The Kings Hear of the Jordan Crossing
The Lord's Jordan deliverance leaves neighboring kings afraid.
Joshua 5:1 (BSB)
1Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.
What is the big idea of Joshua 5:1?
The Lord's Jordan deliverance leaves neighboring kings afraid.
Understanding the Big Idea
The kings west of the Jordan hear that the Lord dried the river for Israel, and their courage melts. The crossing has consequences beyond Israel before a battle is fought.
How does Joshua 5:1 point to Christ?
The kings' fear is a response to Israel's crossing, not saving faith. Christian forgiveness comes through Jesus Christ's death for sins and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), not through fear of an advancing army. The church should not model its witness on producing this terror.
Authorial Intent
West-Jordan Amorite kings and coastal Canaanite kings hear that the Lord dried the Jordan for Israel, and their courage fails.
Literary Context
Joshua 4:19-24 precedes this unit; Joshua 5:2-8 continues the account. West-Jordan Amorite kings and coastal Canaanite kings hear that the Lord dried the Jordan for Israel, and their courage fails.
Historical Context
Israel has camped west of the Jordan at Gilgal. Rulers west of the river and toward the sea hear that the Lord dried the water until Israel crossed.
Chapter: Joshua 5
Covenant Renewal at Gilgal and the Commander of the LORD’s Army
Before God’s people fight the battles ahead, they must be marked by covenant identity, nourished by remembered redemption, and humbled before the holy Commander of the LORD’s army.