112 Crossing the Jordan

Summary

The Chosen People — Episode 112: “Crossing the Jordan”

Date: March 10, 2026
Podcast Host: Pray.com Team
Main Narrator: Paul Coltofianu (as Joshua and narrator)
Key Characters Voiced: Joshua, Eliezer, Caleb, Salmon, Ithamar, Phinehas

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Chosen People immerses listeners in the dramatic account of Israel’s crossing of the Jordan River under Joshua’s leadership. Through vivid narration and dialogue, we witness the doubts, faith, and triumph as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, mirroring their forefathers’ miraculous escape from Egypt. The episode explores themes of faith in uncertainty, the burden of leadership, and the profound transition from wandering to nationhood.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

1. Joshua Succeeds Moses

• The narrative opens with God’s charge to Joshua to lead Israel across the Jordan into Canaan, marking a pivotal transition in leadership (00:43–01:41).
  • "Moses, my servant, is dead. Now you... will prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving you." (00:43, Narrator/Joshua as God’s voice)
  • "Above all, be strong and courageous." (01:45, Narrator/Eliezer)

2. Night Before the Crossing — Leadership Council

• Joshua convenes a late-night council with leaders including Ithamar, Eleazar, Phinehas, Gershom, Caleb, and Salmon as they finalize strategy for the impending crossing (06:18–07:07).
• Caleb and Salmon report back from their perilous spy mission into Jericho, sharing both successes and fears (07:07–10:15).
  • Notable humor and camaraderie emerge in the group’s banter, even amidst nervous anticipation.

Spy Mission Insights

• Jericho is on high alert, city walls are reinforced, and morale there is low due to Israel’s reputation (09:01–09:37).
  • "The people of Jericho are terrified of us. Our very presence on this side of the river has broken their morale." (09:01, Caleb/Eliezer)
• Introduction of Rahab, the woman who aids the spies and is promised mercy (09:32–10:15).
  • "Her name is Rahab... We swore to her that if she kept her word of concealing our mission in the city, it would save her life." (09:37, Caleb/Eliezer)
• Concerns focus on Jericho’s daunting double-wall fortifications and lack of Israelite siege equipment (10:18–11:02).
  • "There are two of them. The lower wall is over 10ft tall... the upper wall, almost 20ft tall and 6ft thick." (10:18, Caleb/Eliezer)

3. Questions, Faith, and Remembrance

• The council wrestles with logistical fears about the flooded Jordan and the seemingly impossible military challenge ahead (11:02–12:52).

  • "We have no siege towers, ramps, or scaling ladders. What are we going to do?" (10:58, Narrator/Joshua)
  • "Do you mean to part the waters for us as Moses did when we first left Egypt?" (12:46, Ithamar/Eliezer)

• Eliezer reminds the group of past miracles and calls for renewed faith, echoing Moses’s leadership (13:03–14:07).

  • "Brother, I'm surprised at your lack of faith... Has he ever failed us before? No, our faith will not falter." (13:03–14:07, Eliezer)

4. The Actual Crossing — Faith Made Real

• The narrative crescendos with Joshua and the priesthood leading the people into the swift, flooded Jordan carrying the Ark of the Covenant (19:25–21:55).

  • Vivid descriptions immerse listeners: the cold water, the weight of the moment, the echoes of past miracles.
    • "This was the moment God would exalt him as the new Moses... He had only the promise of the Lord, the echoes of the words spoken to him only hours earlier." (20:36, Narrator/Joshua)

• Joshua’s internal struggle is transparent; he questions his worth and whether he can fill Moses’ shoes, but ultimately steps out in faith (22:02–23:55).

  • "Joshua knew that this step forward of faith was everything." (21:55, Narrator/Joshua)

• Miraculously, as Joshua leads, the waters recede, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground (24:30–25:47).

  • "His toes hit and his full foot landed firmly on the bottom... Yes, dry ground was beneath him. The mighty river had been stopped somewhere far upstream and out of sight." (24:30–25:47, Narrator/Joshua)

5. A New Beginning — Leadership Affirmed and Nationhood

• Eliezer and the priests declare God’s power and publicly affirm Joshua’s divine appointment (25:47–26:29).

  • "Behold the wonders of God." (25:47, Eliezer)
  • "Behold our leader Joshua. The Lord has exalted him, for he is with him as he was with Moses." (26:18, Eliezer)

• The people cheer, faith is renewed, and a momentous transition is complete (26:29–26:52).

