Daily Lesson for Sunday 12th of October 2025

This is the first time the ark of the covenant is mentioned in the book of Joshua. Until this point in the Old Testament narrative, the ark has appeared in the context of the sanctuary (Exodus 40:21) in Israel’s journey from Sinai (Numbers 10:33-36), and at the unsuccessful attempt to begin the conquest of Canaan (Numbers 14:44). It was the most sacred object in the Israelite sanctuary, and it held three objects, each expressing Israel’s special relationship with God: (1) the tablets containing the Ten Commandments; (2) the rod of Aaron, the high priest; and (3) a jar of manna (Exodus 16:33, Hebrews 9:4).

Image © Jim Howard at Goodsalt.com

The ark and the preparations to cross the Jordan reminded the Israelites that they were not entering Canaan in their own manner and time. The conquest would be successful only if they followed God’s way and timing. God—who is described as enthroned above the cherubim that were covering the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:22, Numbers 7:89) and whose movements are identified with the ark’s movements—enters Canaan in front of the Israelites as the One leading the conquest.

The term translated “sanctify” (Joshua 3:5) or “consecrate” (ESV) refers to a purification process similar to what the priests followed before beginning their service in the sanctuary (Exodus 28:41, Exodus 29:1) and what the people of Israel carried out prior to God’s revelation at Sinai (Exodus 19:10,14). This consecration involved the laying aside of sin and the removal of all ritual impurities. The same command appears in Numbers 11:18, relating to an impending miracle of God. Such a preparation also was required before battles were fought in a war (Deuteronomy 23:14). Before God can fight for Israel in battle, they must show their allegiance to Him and trust in Him as their Commander.

The miracle of crossing the Jordan was going to prove to the Israelites that the Lord’s promise to drive out these people in the land could be trusted. He who could secure a dry passage through the Jordan also could grant them the gift of the land.

<–Sabbath Monday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25d-03-crossing-the-jordan/

Daily Lesson for Sabbath 11th of October 2025

Image © Pacific Press

Read for This Week’s Study: Joshua 3:1-17, Numbers 14:44, Luke 18:18-27, Joshua 4:1-24, John 14:26, Hebrews 4:8-11.

Memory Text: “ ‘For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever’ ” (Joshua 4:23-24, ESV).

The police officer signaled. John had to pull over. The officer asked for his driver’s license, and, at that moment, it dawned on John that he had left his wallet, with his driver’s license, in the office. John explained what happened, and the officer asked about his job. John responded that he was a professor. As the officer gave John a ticket, he told him not to think of it as a fine.

“It’s tuition,” he said. “When people want to learn something, they pay tuition. This is your tuition to learn not to forget your license when driving. Have a good day, professor!”

As human beings, we are prone to forget things that are not constantly in our sight. We forget to return phone calls, respond to emails, water the plants, send birthday wishes, and so forth. The list could go on. Forgetting about our spiritual needs, however, could have more severe consequences than simply receiving a fine, especially because we are dealing with what is, literally, our eternal destiny.

Let’s study the crossing of the Jordan by the Hebrews and see what we can learn from their experiences.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 18.

Sunday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25d-03-memorials-of-grace/