Joshua 3: Group Study Handout

Overview

The people of Israel camped at the Jordan River after leaving Shittim (vv. 1-2). Officers directed the people to follow the ark of Yahweh, keeping a distance of about two thousand cubits, as they had not traveled this way before (vv.

Key verse

“It shall be that when the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of Yahweh, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan will be cut off. The waters that come down from above shall stand in one heap.”

Joshua 3:13 (WEB)

Outline

1. Joshua 3:1–2 Israel Prepares to Cross
2. Joshua 3:3–4 Following the Ark
3. Joshua 3:5–6 Sanctification and Instruction
4. Joshua 3:7–8 God's Assurance to Joshua
5. Joshua 3:9–10 Proclamation of God's Power
6. Joshua 3:11–13 Miraculous Crossing Predicted
7. Joshua 3:14–17 The Crossing of the Jordan

Discussion questions

1. In v5, why does Joshua tell the people to 'sanctify yourselves'?
2. What do the priests do in v6 before the people cross the Jordan?
3. Yahweh's command in v8: what does it mean for the priests to 'stand still in the Jordan'?
4. In v10, what is implied by Joshua saying that God will drive out the nations 'without fail'?
5. When has following a leader like Joshua required you to take a step of faith?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Joshua 3: Joshua 4, Joshua 1, Exodus 14.

Before next time: read Joshua 4.