Joshua 3:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Furthermore, the Apostle affirms, “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). In His exaltation, He did not acquire something He lacked but rather made known the glory that was already His. Many were unaware that He was the Son of the Almighty God, and it was at the Jordan when the Father proclaimed, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

However, despite Joshua's significant experiences of divine favor, he did not hold the same esteemed position among the people during Moses’ lifetime. With Moses’ death, Joshua stepped into his own as a leader. The special honor attributed to Moses, highlighted by the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites at the Red Sea, led the people to see Moses as a servant of God (Ex. 14:31). They recognized his elevated status as a man favored by God, which fostered greater respect, trust, and obedience toward him. This miracle served to elevate Joshua's standing in the eyes of Israel, reminding them that just as the Lord was with Moses, so too would He be with Joshua. The impending miracle of crossing the Jordan would signify this divine assurance, marking the commencement of a series of wonders that God would perform through Joshua as he assumed the role of leader. Thus, this day would be remembered as the beginning of Joshua's exaltation before the Israelites: this day I will begin to exalt thee before all the children of Israel.