Joshua 4 (4)

So the priests who bore the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the LORD had commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and crossed over. Then it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over, that the ark of the LORD and the priests crossed over in the presence of the people. And the men of Reuben, the men of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses had spoken to them. About forty thousand prepared for war crossed over before the LORD for battle, to the plains of Jericho. On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life. Joshua 4.10-14

Reflect.
1.  What does it mean to say that the people “feared” Joshua? Should they have feared him? 

2.  Why was it important that “the men of Reuben, the men of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed before the children of Israel”?

Think about it.
Can you see the people hurrying to get across the dry Jordan River bed? I’d be hurrying, too! The writer makes a point to tell us that the two-and-a-half tribes crossed over before the rest of the people, and they were armed for battle. That practical step had two advantages: it made sure those tribes crossed the Jordan, as they had promised; and it would have encouraged the people as they crossed over to know that they were protected by 40,000 armed men waiting for them on the other side. That alone would have discouraged dawdling.

All this miracle, mustering, marching, and display of martial might happened at Joshua’s command, as he carried out the word God had spoken to him and to Moses. Is it any wonder the people feared Joshua? Joshua’s word had authority to get things done, but Joshua would need to make sure that what he commanded was always and only what God had given him. This would not always be the case, as we shall see.

Thanks to my friend Steven Wright, who pointed out that the stones left in the Jordan would be a witness to God, Who wouldbe able to see them, of His covenant faithfulness – much like the rainbow was in Genesis 9.12-17. Both parties in the divine covenant thus had memorials to commemorate this new epoch of the covenant promises of God. With the people safely across, and the twelve stones deposited in the Jordan River bed (v. 9), the priests and Levites carried the ark over in everyone’s sight (v. 11 anticipates vv. 15-17). They would again bring the presence of the LORD into the midst of the camp, and we can imagine how much awe and confidence this would have inspired.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Should church leaders command the fear of those they serve? Why or why not?

2.  The Lord’s Supper is a means whereby the Lord reminds us that He is with us always. Do you think we use this as well or as fully as we should? Should we enter this sacrament with more awe, wonder, and hope? Explain.

3.  What should church leaders be learning from Joshua about how to lead God’s people into His promises?

“It seems to me the words “’he people hastened to cross’ were not added idly by the Holy Spirit. For this reason, I also think that when we come to baptism for salvation and receive the sacraments of the Word of God, we should not do it idly or negligently, but we should hurriedly press on all the way until we cross over everything.” Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

I know You are with me today, Lord. Help me to focus on Your presence by…

Pray Psalm 114.
Pray for your leaders, that they will remember the works of God, tremble before Him, and lead His people into a greater realization of His promises.

Psalm 114 (Duke Street: Jesus Shall Reign)
When Israel out from Egypt went –
They of God’s gracious covenant –
Out from a land of language strange,
Into their midst Jehovah came.

He His dominion o’er them set;
At His command the dark sea fled.
Jordan subsided at His Word;
Mountains and hills obey our Lord.

What ails the sea that it should flee?
Jordan, that it should withered be?
What makes the mountains skip like rams?
What makes the hills spring up like lambs?

Tremble, O earth: the Lord is near!
Jacob’s great God is present here!
He from the rock sweet water brings,
Making the flint gush flowing springs.

T. M. Moore

Where does the book of Joshua fit in the ongoing story of God’s covenant? Our workbook, God’s Covenant, can help you discover the place in God’s work of redemption not only of Joshua but of all the books of the Bible. God’s Covenant is a valuable resource to guide you in all your studies in God’s Word. To order your copy, click here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).