho would open up the central hill country of Canaan.
Had the Jordan River crossing failed or met heavy resistance from Canaanite armies, Israel’s entire campaign could have collapsed from the start. But God ensured they crossed over successfully, paving the way for victory.
The miraculous nature of the Jordan River crossing was also strategically significant. Reports of Israel’s supernatural ingress into Canaan caused fear and uncertainty among the inhabitants (Joshua 5:1). The one exception was Rahab and her family, who were spared for assisting the spies.
Leadership of Joshua
The Jordan River crossing represented the commencement of Joshua’s leadership over Israel. Although he had assumed command after Moses’ death, this was the first major endeavor undertaken under his leadership. And it was a resounding success.
Like Moses parting the Red Sea, Joshua now parted the Jordan River through the ark bearers. This put Joshua on similar footing with his predecessor as a Spirit-empowered leader. The narrative goes out of its way to equate Joshua and Moses (Joshua 4:14).
Joshua demonstrated strong leadership qualities in preparing the people, communicating God’s plan, and carrying it out with precision. He commanded the officers to instruct the people so everyone knew their role (Joshua 3:2-3). The unified activity of priests and people according to Joshua’s directives led to an orderly, effective crossing.
After reaching the far side, Joshua oversaw the construction of two memorials – one of 12 stones in the Jordan River itself (Joshua 4:9), another of 12 stones taken from the riverbed to erect at Gilgal (Joshua 4:8, 20). These memorials commemorated God’s work while affirming Joshua’s leadership.
The Jordan River crossing went seamlessly, proving that Joshua was well-equipped for leadership. He shepherded Israel into Canaan in fulfillment of God’s promise, just as Moses had led them out of Egypt.
Obedience and Faith
The Israelites demonstrated courage and faith to cross the Jordan River with Joshua’s leadership. They had to trust his report of God’s plan and follow the priests carrying the ark into the flooded river (Joshua 3:13-17). It took strong faith to march into the raging current.
Joshua commanded the people to consecrate themselves before God (Joshua 3:5). They prepared their hearts in obedience to God’s command, setting themselves apart for His purposes. Their consecration indicated devotion to doing God’s will, whatever that required.
When the priests carrying the ark stepped into the Jordan, the waters did not immediately stop flowing (Joshua 3:15-16). The people had to trust God’s promise and walk into the riverbed with the waters still surging around them. Only after the priests reached the middle of the river did the waters cease flowing. It took courage and faith to descend into the river before it parted.
The Israelites also had to carry out Joshua’s instructions promptly and completely. The narrative emphasizes they did as Joshua commanded them (Joshua 3:7-8; 4:10, 18). Their swift obedience led to an orderly, efficient crossing that established them in Canaan.
In contrast to their parents’ generation, this generation demonstrated faith and obedience to experience God’s miraculous power. They committed themselves wholly to following Joshua’s leadership according to God’s command.
Foreshadowing Salvation
On a symbolic level, the Jordan River crossing foreshadowed the salvation believers find in Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites passed through the Jordan waters into new life in Canaan, those who trust in Christ’s death and resurrection pass from death into new life.
1 Corinthians 10:2 says the Israelites “were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” Their Red Sea crossing represented a break with the old life of slavery and entry into God’s salvation under Moses’ leadership. The Jordan crossing continued this theme of redemption leading to new life.
The Jordan River also pictures the death believers undergo in baptism by identifying with Christ (Romans 6:1-4). Coming up out of the waters signals new life in Christ, just as crossing the Jordan brought Israel into Canaan. The crossing prefigured the spiritual truth realized in Jesus.
Rahab and her family being spared from Jericho’s destruction presaged God’s salvation entering the Gentile world. Though a Canaanite, Rahab believed in the God of Israel (Joshua 2:9-11). Her faith resulted in her household being saved. God was beginning to expand His redemptive purposes beyond Israel.
While physical in nature, the Jordan crossing symbolized the spiritual redemption and new life offered to all people through faith in Christ. God used this miraculous event to foreshadow the greater salvation to come.
Continuity from Moses to Joshua
The Jordan River crossing displayed strong continuity between the leadership of Moses and Joshua. This continuity reinforced that Joshua was the rightful successor tasked with bringing God’s promises to fulfillment.
Joshua specifically followed instructions given originally to Moses by God (Joshua 1:2-9). He was careful to carry out exactly what God had commanded Moses for entering Canaan. Moses had been prohibited from entering due to his disobedience, so Joshua fulfilled the plans given to his predecessor.
The parting of the Jordan River consciously echoed the parting of the Red Sea 40 years earlier. God’s power was on display in similar miracles through both leaders. Joshua 4:14 even states that God exalted Joshua as He had Moses in the eyes of Israel.
Joshua built memorial stones using the same methods Moses had commanded earlier (Exodus 12:25-27). The erection of memorial stones was instituted under Moses and continued under Joshua. The Transjordan tribes who had settled earlier even built an altar of witness to preserve unity with western tribes entering Canaan (Joshua 22).
God’s presence and power remained the same from Moses to Joshua. This continuity encouraged the Israelites to have full confidence in Joshua’s leadership. The era of Moses was not ending, just transitioning to Joshua as God continued fulfilling His promises.
Preparation to Conquer Canaan
The miraculous Jordan River crossing set the stage for Israel to conquer the Promised Land of Canaan. It allowed them to establish a beachhead in enemy territory through God’s power. This jumping-off point was vital for commencing their military campaign.
After crossing over, the Israelites set up a base camp at Gilgal on the outskirts of Jericho (Joshua 4:19-20). Gilgal became the staging ground for assaults against Jericho and Ai recorded in Joshua 6-8. Having this strategic foothold enabled the Israelites to launch their first strikes.
The manna that had sustained Israel in the wilderness also ceased after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 5:12). Now the people ate food grown in the promised land. This signaled a transition to living off Canaan’s produce rather than God’s miraculous provision.
Crossing the Jordan emboldened Israel to attack strongly fortified Canaanite cities. They witnessed God’s power and provision, fueling courage. Joshua 5:1 reports that Canaanite kings beyond the Jordan lost heart and courage when learning how God parted the river for Israel.
God orchestrated the miraculous Jordan River crossing to position His people for success in conquering Canaan. It inspired them with faith while demoralizing their enemies. The Jordan crossing set the ideal conditions for Israel’s campaign.
Conclusions
The Israelites’ miraculous crossing of the Jordan River under Joshua’s leadership was a pivotal event in the biblical narrative. God parted the flooded river to fulfill His longstanding promise to give Abraham’s descendants the land of Canaan. This amazing miracle foreshadowed the salvation believers would find in Jesus Christ.
The Jordan River crossing displayed God’s power and faithfulness across centuries. He remained true to His covenant promise. Joshua rose up as the rightful successor to Moses in guiding Israel into their inheritance. The people also demonstrated courageous faith to follow Joshua across Jordan.
This strategic event established Israel in Canaan’s heartland. Jericho lay before them, ripe for conquest. God had positioned His people to overtake the mighty fortresses of Canaan’s inhabitants. The Jordan crossing commenced Israel’s whirlwind campaign to secure the Promised Land.
For the emerging nation, passing through the Jordan waters into new life signified a new beginning. They stood poised to claim all God had pledged. No obstacles could thwart God’s plan to plant His people securely in the land of promise.
