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The Israelites Cross the Jordan River Joshua 3:1–5:1 • Bible Reference • Biblical Section Poetry › Biblical Poetry › Hagiographa › Historical Books › Former Prophets › Book of Joshua › The Israelites Cross into the Promised Land of Canaan › The Israelites Cross the Jordan River Bible › Biblical Poetry › Hagiographa › Historical Books › Former Prophets › Book of Joshua › The Israelites Cross into the Promised Land of Canaan › The Israelites Cross the Jordan River More » Key Article from Lexham Context Commentary: Old Testament The Israelites Cross the Jordan River (3:1–5:1) from Lexham Context Commentary: Old Testament The Israelites Cross the Jordan River (3:1–5:1) Emboldened by the spies’ report, Israel heads down to the Jordan. The presence of God, symbolized by the ark of the covenant, leads this ritualized procession. The river is in its springtime flood stage, but the waters miraculously part when the priests step into them, and all Israel crosses on dry ground (Exod 14:22). Two memorials are built out of standing stones: one in the river and one beyond, at Gilgal. There the men are circumcised, and Passover is celebrated. Gilgal will remain a rallying point for Israel (Josh 10:7, 43; 1 Sam 11:14; 2 Sam 19:15)