The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1902-10-09

OUTLINE OF SCRIPTURAL SECTION
line preparation ..................Josh 81
me crossing .....................Josh h. Sl-1l
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
The Preparation.-The host lad been
encamped on the upper terraces of the
Jordan valley. Early on the morning
of the 7th of Nisan they broke camp
and descended to the waters edge.
1t was on this day that Joshua made
arrangements for the food supply
1:10, 1D. Here, as If watching their
chance to cross, they remained for
three days. But for their faith that
somehow God would find a way, this
would have been very hopeless busi-
ness. Joshua used the days of wait
ing to perfect the arrangement for
the crossing, and directed that the peo-
pie sanctify themselves (see Ex. 10: 10Y.
The Crossing.-The Jordan valley
may be described as a great trench
"160 miles long, and from two to IS
broad, which falls from the sea level
to as low as 1899 feet below it."-G. A..
Smith. The river itself is a small tur-
bulent shallow stream, about 90 feet
in width-about the width of many Of
our city streets. At certain seasons,
however, it overflows its regular bed,
and spreads out over the bottom lands,
becoming quite formidable stream.
The river was high at the time of our
lesson, and the fords, usually covered
by only three feet of water, must have
been impossible. The two spies prob
ably crossed by swimming. Hereby
We shall know that the living God is
among you:" In the few encouraging
words which Joshua spoke to the peo-
pie before the. start, he centered their
attention on God, who was a living.
helping present person. In Him was
their strength. "The Lord of all the
earth" An idea of God vastly supe-
rior to that of the surrounding ma
tions. "a significant title of the Most
High at time when the conquest Of
the land was contemplated."-G. F.
Maclear. when they that bare the
ark were come unto the Jordan" The
priests, whose duty it was to carry it.
They were over half mile in advance
of the people. Remember that Israel
was a great company, and was spread
out for long distance up and down
the river. The movement of the ark
could not have been seen if the people
had swarmed in all around it. From
this time on, the ark, and not the pill
lar of cloud, was to be the symbol Of
Gods guiding presence. "Rose up in
one heap, a great way off, at ADAM"
This damming up of the river took
place over Is miles above the point of
crossing, probably near Tell Damieh,
where the mountains crowd the river,
and where n landslide or "iam" of
floating trees could easily accomplish
the result described. At the crossing
Of the Red sea God used "a strong
east wind to accomplish His purpose.
Here il was probably some unusual OBJ
near Tell Damieh. As n mat
ter of fact, exactly this thing happened
in the year 1867 \. d. at this very place.
'What occurred $50 years ago, by
what we call natural causes, may we'll
have occurred 1900 years before. timed |
,y Divine interposition." Canon iris
ram in Sunday-School Times. "The |
people passed over:" Probabl below
The place where the priests stood in
he river bed, that they might feel |
hat God stood between them and the
.eturning waters. The crossing was
Iurried, and effected at many differ |
mt points.
The Memorials.-This memorial was |
constant reminder of what God had |
lone for them as a nation. Think, in
his connection, of the value to us Of
Jus various mem morials-soldiers mon
lments, national holidays, Christmas,
he Lords Supper, etc.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS.
Those who desire Gods help should
anctify themselves, so that He can
i've it to them.
Then the ark Of God went before the
,eople, leading them in safety; now
7e follow the cross.
II the cross leads into deep waters,
ve may be sure that a path will be
made through them.
When God says: "Arise, 60 over this
'ordan," faith will not shrink, and God
vill make way.
When God opens a path, then Is the
ime to go over. Soon the Jordan may
oil on as before.