Berean Study Bible Twelve Stones from the JordanIsrael had entered the land God promised to Abraham. The river was at flood stage, yet every person crossed safely as the LORD held back its waters. Like the crossing of the Red Sea, this miracle confirmed God’s faithfulness and marked the end of Israel’s wilderness journey. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… the LORD said to Joshua, Joshua received direct instruction as Israel’s appointed leader after Moses. The LORD continued to guide the nation through him as they began taking possession of the land. Jos 3:7 Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin… “Choose twelve men from among the people, Israel stood on the western side of the Jordan after the Lord had brought the nation safely through on dry ground. Joshua was to appoint twelve representatives for a memorial that would preserve the account of God’s power and faithfulness for future generations. Num 13:2 Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan… one from each tribe, Every tribe shared in the crossing and would share in the memorial. The chosen men represented the whole nation, showing that the land, covenant, and witness of the Jordan crossing belonged to all Israel. Num 34:18 Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. and command them: ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones One representative from each tribe was to take a stone, making the memorial a shared testimony for all Israel. Jos 3:12 Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel,… from the middle of the Jordan The stones came from the riverbed where the Lord had stopped the waters, marking the place of Israel’s miraculous passage into Canaan. Jos 3:16 The flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream.… where the priests were standing, The priests remained with the ark in the Jordan until the nation had crossed, demonstrating that the Lord’s presence secured the way. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… carry them with you, The men were to remove the stones from the river and preserve them as evidence of what God had done. Jos 3:14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan,… and set them down in the place where you spend the night.’” At Israel’s first camp in the land, the stones would stand as a lasting memorial, teaching future generations that the Lord brought His people safely across the Jordan. Jos 5:10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month,… So Joshua summoned the twelve men Joshua acted promptly to carry out the Lord’s instructions after Israel crossed the Jordan. Their gathering prepared for the public memorial God had commanded. Deu 1:23 The plan seemed good to me, so I selected twelve men… he had appointed from the Israelites, These men had been selected in advance to serve as representatives for the nation. Their role required reliability, since they would take part in preserving the memory of God’s deliverance for future generations. Deu 1:15 So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected… one from each tribe, Every tribe shared in the event and in the testimony of God’s faithfulness. The twelve representatives would carry stones from the Jordan, forming a memorial for all Israel as they entered the land promised to their fathers. Num 1:4 And one man from each tribe, the head of each family,… and said to them, Joshua instructed the twelve representatives chosen from the tribes of Israel to carry out a memorial act on behalf of the whole nation. Jos 3:9 So Joshua told the Israelites, “Come here and listen”… “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God The ark, borne by the priests, stood in the river as the visible sign of the LORD’s presence and power among His people. Jos 3:6 And he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant… into the middle of the Jordan. The river had stopped flowing while Israel crossed on dry ground, marking their entrance into the land God had promised to give them. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… Each of you is to take a stone upon his shoulder, Each man was to carry a substantial stone from the riverbed, preserving evidence of the miracle for a memorial at their camp. Exo 28:12 Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod… according to the number of the tribes of Israel, The twelve stones represented the unity of all Israel under the LORD’s covenant and served to remind future generations of His faithfulness. Exo 24:4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD.… to serve as a sign among you. The twelve stones taken from the Jordan would preserve the memory of Israel’s crossing into the promised land. They marked the place where the Lord stopped the river before the ark, enabling the people to pass over on dry ground. Exo 13:9 It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder… In the future, when your children ask, In the future, when your children ask about these stones, the memorial would give parents an opportunity to recount what God had done for Israel at the Jordan. Exo 13:14-15 In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’… ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ The question would connect later generations to the Lord’s faithfulness in bringing their fathers into the land He had promised. Deu 27:2-3 And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land… you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off At the height of the river’s seasonal flow, the Lord removed the barrier before Israel. The miracle showed that the God who had sustained them in the wilderness remained with them as they entered the promised land. Jos 3:13 When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD… before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. The ark went ahead of the people because the Lord Himself led Israel. Their passage depended not on military strength or human planning, but on His covenant faithfulness and power. Jos 3:11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth… When it crossed the Jordan, The crossing marked the end of Israel’s wilderness journey and the beginning of their possession of Canaan. What God had promised to their fathers was now being fulfilled before their eyes. Jos 3:14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan,… the waters were cut off.’ The repeated account preserved the central fact: the Lord controlled the river and made a way for His people to pass safely. Psa 114:3 The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back; Therefore these stones will be a memorial The stones taken from the riverbed and set up at Gilgal gave Israel a permanent witness to what occurred there. Their presence would invite future generations to ask why they stood there and to hear the account of God’s intervention. Exo 28:12 Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod… to the Israelites forever.” The memorial belonged to the whole nation and was intended to remain forever as an enduring reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness in bringing Israel across the Jordan. Exo 12:14 And this day will be a memorial for you,… Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. Israel obeyed Joshua’s instructions, demonstrating their acceptance of his God-given leadership as Moses’ successor. Their obedience prepared the nation to enter and possess the land God had promised. Jos 1:16-18 So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us… They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, The stones were taken from the riverbed where the priests had stood with the ark while the Jordan was held back. Their removal preserved evidence of the Lord’s miraculous provision in bringing the people safely across. Deu 27:2-4 And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land… one for each tribe of Israel, Every tribe was represented in the memorial, affirming that the crossing belonged to the whole covenant nation. Though Israel was made up of distinct tribes, all shared in God’s deliverance and inheritance. Exo 24:4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD.… just as the LORD had told Joshua; Joshua carried out the command he had received from the Lord, and the people followed it without alteration. The memorial was established by divine instruction, not human custom. Jos 1:2-5 Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise… and they carried them to the camp, The stones were brought to Israel’s first encampment in Canaan, later identified as Gilgal. There they would remain before the people as a public record of the crossing. Jos 5:10-12 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month,… where they set them down. The completed memorial would enable future generations to ask about its meaning and learn that the Lord had brought Israel through the Jordan on dry ground. Jos 24:26-27 Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God.… Joshua also set up twelve stones Joshua erected a second memorial in addition to the stones carried to Gilgal. The number represented all twelve tribes, preserving the unity of Israel in remembering the Lord’s work. 1Ki 18:31 And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe… in the middle of the Jordan, The memorial marked the place where the river had been stopped during Israel’s crossing. Though the Jordan was at flood stage, the people passed through on dry ground. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… in the place where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood. The priests remained in the riverbed until the entire nation had crossed. The ark showed that the Lord Himself went before His people and made their passage possible. Jos 3:13 When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD… And the stones are there to this day. The stones remained as a lasting witness at the time of the account, preserving the memory of God’s power for later generations. Jos 7:26 And they heaped over Achan a large pile of rocks… Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan The Ark of the Covenant represented the Lord’s presence and covenant with Israel. While the priests stood in the riverbed, the waters remained cut off, allowing the nation to cross safely. The event marked Israel’s passage from the wilderness into the land God had promised them. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… until the people had completed everything the LORD had commanded Joshua to tell them, Joshua carried out the instructions God had given him, and the people crossed in the order appointed. Their safe passage depended on the Lord’s power and on Israel’s obedience to His command. Deu 31:23 Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun… just as Moses had directed Joshua. Joshua’s leadership continued the work begun under Moses. Moses had prepared him to lead Israel, and Joshua now fulfilled that responsibility as the nation entered Canaan. Num 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun,… The people hurried across, The Israelites crossed without delay while the river stood back. Their haste reflected the limited time of the miracle and their anticipation of entering the Promised Land. Jos 3:16 The flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream.… and after everyone had finished crossing, Israel’s passage through the Jordan was complete, ending the wilderness era and beginning their entrance into the land promised to Abraham. As at the Red Sea, the nation crossed by God’s power, confirming His faithfulness to lead and provide for His people. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… the priests with the ark of the LORD The priests carried the Ark, the sign of the LORD’s covenant presence among Israel. Their place at the center of the crossing showed that Israel’s progress into Canaan depended on the God who had gone before them, not on military strength alone. Jos 3:3 “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God”… crossed in the sight of the people. The entire nation saw the priests and the Ark leave the riverbed only after every Israelite had crossed safely. The public event established Joshua’s leadership and assured the people that the LORD would remain with them as they entered the land and faced its inhabitants. Jos 3:14-16 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan,… The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had received their inheritance east of the Jordan because the land was well suited for their large herds. Before settling there, they pledged to join the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan. Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites… crossed over before the Israelites, The tribes took their assigned place at the front of the campaign. By crossing over before the Israelites, they showed that they had not abandoned the common cause after receiving their land. Num 32:17 But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead… armed for battle They entered Canaan armed for battle, prepared to help secure the land God had promised Israel. The crossing marked the beginning of a military advance, not merely a relocation. Num 32:27 But your servants are equipped for war… as Moses had instructed them. Joshua carried forward the agreement made under Moses, and these tribes fulfilled the obligation they had accepted. Num 32:20-22 Moses replied, “If you will do this—”… About 40,000 troops The fighting men from Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh fulfilled their commitment to assist the other tribes in taking Canaan. Their number represented a capable force prepared for the campaigns ahead. Num 32:17 But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead… armed for battle They crossed the Jordan fully equipped, leaving their families and livestock east of the river while they served alongside their fellow Israelites. Their readiness showed obedience to the command given through Moses. Num 32:20 Moses replied, “If you will do this—”… crossed over before the LORD Israel entered Canaan under God’s direction, with the ark leading the nation through the Jordan. The coming battles would be fought according to His purpose and command. Num 32:27 But your servants are equipped for war… into the plains of Jericho. The plains near Jericho provided Israel’s first position in the land west of the Jordan. Jericho, a fortified city guarding the approaches into Canaan, would soon become the first major conquest. Jos 5:10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month,… On that day Israel’s crossing of the Jordan marked the beginning of their entry into the land God had promised to their fathers. As at the Red Sea, the Lord made His power known before the nation and confirmed that He was leading them into a new stage of their history. Exo 14:30 That day the LORD saved Israel from the Egyptians… the LORD exalted Joshua God publicly established Joshua as Moses’ appointed successor, showing that His presence and authority remained with Israel under Joshua’s leadership. Jos 3:7 Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin… in the sight of all Israel, The nation witnessed God’s confirmation of Joshua through the miraculous crossing, giving every tribe reason to recognize his authority. Deu 31:7-8 Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him… and they revered him Their respect for Joshua was grounded in their recognition that the Lord had chosen and empowered him to lead them. Deu 34:9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom… all the days of his life, Joshua retained this God-given authority throughout his years as Israel’s leader. Jos 24:31 Israel had served the LORD throughout the days of Joshua… just as they had revered Moses. Joshua continued the work begun under Moses, leading Israel into the promised land according to the Lord’s command. Exo 14:31 When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised… Then the LORD said to Joshua, God continued to direct Israel through Joshua, confirming his appointed leadership after Moses. The command that follows concerns the memorial stones from the Jordan, showing that Israel’s crossing was accomplished by God’s power and was to be remembered by future generations. Jos 3:7 Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin… “Command the priests Joshua acted under God’s direction as Israel’s appointed leader. The priests were to obey his command as part of the ordered worship and leadership God had established for the nation. Jos 3:8 Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant:… who carry the ark of the Testimony The ark represented the Lord’s covenant presence among His people and contained the tablets of the covenant. Its place at the Jordan showed that Israel entered the land by God’s power, not their own. Exo 25:22 And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat,… to come up from the Jordan.” The priests had remained in the riverbed until all Israel crossed safely. Their departure marked the completion of the miracle and Israel’s entrance into the land God had promised to give them. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… So Joshua commanded the priests, Joshua exercises the authority God entrusted to him as Israel’s leader. The priests carrying the Ark act at his command, showing the ordered obedience required as the nation enters the land God promised. 1Ch 15:11-15 David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar… “Come up from the Jordan.” With the people safely across, the priests are called out of the river, ending the miracle that held back its waters. Israel has passed from the wilderness side of the Jordan into Canaan, confirming God’s faithfulness to bring them into their inheritance. 2Ki 2:14 Then he took the cloak of Elijah and struck the waters.… When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD The Ark represented the LORD’s covenant presence among Israel and was carried by priests from the tribe of Levi, who were appointed for its sacred service. Its place at the Jordan showed that God Himself was leading His people into the land He had promised them. 1Ki 8:3-6 When all the elders of Israel had arrived,… came up out of the Jordan Israel’s crossing marked the end of the wilderness journey and the beginning of their occupation of Canaan. The priests remained in the riverbed until the entire nation had passed safely over. 2Ki 2:13-14 Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen… and their feet touched the dry land, The river did not begin to flow again until the priests bearing the Ark had fully left the Jordan. The timing made clear that the crossing had occurred by God’s power rather than by natural circumstances. Exo 15:19 For when Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen… the waters of the Jordan returned to their course Once Israel had crossed, the LORD restored the river to its normal flow. The miracle was complete, and the people were safely established on the western side of the Jordan. Exo 14:26-28 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand… and overflowed all the banks as before. The Jordan was at flood stage during the harvest season, making the crossing humanly impossible. Its return to overflowing banks emphasized the greatness of God’s intervention and confirmed His faithfulness in bringing Israel into the Promised Land. 1Ch 12:15 These are the ones who crossed the Jordan…
