Leading with the Law

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means. Let's see where this takes us! 

Joshua 3

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Two things struck me.

The first is that, unlike the parting of the Red Sea, there didn't seem to be an immediate need for the parting of the Jordan. The parting of the Red Sea was a means of escaping Pharaoh and vanquishing his army. The Israelites by the Jordan, however, were in a secure place. Boats could have been built to ferry the people across. 

The purpose of the parting of the Jordan, however, was to demonstrate that The LORD was with Joshua just as The LORD had been with Moses, and to strengthen the courage of a generation that had not been born during the Red Sea escape.

The second is that the Ark of the Covenant, containing the written Law of the Lord (specifically the Ten Commandments) led the way.

As if to say, "This isn't an invasion by a conqueror. This isn't even an invasion by a foreign people. This is bringing the LAW to a lawless land.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support! You may contact James for your writing, editing, and research needs: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com.

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)