Battle Formation
Earlier in Joshua 3, God commanded the levites to carry the ark of the Covenant on their shoulders and enter the Jordan ahead of the people. Once the feet of the Priests bearing the ark touched the Jordan, the waters stopped flowing and became a heep very far away. Joshua commanded the people to select twelve men from each tribe. After they crossed the Jordan, he commanded the twelve men to take twelve stones from the river. The stones were to serve as a memorial for future generations of when the Jordan river was cut off, when the ark of the covenant of God entered it. The number twelve has biblical significance regarding the perfection and authority of God’s kingdom. Joshua placed the stones on a heap in the Jordan where the priests stood, until all of the tribes crossed to the other side.
The tribes went over the Jordan, equipped for war and three of the tribes, the Reubenites, Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh, went ahead of Isreal in battle formation. This was to fulfil a promise which they made to Moses in Numbers 32, after he agreed to allow them to settle in Gilead. These lands beyond the Jordan had been dispossessed by Isreal. These three tribes asked Moses to allow them to settle in this land, because they had plenty of livestock and the land was suitable for them. Moses wasn’t in agreement originally, as he was concerned that their stopping to settle would discourage the other tribes from crossing over. They promised Moses that they would settle their livestock and younger children. After this, they were willing to arm themselves and go ahead of the army to help them to possess the land beyond the Jordan.
“We will not return to our homes until each of the Israelites has taken possession of his inheritance” (Numbers 32:18). Although these tribes had nothing to gain from the territory beyond the Jordan, they were willing to go ahead of the army to fight for their possession. Their actions were part of keeping their covenant to Moses, God and the people. Battle formation refers to military tactics which includes the way that an army organises their forces or warriors near enemy territory. The day after they crossed the Jordan, God commanded Joshua to circumcise the army. The men who left Egypt, except for Joshua and Caleb all died in the wilderness. This new generation of men were not among those who were circumcised after the exodus. This act of circumcising was for consecration and renewing of their covenant with God.
After their circumcision, God confirmed to Joshua that the reproach of Isreal was rolled away. They also observed the Passover, then ate the produce of the land and the manna stopped the next day. After these observances, Joshua saw the angel of the Lord who is the commander of God’s army. Alongside the physical army of soldiers who would go forward to possess the land, there were angels dispatched to fight. While Joshua was the commander of Isreal’s army, he met the commander of God’s invisible army of angels, who would guarantee them victory over Jericho and the other nations. A few things can be observed from their proceed into the promised land. The priests with the ark of the covenants created a pathway through the sea and the three tribes who were already settled, went ahead of the army. The people consecrated themselves, renewed their covenants and then God’s army and commander joined them to lead the battle.
“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle” (Psalm 144:1).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages. View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
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