Joshua 3:7-9 – The Exaltation of the LORD’s Servant

Before the crossing the LORD assured Joshua: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (v7). Later in the account the writer confirms for us that God was true to His promise: On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life. When we consider the circumstances – the crisis of Moses’ death; the change of leadership that followed; and the struggle for conquest of the Promised Land that lay ahead of them – we realise the purpose and the importance of God’s assurance to Joshua. It was crucial that he felt secure in his position and that Israel was confident in Joshua’s abilities under God.

It might not be immediately clear to us why this endorsement of Joshua’s leadership was so important. Its importance becomes more obvious to us when we consider the consequences for an army or a nation when confidence in their leadership is lacking. History shows us that troops who are not well supplied, who are unclear of their instructions, who doubt the decisions or strategies of their superiors, do not succeed. They have no confidence in their leadership. God knew how vital His people’s opinion of Joshua would be for the upcoming wars in Canaan. So God stooped down that day both to dam up the river and also to place his seal of approval upon his man Joshua.