  • "Our living God has halted the great waters of the Jordan, just as he said he would... Today we will enter the land of Canaan. Today is only the beginning." (26:29–26:52, Joshua/Eliezer)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• "Above all, be strong and courageous."
  — Eliezer (01:45)
• "Her name is Rahab... We swore to her that if she kept her word of concealing our mission in the city, it would save her life."
  — Caleb/Eliezer (09:37)
• "There are two of them. The lower wall is over 10ft tall... beyond it is the upper wall, almost 20ft tall and 6ft thick."
  — Caleb/Eliezer (10:18)
• "Brother, I'm surprised at your lack of faith... Has he ever failed us before? No, our faith will not falter."
  — Eliezer (13:03–14:07)
• "Joshua knew that this step forward of faith was everything."
  — Narrator/Joshua (21:55)
• "Behold the wonders of God."
  — Eliezer (25:47)
• "Behold our leader Joshua. The Lord has exalted him, for he is with him as he was with Moses."
  — Eliezer (26:18)
• "Today we will enter the land of Canaan. Today is only the beginning."
  — Joshua/Eliezer (26:52)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Theme | |------------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:43–01:45 | God commissions Joshua; call to courage | | 06:18–10:15 | Midnight council; report on Jericho & Rahab | | 10:18–11:02 | Fears about Jericho’s fortifications | | 11:31–14:27 | Discussion of faith, remembrance, leadership | | 19:25–21:55 | Preparing to cross; Ark of the Covenant | | 21:55–25:47 | Joshua steps into the Jordan; miracle unfolds| | 25:47–26:52 | Leadership affirmed; people cheer |

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Tone and Style

The writing is rich, contemplative, and cinematic, blending dialogue, narration, and internal monologue. The episode maintains a reverent yet approachable tone, frequently breaking tension with character-driven humor and honest doubts. Listeners are drawn deeply into the emotions—fear, hope, awe—of a people on the brink of destiny.

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Summary for New Listeners

• Faith in Action: The episode powerfully dramatizes the peril and promise of stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear.
• Human Struggle: Leadership, fear, and doubt are handled with poignant realism, humanizing these ancient figures.
• Covenant & Community: Themes of obedience, remembrance of God’s past deliverances, and communal affirmation stand central.
• Miracle Renewed: The crossing of the Jordan is depicted not just as a supernatural feat, but as the birth of a nation rooted in trust—a motif as resonant now as it was then.

This episode provides an immersive, emotionally charged retelling that's as much about the struggle to trust as it is about the crossing itself—making ancient lessons new for today’s journeyers.

Transcript

[Danielle Fishel]

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[Podcast Host / Advertiser]

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[Narrator / Joshua]

Joshua, my appointed leader, Moses, my servant, is dead. Now you, you and all the people will prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving you.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Look up, Joshua.

[Narrator / Joshua]

See the land before you, across the river. I heard of the miracles of your

[Narrator / Eliezer]

God, the parting of the Red Sea, the victories in Moab against impossible odds. Many here dismiss these stories as exaggerations, but I know the truth. I believe your God is God of heaven above and earth below. You will take the city and claim the land for all of you, for all of Israel. Will you honor the promise you've made before our God? Will you love him, obey him, and remain faithful to him always?

[Narrator / Joshua]

The crowd shouted in the affirmative.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Then you are ready for our God is with us. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. I tell you again, the Lord, our God, is with us. Remember, above all, be strong and courageous.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Click the link in the description to grow closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories, and so much more, all on the Pray.com app. Click the link in the description to get started.

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[Narrator / Joshua]

the lamps were burning low, and long shadows danced on the walls of Joshua's general's tent. The sun had set hours ago, and Joshua's meager candles did little to chase away the darkness. The shuffling of feet in the quiet night caused Joshua to look up from where he was squinting over his maps strewn across a low table. His trusted but perplexed and sleepy council filed in and begrudgingly took their seats. Ithamar and Eleazar, sons of Aaron, Phinehas, son of Eleazar, and Gershom, son of Moses. True to form, Ithamar was the first to question the lateness of this meeting. I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for why you called us so

[Narrator / Eliezer]

late on the eve of our march, General Joshua.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Joshua caught Eleazar shaking his head at his brother's insolent tone. Before Joshua could answer, Caleb and Salmon entered the tent right as the lamps reached their maximum brightness, illuminating their sodden traveling clothes. They both looked as though they had just emerged from the river.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Caleb, Salmon, where on earth have you two been? You're soaking wet and at this hour. It's actually what I called you here to discuss.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Eyebrows went up around the table, and Caleb nodded to Joshua and the others before taking his seat. Salmon, a first timer at a meeting like this, sat uncertainly beside Caleb. Joshua continued bringing the council up to speed.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Forgive the secrecy, brothers, but I sent Caleb and Salmon to see Scout out the city of Jericho.

