The Overflow

In Joshua 3, the time finally came for the Jews to cross over the Jordan and start their entry into the promised land. Their entry was delayed by forty years, due to the disobedience and rebellion of their parents. They journeyed until one generation were completely wiped out, (except Joshua and Caleb) and Moses died and was gathered to be with God. They paused to grieve for Moses and then they prepared and embarked on their journey. After setting out, they camped there for three days, which signified completion. After the three days, the Priest were instructed to go ahead of the people, about 200 cubits or 18 inches ahead. This was because the ark of God is holy and the people were not allowed to touch it or to come near. The Levitical Priest who were consecrated and appointed, were assigned to carry the ark or the presence of God on their shoulders.

The people were told to consecrate themselves ahead of this next great move of God. As the Priests took the ark and moved ahead of the people, God spoke a promise to Joshua. “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Joshua 3:7). Joshua was anointed and set apart among the people to lead and stand in place of Moses. The priest were instructed to stand still, as they came to the entrance of the Jordan River. “And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap” (Joshua 3:13). As the Priests set out, the Jordan river obeyed the command of God and the waters piled up so that the people could cross over.

The Priests remained standing in the river until all of the people, of the twelve tribes crossed over safely to the other side. Now what was interesting about the time when the people crossed over, was that is was during the harvest season. It was during this season when the river overflowed its banks. The overflow also cleared the river’s path of wild animals or any potential threats to the people. There is mention of this later in 1 Chronicles when soldiers travelled to Ziglag to meet David. “These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west” (1 Chronicles 12:15). The harvest season began towards the end of Spring, towards the end of April when the ice from the winter season was melting.

The harvest season would continue during May-July, after the spring crops had been planted and given time to come to maturity. The timing of their crossing also meant that the river was more treacherous, as the tide had risen. Nevertheless, God is not limited by times and seasons and he was able to stop the flow of the river in order to allow his children to cross over. Saints, we are entering our season of harvest and God is making a way for us to cross over. No one will be able to stand against us and not even the elements, the times or seasons will affect our advancement. Once the presence of God goes before us, we will cross over. Consecrate yourself so that the presence of God will go ahead of you, to guarantee victory and then move forward. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

A.P.-Y.