What does Joshua 3:1 mean?

And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. Joshua 3:1

Explanation

The verse Joshua 3:1 from the King James Version of the Bible describes a key moment in the journey of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses’ death, rises early in the morning in a display of diligence and commitment to God’s command. He and the people leave Shittim, their campsite on the plains of Moab, and move towards the Jordan River. This river stands as a natural barrier between them and the land of Canaan, which God has promised them. The verse emphasizes preparation, as the people “lodged there before they passed over,” indicating a pause before undertaking the significant event of crossing the Jordan. It underscores the importance of readiness and consecration before embarking on a pivotal religious act.

Historical Context

The Book of Joshua is set during the late Bronze Age, around the 13th century BCE, when the Israelites were making their way into Canaan following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent wanderings in the wilderness. Shittim is the last encampment of the Israelites before they cross the Jordan River. This location is associated with events in the previous book (Numbers), where the Israelites fell into idolatry and immorality with the Moabites. The crossing of the Jordan represents a transition from the wilderness period to the conquest of the Promised Land.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Joshua 3:1 speaks to several key themes:

• Obedience: Joshua’s early rising signifies promptness in fulfilling God’s commandment, reflecting a model of leadership and devotion.
• Transition: The movement from Shittim to the banks of the Jordan signals a threshold moment, from wandering to establishing a home, paralleling spiritual transitions in believers’ lives.
• Preparation: The encampment before crossing over implies a period of sanctification and preparation, a principle echoed in various religious practices.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to exercise diligence and obedience to their own faith or life journey, much like Joshua. It encourages believers to take time for preparation and consecration before undertaking significant life changes or challenges. It also serves as a call to responsible and proactive leadership, learning from Joshua’s example of initiative.

Cross-References

• Joshua 1:2 – “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.”
• Joshua 3:14 – “And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;”
• Numbers 25:1 – “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.”

Language Study

In the original Hebrew, key words in this verse include:

• Joshua (יהושע): Yehoshua, meaning “The LORD is salvation”.
• Early (שַׁכֵּם): Shahar, often means to rise or start early.
• Removed (נָסַע): Nasa, meaning to set out, depart, or journey.
• Lodged (וַיָּלִין): Lin, implying to stay, lodge, or dwell temporarily.
• Passed over (עָבַר): Abar, suggesting crossing over or through, often used metaphorically for transitions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The crossing of a body of water as a transition into a new phase of life is a motif found in other cultural and religious contexts. In ancient Mesopotamian myths, rivers often symbolize the boundary between the mundane world and the divine. The crossing of the Jordan River can be paralleled with other significant water crossings, such as the crossing of the Red Sea in the exodus narrative or the River Styx in Greek mythology.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, the Jordan River’s geography and hydrology would be of interest. The river has changed course and flow over millennia due to tectonic activity and climate variations. During certain seasons, it could have been possible to cross the river at shallower points, which might align with the Biblical account.

Commentaries

A broad range of Biblical scholars and theologians have reflected on this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes Joshua’s leadership qualities demonstrated by his early rising, comparing him to Moses and emphasising the importance of leaders setting an example.
• The New Bible Commentary highlights the significance of the Jordan crossing as a miracle story in Israel’s history, and the “lodging” as a time of preparation for this event.
• John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes focus on the faith and obedience shown by the Israelites, following God’s will to the edge of the river, trusting that He will make a way for them to cross.