Joshua 3-4: Crossing the Jordan

This week we will see one of God's promises in the making. The children of Israel are going to cross the Jordan River and begin to take the land the Lord has given them. This week we will focus on Joshua 3-4.

Observation:
Read Joshua 3-4.
Read Joshua 3-4 and mark every reference to: Joshua, Moses, ark of the covenant, Jordan/Jordan River, God, commanded, references to time
Ask yourself the following questions and write down the answers in your journal:

• When were the children of Israel to cross the Jordan? 
• What does God tell Joshua about what is going to happen? 
• What is Joshua's response? 
• How were the children of Israel going to cross the Jordan? 
• What is the role of the ark of the covenant in crossing?
• What happened when the priests got into the Jordan with the ark of the covenant? 
• What does Joshua command twelve men from the people to do after the nation had crossed the Jordan? 
• Why does Joshua tell the twelve men to do this? What is the point? 
• How many men equipped for war crossed the Jordan? 
• What was the people's response to Joshua after this event? 

Interpretation:

• Read Exodus 14. Write down in your journal how this event compares to Joshua 3-4.
• Remembering what God has promised the people about His part in gaining possession of the land (Exodus 6:8 & Deuteronomy 7:1-2), why do you think God had the ark leading the people?

Application:

Be ready to share what you learned this week.