Joshua:3

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* Verse 1-6 - The Israelites came to Jordan in faith , having been told that they should pass it . In the way of duty , let us proceed as far as we can , and depend on the Lord . Joshua led them . Particular notice is taken of his early rising , as afterwards upon other occasions , which shows how little he sought his own ease . Those who would bring great things to pass , must rise early . Love not sleep , lest thou come to poverty . All in public stations should always attend to the duty of their place . The people were to follow the ark . Thus must we walk after the rule of the word , and the direction of the Spirit , in everything ; so shall peace be upon us as upon the Israel of God ; but we must follow our ministers only as they follow Christ . All their way through the wilderness was an untrodden path , but most so this through Jordan . While we are here , we must expect and prepare to pass ways that we have not passed before ; but in the path of duty we may proceed with boldness and cheerfulness . Whether we are called to suffer poverty , pain , labour , persecution , reproach , or death , we are following the Author and Finisher of our faith ; nor can we set our feet in any dangerous or difficult spot , through our whole journey , but faith will there see the prints of the Redeemer 's feet , who trod that very path to glory above , and bids us follow him , that where he is , we may be also . They were to sanctify themselves . Would we experience the effects of God 's love and power , we must put away sin , and be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God . * Verse 7-13 - The waters of Jordan shall be cut off . This must be done in such a way as never was done , but in the dividing of the Red sea . That miracle is here repeated ; God has the same power to finish the salvation of his people , as to begin it ; the WORD of the Lord was as truly with Joshua as with Moses . God 's appearances for his people ought to encourage faith and hope . God 's work is perfect , he will keep his people . Jordan 's flood cannot keep out Israel , Canaan 's force cannot turn them out again . * Verse 14-17 - Jordan overflowed all its banks . This magnified the power of God , and his kindness to Israel . Although those who oppose the salvation of God 's people have all advantages , yet God can and will conquer . This passage over Jordan , as an entrance to Canaan , after their long , weary wanderings in the wilderness , shadowed out the believer 's passage through death to heaven , after he has finished his wanderings in this sinful world . Jesus , typified by the ark , hath gone before , and he crossed the river when it most flooded the country around . Let us treasure up experiences of His faithful and tender care , that they may help our faith and hope in the last conflict . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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