Joshua enters Canaan

Across the Jordan. Into the promised land.

All journeys

Illustrated lower Jordan Valley with Jericho west of the river. Camps and the crossing are approximate.

CANAAN Jordan River JORDAN VALLEY PLAINS OF MOAB Dead Sea

01Shittim region 03Jordan crossing

Illustrative connectionsCrossing and camps approximate.

CHAPTER 03 OF 06

Illustrative map · locations approximate

Across the Jordan

The river · A way through the water

The priests carrying the ark step into the Jordan. The water flowing from upstream stops, and the people cross on dry ground. The priests remain in the riverbed until the nation has passed over.

Joshua 3:1–17

The crossing is shown schematically; its exact position is uncertain.

You might be wondering...

What led the people across the river?

The priests carrying the ark of the covenant go ahead. The people are instructed to keep their distance from the ark and follow it (Joshua 3:3–4).

Why is the river’s condition mentioned?

Joshua 3:15 says the Jordan overflows its banks during harvest. The detail emphasizes the obstacle facing the people before the crossing.