Joshua 3:16

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وَقَفَ الماءُ المُنحَدِرُ مِن عالِيَةِ النَّهْر، وقامَ كُتلَةً واحِدَة، على مسافةٍ كَبيرَةٍ عِندَ مَدينَةِ أَدامَ بِالقُربِ مِن صَرْتان، والماءُ المُنحَدِرُ إِلى بَحرِ عَرَبَة، بَحرِ المِلْح، اِنقَطَعَ تَمامًا، وعَبَرَ الشَّعبُ قُبالةَ أَريحا.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes how the waters of the Jordan River stopped flowing, piling up far away from the city of Adam, allowing the people to cross over to Jericho safely. The river was blocked, creating a path for the Israelites to walk across dry land. This miracle was a sign of God's protection and guidance.

Explained for Children

Imagine the Jordan River was like a big bathtub. When the Israelites needed to cross, God told the water to stop and pile up like a mountain. This made a dry path for everyone to walk across, just like how you can walk across a bathtub when the water is turned off.

Historical Background

Joshua 3:16 is part of the Book of Joshua, written by Joshua, a leader of the Israelites. It was written around 1400-1300 BCE, and the audience was the Israelites who were preparing to enter the Promised Land. This event took place in the Jordan Valley, where the Israelites faced the challenge of crossing the river to enter Canaan.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse can remind us to trust in God's guidance and protection during times of uncertainty or when facing challenges. For example, if someone is moving to a new city for a job, they can trust that God will create a path for success and safety.

Topics

• miracles
• faith
• guidance
• protection
• crossing waters
• promise

Related Verses

• Exodus 14:21
• Joshua 4:23
• 2 Kings 2:8
• Psalms 78:13
• Hebrews 11:29

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the Jordan River stopping?

The purpose was to allow the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land safely, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in guiding and protecting them.

How did the Israelites cross the Jordan River?

The Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry land, as the waters had stopped flowing and piled up far upstream, creating a dry path for them to walk across.

Where is the city of Adam mentioned in this verse?

The city of Adam is mentioned as being beside Zaretan, a location near where the Jordan River's waters piled up and stopped flowing.

How does this event relate to the larger narrative of Joshua?

This event is part of the larger narrative where Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, showing God's fulfillment of promises and His miraculous intervention in their journey.