“Y’hoshua got up early in the morning, and they left Sheetim and came to the Yarden, he with all the people of Israel; they camped there before crossing.”-Joshua 3:1
We shouldn’t just fly by the opening verse of Joshua Chapter 3 where we’re told…
…“Joshua got up early in the morning”.
From an ancient Hebrew perspective those words are actually very inspiring!
Why?
Because in those days, to get up early meant one was expressing great zeal to get on with the Lord’s work.
It was a positive character badge that demonstrated zero hesitation and reluctance.
The Scriptures are showing us here that Joshua was being faithful to God.
Onward.
Next we’re told that Joshua approached the population of around 3 million people.
They had been patiently waiting (maybe “impatiently” is the more accurate word to use) for their leader to return home so they could take that first great step towards taking the Promised Land.
Joshua informs them they will be moving from SHITTIM to an area the Scriptures only identify as being next to the Jordan River.
When the people arrive at this new camping ground, we’re told they stayed there for 3 days.
During that time, Joshua’s officers one-by-one visited each tent and issued instructions on how they were going to cross the Jordan.
There’s some controversy about the people being at this new encampment for 3 days that I want to tackle the next time we meet.
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