03: The Lord led them to an untrodden path, even to the bottom of Jordan (Josh 3:1 – 17)
They crossed the Jordan River to enter Canaan. Why did the Lord make them go through this unusual path? π Read Joshua 3:1 - 17 Q1. Why did they keep their distance from the ark? (4) Answers π For they had not traveled that way before. Archaeological evidence does not indicate the presence of permanent bridges or well-trodden routes across the Jordan River near Jericho during the late Bronze Age. The priests would look for better courses along the terrain of the Jordan Valley, for there wasn’t a trodden road. Being distant from the priests would give the whole congregation less difficulty in passing the terrain. Q2. Why did they need to consecrate themselves? (5) Answer π The Lord will perform miraculous deeds among them. The Lord’s presence demands their cleanness. They were to consecrate themselves when God’s hand was among them. Then, how much more shall we do so, in whom God's Spirit lives! Q3. Why did God make them miraculously cross the Jordan River? (...