[Narrator / Joshua]

The room was surprised at that.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

These two got to go on an adventure while the rest of us had

[Narrator / Joshua]

to oversee the breaking down of camp. One of the Danite children soiled themselves

[Narrator / Eliezer]

in my arms while I helped their mother. It was an adventure, but it wasn't pleasant. Three days of hard travel and evading enemy soldiers, not to mention swimming across the swollen river twice.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Caleb playfully shook his head like a dog, causing Ithamar to shrink back at the water droplets flying from his hair. The men all laughed and Joshua brought them all back to order.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

I'm very relieved you both made it back safely, and I wanted all of us to hear your report firsthand. It will not change the instructions the Lord has given us, but I wanted us to be equipped with any intelligence you gleaned about what we're walking into.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Caleb nodded and exchanged looks with the younger man beside him. Salmon grinned triumphantly and gave him an encouraging nod before Caleb began his report.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

The people of Jericho are terrified of us. Our very presence on this side of the river has broken their morale. Every rumor in town confirmed it, but they they are on high alert. The city is fortified and they are preparing for a siege. They are wary of any tricks we might try, and there are eyes on every street corner. To be frank, we only made it out in the city because of a remarkable young woman.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Caleb shot Salmon a sly look and the younger man returned a sheepish grin.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Her name is Rahab, and we told her to mark her house with a scarlet cord in the window. That is how we will know and pass over the house when we take the city. We swore to her that if she kept her word of concealing our mission in the city, it would save her life. And I don't think that's the last of the oaths we might be swearing to her if our friend Solomon has anything to say about it. I had always had half a mind to strike up a marriage pact between him and my daughter, but I think there is a slim chance of that now.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Caleb winked at the now blushing salmon.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

And what of the walls? We've taken fortified cities before, but their walls were built into the basalt rock formations. Footholds for our climbers. Aye, our men will find no such luck with these walls. There are two of them. The lower wall is over 10ft tall. Then there's a sloping rampart where their archers will surely strike us down from the watchtowers and beyond it is the upper wall, and that one is almost 20ft tall and 6ft thick.

[Narrator / Joshua]

A heavy silence fell over the group. Ithamar whistled in disbelief.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

And we have no siege towers, ramps, or scaling ladders.

[Narrator / Joshua]

What are we going to do? Caleb nodded solemnly and then met Joshua's eyes. The unspoken question stretched between them. How were they going to take the city? Joshua knew the conquest of Canaan would not come easily, but he also knew that God would guide them. His most immediate command was to cross the river. Perhaps the answer to this seemingly unsolvable problem would come on the other side.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Remember, brothers. Remember the instruction I gave to Israel hours ago. We have consecrated ourselves. The Lord has made us a promise. Tomorrow we will see wonders.

[Narrator / Joshua]

There were nods around the table at that. After a moment, Eleazar, perhaps the most cautious and thoughtful of them, finally spoke.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

How was it crossing the river? Very, very difficult. And the current is strong. It pulled the two of us downriver far further than we intended. Let's put it this way, Ithaar here wouldn't have been the right man for that job. Hey.

[Narrator / Joshua]

The men around the table humored Caleb's joke at Ithamar's expense with weak smiles and half hearted chuckles. They had all seen the river outside their camp, swollen and surging from the harvest season. It stretched over a hundred feet wide, likely more than 10ft deep, and its current churned fast and relentlessly.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Yes, yes, you're not entirely wrong. But how exactly would the rest of us, who are not trained soldiers, get across? How will we get across the flooded crossing without losing a third of our

[Narrator / Joshua]

people to the current?

