From which direction did Israel approach the Jordan River in Joshua 3?
Israel approached the Jordan River from the east side. They came out of the wilderness experience through Moab and were positioned on the east side of Jordan. It was springtime, so the river was in flood stage, probably one to three miles wide. Jericho sits near the northern tip of the Dead Sea.
Les explains that Israel is coming into the land from the east side of the Jordan River. He notes they had come out of the wilderness experience through Moab and were stationed on the east side of Jordan. Using a makeshift map, he points out the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River coming down from the north, and Jericho near the northern tip of the Dead Sea. Because it was springtime, the river was in flood stage and probably one to three miles wide. This sets the stage for Joshua chapter 3, following the account of Rahab's faith.