Joshua 3:10-11
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The verse doesn't just state that God will drive out the nations; it connects this future victory directly to the immediate miracle of crossing the Jordan. This means the awe-inspiring event of the waters parting isn't merely a way into the land, but a powerful, visible sign that God's power is actively working to defeat their enemies and secure their inheritance.
And Joshua said, “Here is how you shall know that the living God is among you and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusites. Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is passing over before you into the Jordan.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Standing on the brink of the Jordan River, the Israelites are about to embark on a monumental task: crossing into the Promised Land. After years of wandering, their journey is at a critical juncture, and the mighty river, swollen by spring rains, presents an imposing obstacle. Joshua, taking the lead as Moses' successor, addresses the people, assuring them that the miraculous parting of the Jordan will be tangible proof of God’s living presence and His promise to dispossess the hostile nations already inhabiting the land.
The Israelites were about to face an impossible obstacle: a flooded Jordan River. Joshua tells them how they'll know God is with them. It's not just a feeling, but a tangible demonstration.
Joshua's words in verse 10 are a profound declaration of God's active presence. He says, "Hereby you shall know that the living God is among you..."
This isn't about abstract belief; it's about experiential knowledge. The miracle of parting the Jordan River is presented as the undeniable proof.
Why 'Living' God?
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Joshua doesn't just mention the Jordan crossing; he immediately links it to driving out the enemy. What does this reveal about God's intention?
The miracle of the Jordan River wasn't just a clever way to get the Israelites across; it was a powerful signpost pointing to their ultimate victory.
More Than Just a Crossing
Joshua explicitly states that this sign would demonstrate God's power not only to divide the waters but also to 'without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites...' and the other nations.
Understand the original words
el chai · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A title emphasizing that God is not a lifeless idol but the active, self-existent Creator who interacts with history and manifests His power on behalf of His people.
kena'ani · Hebrew Proper Noun (collective)
The collective name for the various idolatrous nations inhabiting the Promised Land; they represent the spiritual and moral opposition to God's kingdom that must be removed for Israel to dwell in holiness.
'aron · Hebrew Noun
A sacred chest covered in gold, serving as the visible throne and dwelling place of God's presence among His people, containing the tablets of the Law. It symbolized God's holy presence, His covenantal faithfulness, and His leadership over Israel.
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or promise between God and humanity (or individuals), often ratified by blood, establishing a relationship defined by divine obligations and promises. It is the framework through which God interacts with His people throughout Scripture.
'adon kol ha'arets · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A title for God emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, ownership, and authority over all creation, nations, and natural forces. It asserts that there is no power or territory outside of His rule.
Yarden · Hebrew Proper Noun
A major river in Israel, often serving as a significant geographical and symbolic boundary between the wilderness of judgment and the promised land of inheritance. Crossing the Jordan represents transition, consecration, and entering into God's promises.
This verse marks the pivotal moment of Israel's entrance into the Promised Land. Joshua's words are not just a statement of faith but a powerful assurance to a people facing a daunting military challenge, reminding them that God's power, demonstrated in parting the Jordan, is the ultimate force that will secure their victory over the established nations of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, the Israelites, led by Joshua, stand on the brink of the Jordan River, preparing to enter the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Jordan River in Flood Stage
The Jordan River, swollen with spring meltwater from Mount Hermon, overflows its banks, making a natural crossing impossible.
c. 1400 BC
Ark of the Covenant Carried into Jordan
Priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant step into the surging waters of the Jordan, symbolizing God's presence and power.
c. 1400 BC
Jordan River Parts
Miraculously, the waters upstream of the Ark stop flowing, creating a dry passage for the Israelites to cross into Canaan.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua's Declaration of God's Power
Joshua declares that this miracle proves the living God is with them and will drive out the Canaanite nations.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Settle in Canaan
Following the miraculous crossing, the Israelites begin the military campaigns to conquer the land promised to their ancestors.
God promises to send His angel before them to drive out the nations, assuring them of His presence and power to fulfill His promises, just as Joshua declared He would drive out the Canaanites.
Deuteronomy 7:17-19Moses reminds Israel that God will drive out these nations before them, emphasizing that the power to do so comes from the Lord their God, paralleling Joshua's assurance of divine intervention.
Psalm 44:3This Psalm speaks of God's arm driving out the nations and giving the land to Israel, reflecting the certainty and divine power Joshua announced to the Israelites.
Isaiah 41:10God assures His people not to fear, for He is with them and will strengthen them to conquer, echoing the confidence Joshua instilled by stating the 'living God' was among them to drive out their enemies.
1 Samuel 17:45-47David confronts Goliath by declaring that the battle belongs to the Lord, asserting that God's power would ensure victory and reveal His presence, similar to how Joshua used the Jordan miracle to demonstrate God's active power against the Canaanites.
calvinJoshua 3:1-13: "And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over."
Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that you may know the way by which you must go: for you have not passed this way heretofore.
Veruntamen interstitium erit inter vos et ipsam fere duorum milium cubitorum in mensura: ne appropinquetis e…
wesleyJoshua 3:10: "And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites."
3:10 Ye shall know - By experience and sensible evidence. The living God - Not a dull, dead, senseless God, such as the gods of the nations are; but a God of life, and power, and activity to watch over you, and work for you. Am…
The verse doesn't just state that God will drive out the nations; it connects this future victory directly to the immediate miracle of crossing the Jordan. This means the awe-inspiring event of the waters parting isn't merely a way into the land, but a powerful, visible sign that God's power is actively working to defeat their enemies and secure their inheritance.
Standing on the brink of the Jordan River, the Israelites are about to embark on a monumental task: crossing into the Promised Land. After years of wandering, their journey is at a critical juncture, and the mighty river, swollen by spring rains, presents an imposing obstacle. Joshua, taking the lead as Moses' successor, addresses the people, assuring them that the miraculous parting of the Jordan will be tangible proof of God’s living presence and His promise to dispossess the hostile nations already inhabiting the land.
Standing on the brink of the Jordan River, the Israelites are about to embark on a monumental task: crossing into the Promised Land. After years of wandering, their journey is at a critical juncture, and the mighty river, swollen by spring rains, presents an imposing obstacle. Joshua, taking the lead as Moses' successor, addresses the people, assuring them that the miraculous parting of the Jordan will be tangible proof of God’s living presence and His promise to dispossess the hostile nations already inhabiting the land.
"And Joshua said, “Here is how you shall know that the living God is among you and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusit…" — The verse doesn't just state that God will drive out the nations; it connects this future victory directly to the immediate miracle of crossing the Jordan. This means the awe-inspiring event of the w…
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Last reviewed October 2026