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Their way is inaccessible this time of year. Do you mean to part the waters

[Narrator / Joshua]

for us as Moses did when we first left Egypt? Or will we march upriver to find a crossing that is not flooded? Before Joshua could answer, Eleazar defended him.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Brother, I'm surprised at your lack of faith. You of all people should remember the similarities between Joshua's instructions and Moses instructions. The day the Lord spoke to us at Mount Sinai, we witnessed the parting of the Red Sea. There are few of us left who could boast of such a memory.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Ithamar backed down and looked ashamed at his brother's scolding. He knew better, of course. He was just letting his fear get the best of him. Joshua empathized with the feeling the oldest among the Israelites had watched an entire generation leave their homes in Egypt on a promise only to perish in the desert on account of their own failures. The grief was a daily reminder of how fragile faith and obedience really were. Like the manna that came to feed them every day, their faith and obedience had to be rekindled every day. Eliezer continued, Joshua, the people have consecrated themselves.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

It is true we do not know what the Lord would do tomorrow, but nor do we need to know. Has he ever failed us before? No, our faith will not falter. We will obey our God and see wonders among us tomorrow, as you have said.

[Narrator / Joshua]

The other men nodded and affirmed their high priests words. Joshua nodded to Eliezer gratefully. Joshua did not know exactly what the Lord had in mind for the morning, but he felt it would be a day worth remembering. The shock of the frigid water sent sharp waves up Joshua's body as his feet sloshed into the Jordan and sank slightly into the mud. The expanse of the rushing water flowed before him at an alarming rate. The shore on the other side seemed miles away. Joshua didn't turn to see the millions of expectant eyes boring into his back, but he knew they were there. Behind him stood Eleazar, Ithamar, and Phinehas, carrying the Ark of the Covenant between them on gilded poles covered by fine leather and a solid blue cloth. Cloth to prevent the glory of the Lord's presence from overwhelming them all let's

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[Danielle Fishel]

sponsored by Nurture Life. Hey, it's Danielle Fishel from Pod Meets World. And as a mom to two growing boys, I know how chaotic mealtime can get. No matter how confident I am with what I'm serving them, my kids will always find a way to call the meal gross or stinky or yuck. It's true. They can be wildly picky about new foods and with my busy schedule, I don't have the time to become America's next Top Chef. And so that's why I love Nurture Life. It's a meal delivery service that actually caters to kids. Ideal for ages 8 months to 8 years, fully cooked and ready to serve in just one minute. It's the problem solver I've been praying for. It's the top meal delivery service for babies, toddlers and kids. And everything is designed by registered dietitians so you can sleep safe knowing your kids are getting the protein, veggies and nutrients they need while still eating favorites like Mac and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs and so much more. Plus, it's allergy friendly, which we know is clutch. And when it comes to options, Nurture Life has you covered. There's more than 50 nutritious meals and snacks on their menu, from soft finger foods for babies and toddlers to balanced kids meals for when they get older. Nurture Life does the cooking. They deliver it straight to your door. And then you might even have time to eat something for yourself. So now is the time to head to nurturelife.com pod and use code pod for 50% off your first order plus free shipping. That's right, 50% off plus free shipping. Once again, that's nurturelife.com pod and make sure you use promo code pod. Even if you aren't a parent with young kids, you might have parent friends who struggle with mealtime. Make sure to share our Code Pod with them. Remember, put your little ones first with healthy meals from Nurture Life. That website one more time is nurturelife.com podcast pod pod.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Behind them, the Kohathite clan covered the rest of the holy Tabernacle objects. The Gershonite clan carried the curtains that made up the tabernacle and the Merarite clan carried its poles and bases carried between the three Levite clans and Aaron's descendants. The entire holy tabernacle was behind Joshua on the edge of the river. And all of Israel was a thief, thousand yards away from the priests and the presence of the Lord. As instructed, Joshua took a deep breath, knowing all eyes continued to watch him expectantly. This was it. And so it begins. This was the moment God would exalt him as the new Moses. Joshua had faithfully imparted the Lord's words before the people had. But now it was time to see what his faith was worth. Joshua had no staff of miracles. He had no pillar of fire to light the way forward. He had only the promise of the Lord, the echoes of the words spoken to him only hours earlier.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

When you reach the edge of the

[Narrator / Joshua]

water, stand in the Jordan. The ham of Joshua's cross cloak was tugging around his ankles, his feet planted in the mud as the river's current raced by. The last time Joshua had seen the peoples of Israel wait at the edge of a great body of water. The seas had split before them with the mighty breath of God, and their enemies had been hot on their heels in pursuit. The beat of their drums, the pounding of their horses and chariots, and the whimpering and crying of his people. People was a horrific nightmare that still found its way into his dreams over 40 years later. As strange and terrifying as it was to behold, they had no choice but to move forward. Nothing but death and bondage was behind them. But now. Now was different. Joshua was keenly aware of the stillness and the quiet of the people. The only sound was the river. There was no adrenaline pumping or dramatic displays of supernatural wonders. Just a man standing in a river before a nation. Joshua knew that this step forward of faith was everything. Again he recalled the words of the Lord.

