Joshua 3:9 Meaning and Explanation

Before the great act, Joshua calls the people close: Come hither, and hear the words of the Lord your God. He gathers them not first to act but to listen, framing the miracle to come as the keeping of God's own word.

Hearing comes before crossing. The people are drawn near so the deed they witness will be tied to the promise they heard. So God still works: He speaks, and then He acts, that His people may know His wonders are the fruit of His word. To draw near and listen is the beginning of every step of faith.