D. Encamped
at Gilgal: Part 1 (chapter 4).
Josh —entered Canaan and camped at Gilgal.
1.
Set up
stones as sign and memorial.
a.
The first thing after crossing the river Jordan
was not to forget God’s grace.
(a)
Each tribe sent a man to take a stone from where
the priests stood in the river to be set up at their camp at Gilgal (3-5, 8).
b.
Remember God’s deliverance in leading the people
across Jordan,
and thus ending their life of wandering (Deut 8:11, 18; Ps 116:12).
c.
All the people crossed the river and were delivered
and were grateful.
d.
As a memorial for generations (6-7; Gen 18:19;
Ps 28:4-7; Isa 54:13).
(a)
Set up another twelve stones at where the
priests stood (9).
e.
Immersed into the water, discarding the old self
and starting a new life.
f.
Believed in the Lord and all is renewed (2 Cor 5:17; Gal 2:20, 6:15; Col
3:1-10; Eph 4:20-24).
2. The
warriors from the two and a half tribes (12, 13).
a.
Protect the brethren to cross the river
smoothly, help out in the battle, and gain victory before return (Num 26:7,
18:34).
(a)
Brothers should care for one another.
b.
Be vigilant always and be on guard against the
enemies.
(a)
Be vigilant always to resist the devil (1 Pet
5:8).
(b)
Put on the full armor (Eph 6:10-18).
3. The
priests came out from the water (15-18).
c.
Followed the command of God and Joshua (Ps
119:105; 1 Sam 15:22; Jn 2:5).
d.
The priests first went into the river and stood
firm; allowing the people to cross the river.
e.
When they came up out of the river, the water
again overflowed the banks (18).
(a)
The miracle was not coincidental.
4. The
people camped at Gilgal (19-24).
f.
Entered Canaan on the tenth day of the first
month, completing forty years of journey out of Egypt
(Ex 12:6, 41-42).
g.
Set up the stones as a memorial, to relate to
their children about the miracle of God in leading them across the Red Sea and the
river Jordan.
h.
Allow all people of the earth to know about
God’s almighty hand (24, 51).
i.
So that the people will fear God forever (24).
j.
So that Joshua will be exalted in the eyes of
all Israel
(3:7, 4:14).
