Joshua Worksheet - Chapter 3

JOSHUA 3     Review: In Chapter 2, we saw the faith of Rahab the harlot. She risked her life to hide the two spies knowing that they belonged to the Lord of the whole earth. Her confession and her actions made her a hero of faith as she is listed in the hall of faith in Hebrews chapter 11. Her future held a lineage straight to the Messiah Himself as noted in Matthew Chapter 1, through her son Obed who became the father of Jesse who became the father of King David, etc. In Chapter 3, Joshua has the people prepare to cross over. The priests will cross the Jordan first with the ark of the covenant, showing that the Lord would go "before" them. As the priests stood in the water; the dry land appeared and the people were able to cross over. The Lord showed Himself strong as He had done with Moses at the red sea crossing.  Where did Joshua and the sons of Israel set out from? vs. 1 Where did they lodge before they crossed over? vs. 1 At the end of 3 days, the officers went through the midst of the camp. (vs.2) ... What did they tell the people concerning when they were to set out for the journey to cross the Jordan? vs. 2,3 How much distance were the people to put between them and the ark of the covenant? vs. 4 Why was it important that they not get too close and follow the command of the Lord? vs. 4 Do we have the same promise today that the Lord goes before us and that we can trust Him to be with us when we must handle things we have never known before? Comment on the following verses: Philippians 4:6,7 Joshua told the Israelites to "consecrate" themselves for the Lord would do wonders among them the following day (vs 5).  Then he told the priests to take the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people (vs 6).  What did the Lord say to Joshua? vs. 7 What was Joshua to tell the priests to do when they came to the edge of the waters of the Jordan? vs. 8 What is the significance of standing still? Share your thoughts and use Scriptures if you have some that come to mind. Joshua said to the people ... "Come here and hear" .... (vs.9) ... He told them they would know that the "living God" was among them and that He would surely dispossess the 7 nations before them, as they would witness what the Lord would do for them in crossing the Jordan river. What are the 7 nations they will dispossess? vs. 10 Name 7 Joshua told the Israelites that the ark of the covenant would cross over before them into the Jordan. (vs.11) They were to take for themselves one man from each of the 12 tribes. (vs.12) ... What was going to happen as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the Lord rested in the waters? vs. 13 We can see a picture of "rest" in Jesus here. Comment on the following verses: Matthew 11:28-30 Why was it especially a miracle at this time of year for the Jordan to dry up when the priests put their feet in the water's edge? vs. 14,15 Where was the location described where the Israelites crossed over the Jordan into the promised land? vs. 16 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all of Israel crossed over! (vs.17) ... What was in the ark of the covenant? Do you remember what Moses had put inside of it? Three things: Aaron's rod that had bloomed The manna in a jar The ten commandments on stones that God had written with His own finger How do you think these things represent God's presence with us today? Application The River Jordan divided the people from the promised land. Only the power of the Lord could bring them through the waters into the promised land. Have you felt the waters of life might drown you or the darkness might overwhelm you? God has promises for us concerning these times. Comment on the following verses: Isaiah 42:16 Isaiah 43:1-7 Isaiah 43:16 Isaiah 50:10 Psalm 18:28 Psalm 139:11,12 Psalm 142:3 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 Romans 8:35-39 The Ark of the Covenant was carried through the camp so that the people knew that the presence of the Lord would go "before" them. They were to follow after it when they saw it. The priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant went before them into the Jordan River. It was not the priest, but the presence of the Lord that made a way for the people to cross over. The Ark contained the commandments (covenant) inside of it. What represents the presence of the Lord that goes before us today? Comment on the verses below: Psalm 119 John 14:6 John 16:13 The nations feared the Israelites because they had heard what the Lord had done in helping them cross over the Jordan River on dry land. Jericho was soon to be conquered by Joshua and the armies of Israel. They were surely in fear for their lives. Yet, there was one household who did not have to fear because faith resided there. Rahab had put the scarlet cord in the window as the spies had told her. She could face the coming warfare with peace in her heart. How does the Lord give us peace amid hard circumstances today? Comment on the following verses: John 14:27 John 16:33 Romans 5:1 Romans 14:17 Romans 15:13 Galatians 5:22,23 Philippians 4:6,7 1 Thessalonians 5:23 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Summarize the chapter and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...