The Camp at GilgalIsrael entered Canaan at the season of Passover, connecting their new beginning in the promised land with the Lord’s deliverance from Egypt. Exo 12:2-3 This month is the beginning of months for you;… the people went up from the Jordan Having crossed on dry ground, the nation left the wilderness behind and began to take possession of the land God had given them. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… and camped at Gilgal Gilgal became Israel’s first camp in Canaan, a place of covenant renewal and remembrance of the Lord’s faithfulness. Jos 5:9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away… on the eastern border of Jericho. Positioned near Jericho, Israel was prepared to begin the conquest of the land, beginning with the fortified city before them. Jos 3:16 The flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream.… And there at Gilgal Israel’s first encampment in the Promised Land, Gilgal (“circle of stones”), lay near Jericho. There Joshua established a memorial at the place where the nation renewed its covenant commitment and prepared to enter Canaan. Jos 5:9-10 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away… Joshua set up the twelve stones The stones represented the twelve tribes united under God’s leadership. Their placement marked the Lord’s intervention in bringing Israel safely across the Jordan and provided a lasting testimony for later generations. Deu 27:2-3 And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land… they had taken from the Jordan. Taken from the riverbed where the priests stood with the ark, the stones preserved the evidence of God’s power in stopping the flooded Jordan. The memorial linked Israel’s entrance into the land with God’s earlier deliverance from Egypt and His fulfillment of His promise. Jos 3:13-17 When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD… Then Joshua said to the Israelites, After the Lord brought Israel safely across the Jordan on dry ground, Joshua addressed the nation as its appointed leader after Moses. The crossing marked Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land and displayed God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. Jos 23:2 he summoned all Israel, including its elders… “In the future, Israel was to preserve the memory of God’s deliverance so that later generations would know what He had done. Deu 4:9-10 Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves… when your children ask their fathers, Parents were responsible for teaching their children Israel’s history, covenant identity, and the works of the Lord. Exo 12:26-27 When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean… ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ The twelve stones, taken from the Jordan and set up at Gilgal, represented the twelve tribes and served as a permanent memorial of the day God stopped the river before Israel. Gen 31:46-48 and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.”… you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan The river marked the boundary between the wilderness and the land God had promised to Abraham’s descendants. Under Joshua’s leadership, the people entered Canaan as God fulfilled His word and established Joshua before the nation. Jos 3:14-16 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan,… on dry ground.’ Though the Jordan was swollen at flood stage, God stopped its waters so the entire nation passed safely across. As at the Red Sea, He displayed His authority over creation and showed that He was present with His people. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, God stopped the Jordan during flood season, removing the barrier between Israel and the land of Canaan. As the nation crossed on dry ground, the wilderness generation’s journey gave way to the conquest of the inheritance God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The miracle showed that Israel entered the land by the LORD’s power, not by its own strength. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… just as He did to the Red Sea, The crossing of the Jordan matched the deliverance God had accomplished at the beginning of Israel’s history. At the Red Sea, He brought their fathers out of Egypt; at the Jordan, He brought their children into the Promised Land. The same God who delivered Israel from Pharaoh remained faithful to lead them into their inheritance. Exo 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea,… which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. The waters remained held back until the whole nation had passed safely through. Israel’s elders could speak of the Red Sea as a shared national memory, while the present generation had witnessed the Jordan crossing for themselves. Both events testified to the LORD’s covenant faithfulness and His sovereign power to make a way for His people. Exo 14:29 But the Israelites had walked through the sea… He did this God stopped the Jordan River so Israel crossed on dry ground, openly displaying His power as He had done at the Red Sea. The crossing confirmed that He was leading His people into the land He had promised them. Deu 11:7 For it is your own eyes that have seen every great work… so that all the peoples of the earth may know Israel’s entrance into Canaan was meant to reveal the LORD’s greatness beyond Israel’s borders. The nations were to recognize that Israel’s God alone rules over creation and fulfills His promises. 1Ki 8:60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know the LORD… that the hand of the LORD is mighty, God’s power over the Jordan showed that no natural barrier or human opposition could prevent His purpose. His mighty hand defended Israel and established their confidence in His presence. Deu 26:8 Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand… and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.” Remembering the crossing was to produce lasting reverence and obedience among Israel. Their covenant life in the land depended on honoring the God who had delivered and sustained them. Deu 14:23 And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine,… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
    |