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?

πŸ‘‰ Read Joshua 3:1 - 17


Q1. Why did they keep their distance from the ark? (4)

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)

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? (v7-8, v9-10)

- to let them know the Lord is with Joshua

- to let them know God is among the Israelites and going to drive the Canaanites

the crossing of the Jordan River in front of Jericho was not along an established travel route. It was a miraculous event orchestrated by God to demonstrate His power and to facilitate the Israelites' entry into Canaan. This crossing set a precedent for the Israelites, marking the beginning of their conquest of the Promised Land. 



Q4. The author explains in detail how the water stopped. When did the water stop? 

When the priests’ feet touched the water

A quake and a landslide, that’s what has dammed up the Jordan River many times – once in 1927 at Adam, the very spot the Bible says the water stopped for Joshua and the Israelites to cross into the promised land. 


* The scientific explanation for the Bible. Pros: It helps us to accept the historical reality of the incidents. Cons: It might dilute the transcendency of God’s power. We might put God under the law of Physics and Mathematics. The scientific approach is only helpful in strengthening our weak faith. It won’t generate faith but only reinforces self-confidence and reliance on our reasons. Stick to the text, or you might miss God’s message.


Q5. The priests carrying (                       ) of the Lord stood firmly on (                 ) in the middle of the Jordan. All Israel crossed over on (                 ) until the entire nation was on the other side.

The ark of the covenant, dry ground, dry ground.

This sentence could conclude chapter 3, which describes their departure on the untrodden path that symbolizes the crossing of the Jordan and ultimately the conquest of Canaan.



Though the Lord leads us to an untrodden path, you will experience His presence there. Consecrate and make yourself ready for the Lord. When you step forward in faith, you will experience peace of ‘dry gound’ amid the chaotic world of turbulent water.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

25: ‘Tell us plainly’ vs ‘The Father and I are one.’ (John 10:22 – 42)

As Jesus announced the Father and Jesus were one, the Jewish leaders tried to stone him. πŸ‘‰ Read John 10:22 - 42 Q1. Why did the Jewish leaders not believe in Jesus? Answers πŸ‘‰ They refused to believe in Jesus, for they were not Jesus’ sheep. ‘you refused to believe.’ This tells their willing refusal.  Note that Jesus Himself doesn’t call Himself the Messiah. Instead, He called Himself the One sent from God. He focused on doing the Father’s works and proclaiming His words. From Jesus’ works, they could have concluded that He was the Messiah sent from God. But they refused to admit it. Instead, they asked Jesus to admit His identity as the Messiah plainly, which Jesus wouldn’t do. Q2. They asked Jesus if He were the (           ). But Jesus claimed that the (          ) and He are one. Because of this, they condemned Him of (             ) and tried to stone Him. Answer πŸ‘‰ They asked Jesus if He were the ( Christ ). But Jesus claimed that the ( Father  ) and He are one
Read more

26: Other Laws concerning human life (#6 no murder) (Deut 21:1 – 22:8)

The command ‘do not murder’ should be extended to its full measure and completeness. They needed to remove the guilt of unresolved murder, keep the dignity of the female slave, respect the patrilineal inheritance, and preserve various lives. πŸ‘‰ Read Deuteronomy 21:1 - 22:8 When a homicide victim is found, and no one knows the murderer, the elders of the nearest town must do a ritual of atonement through the death of a heifer. What is the purpose of doing so? (7-9) If you had made your female slave your wife, you can divorce her but not (             ) her. For a man with two wives, if his less-loved wife’s son is the firstborn, let him inherit the (            ) portion. He should not show favoritism according to his affection for one of his wives. When a son doesn’t listen to his parent, he is like a glutton and (             ). Why should they not leave the corpse on the tree of execution overnight? When you see someone’s lost possession, do not (           ) it. You must not re
Read more

35: I am the True Vine. You are the Branches (John 15:1 – 17)

Image
The vine tree analogy so vividly illustrates our relationship with Jesus. As the branches of a vine share the life of the vine, we share and live from Jesus’ life. πŸ‘‰ Read John 15:1 - 17 Q1. Why do we need to remain in Jesus? (2, 4) Answers πŸ‘‰ To bear fruit. God takes away any branch that doesn’t bear fruit. We might debate the security of salvation: do we lose our salvation if we bear no fruit? However, it is better to focus on how to bear fruit rather than how to get salvation.  “You are clean already.” It would refer to a born-again status, a rightful relationship with the Father, one who bathed (13:10). John uses the imagery of cleanness for salvation. In the OT bible, one should be ritually clean to stand before God.  When we believe Jesus’ gospel, we are reconciled with the Father. Though sinners, we can approach God by Jesus’ blood. The pruning (lit. cleaning) (2) of our life is to make us bear more fruit. “Remain”: You should stay, not stop by. No plant produces fruit
Read more