[Narrator / Eliezer]

Follow me, follow the ark, for you haven't traveled this way before.

[Narrator / Joshua]

Yes, the ark that housed the presence of their God would lead them now. Pillars of fire or smoke would no longer lead them. The ark, carried by the hands of faithful men, would lead them. God would go before them. All their lives had led to this moment. With just one step forward, Israel would shed what she was and become something new. This was no wild escape or desperate flight of deliverance. It was the birth of a nation. Intentional, decisive, divine. Joshua unstuck his sandals from the muddy bank and stepped forward. He then unstuck the other and moved again. He kept walking until he was wading the water Lapping against his knees, then his hips and then his chest. His clothes became heavy and cumbersome. His arms beat against the water and defied the powerful current. He braced himself as the bitter cold sapped his strength. Yet he held firm, demonstrating his faith before all of Israel. He kept his eyes locked on the shores before him. The Promised land was right there. So close, yet so far. Over the river's roar, Joshua heard the faint splash of feet as Eliezer and the first of the priests entered the river. Joshua's arms churned at the water ferociously as he tried to take another step forward. He tried lifting his foot, but now that he was deeper and the banks below him were starting to slope forward, the current was able to forcefully push him downstream. Joshua was forced to yield several feet to the undertow. Desperately, Joshua pressed his toes into the silty bottom of the river to regain his footing. The Lord's chosen hero fought against the current as he did. He fought against the inner doubts that plagued him. Was he enough? Could he ever be like Moses? Would the chosen people ever truly be free? Joshua embraced the fight as Jacob had so many years ago. Joshua embraced the struggle of following God. Panting, lungs seizing against the cold, he stubbornly refused to look down. He kept his gaze on what was ahead and clung to the faith of what he knew would come next. Joshua again lifted his foot to go forward and was surprised that it landed before him. His toes hit and his full foot landed firmly on the bottom. He lifted the other and he kept moving forward. Joshua then realized the barrage of the water flow seemed to lessen with each stride. He then felt his arms and his sides swing out of the water. That could only mean one thing. The water was starting to go down. Sure enough, within moments the water dwindled to his knees and then his toes felt the morning breeze against the sticky mud that had seeped into his sandals. It was only then that Joshua looked down to confirm it. Yes, dry ground was beneath him. The mighty river had been stopped somewhere far upstream and out of sight. Joshua grinned from ear to ear and looked over his shoulder at the priests still at the edge of the river. Joshua looked triumphantly back at Israel. And Eliezer, with a face splitting smile,

[Narrator / Eliezer]

himself called back, behold the wonders of God.

[Narrator / Joshua]

A wide eyed Phinehas shook his head in amazement. Ithamar looked just as amazed. Though he had seen the Red Sea parted as a boy. He stood across from Eliezer, supporting the Ark of the Covenant at the head of their priestly column. Eleazar gave his brother a satisfied smirk and then beamed at Joshua. He then shouted over his shoulder so all of Israel could hear his words,

[Narrator / Eliezer]

behold our leader Joshua. The Lord has exalted him, for he is with him as he was with Moses.

[Narrator / Joshua]

The crowd behind the priests let up a great cheer at Eleazar's words. Joshua shouted to the people, our living

[Narrator / Eliezer]

God has halted the great waters of the Jordan, just as he said he would. Today you will walk on the dry ground of the riverbed. Today we will enter the land of Canaan. Today is only the beginning.

[Narrator / Joshua]

The cheers of the people echoed the roar of the river that was present just moments before Joshua turned back to the distant shore. As the priests in the ark caught up with him, they would trek to the middle of the dry riverbed, where the priesthood would stand firmly with the presence of the Lord as the entire nation of Israel would cross the Jordan if today's reading moved you, ThePray.com app is where you can go deeper with daily prayers, Bible plans and more. Download it Free Link in The description this pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoch, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.

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