In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you”, and in chapter three and verse eight of the book of Joshua, we learn how the LORD told Joshua, “you shall command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant” where we read,
And you shall command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying,
When you are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, you shall stand still in Jordan.
The verse reads, “And you shall command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and you shall command the priests” which means “and you, Joshua, will charge and order the spiritual principal officers, chiefs and leaders” “that bear the ark” or “who lift up and carry the chest or box” “of the covenant” which means “pertaining to the alliance, pledge, league and agreement”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the following words. Jehovah God instructed Joshua to charge the spiritual leaders who were carrying the “ark of the covenant” to speak the following words.
The verse continues, “When you are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, you shall stand still in Jordan.” Joshua added the words, “when you are come” or “at the time and moment you, the priests, have lighted upon, attained and arrived” “to the brink of the water” which means “at the edge, border and outskirts” “of Jordan” or “belonging to the Jordan whose name means descender and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”, “you shall stand still” which means “you, the priests, are to remain in place, continue, abide and persist” “of Jordan” or “belonging to the Jordan whose name means descender and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”. Jehovah God told Joshua to tell the “priests” that they were to remain in place at the time they arrived at the border of the Jordan river.
When we consider the words in this verse, we see again how Jehovah God was involved with the people of Israel as they were about to enter the promise land. Joshua was to order the spiritual leaders of Israel who were carrying the “ark of the covenant” to remain in place at the time they arrived at the border of the Jordan river. Obedience was essential, and following God’s instructions through Joshua was important for their safety and provision. God wants this type of relationship with us as well. He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and lead us to the places we are to go, remain still and proceed according to His perfect will and plan.
Next time we learn how Joshua told the people of Israel, “Come here, and hear the words of the LORD”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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