Once we understand that “the Ark of the Covenant” is another way of saying “Jehovah” we realize this chapter is ALL about God. He is the central player in this narrative. The story of Israel’s crossing of the Jordan is the story of Jehovah’s actions in and for the nation of Israel.
Did you circle every reference to the Ark? How many were there?
You may not be aware that God specified the order in which Israel was to move through the wilderness. For the last 40 years, every time they decamped, they proceeded in a very precise order with the same six tribes moving out first, in the same sequence. Then came the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle structure (it was modular). Then came the last six tribes, again, in the same order every time.
In chapter 3 Joshua instructs them to do things very differently from what they’ve done for the last 40 years. Now the command is that the Ark, carried the the priests, lead the procession. It (He) moves into the river and remains there until everyone is across. Then, after the 12 stones have been collected, the Ark (Jehovah) comes up out of the river.
Read this chapter one more time. This time, whenever you come to one of your circled references to the Ark, instead of reading the word “ark” say “Jehovah.” Again, read the passage fast enough to get a good feel for the flow. Now take your pencil again. But this time write down five things this passage teaches us about God - who he is and how he works. That is, if you were writing a sermon from this chapter, what lessons would you want people to learn about God?