◄ Joshua 4 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Twelve Stones from the Jordan Joshua 4 is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of remembering His divine interventions in our lives. As the Israelites cross into the Promised Land, we too are reminded to trust in God's promises, to obey His commands, and to never forget His mighty works in our own 'crossings.' Setting up the Memorial Stones (Verses 1-7) The Lord instructs Joshua to select twelve men from each tribe of Israel and command them to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River, from where the priests stood with the Ark of the Covenant, and carry them to the place where they will stay the night. Crossing the Jordan (Verses 8-14) As commanded by Joshua, the Israelites take twelve stones from the Jordan, one for each tribe, and carry them to their campsite. The priests carrying the Ark remain in the river until everyone crosses safely, after which the waters of the Jordan return to their full flow. Memorial Stones at Gilgal (Verses 15-20) God commands Joshua to order the priests out of the Jordan. Once they step out, the river returns to its normal state. Joshua sets up the twelve stones at Gilgal, where they camped. The Significance of the Memorial (Verses 21-24) Joshua explains the purpose of the stone memorial—to serve as a sign for future generations of Israelites, reminding them of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River led by God's power and might. In Joshua Chapter 4, a significant event occurs as the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Led by Joshua and assisted by the power of God, the Israelites erect memorial stones as a testament to the miraculous event for future generations. Teaching Points God's Command to Remember Joshua 4:1-3 describes God's instruction to take twelve stones from the Jordan River as a memorial. This act was meant to serve as a lasting reminder of God's power and faithfulness. The Role of Leadership Joshua, as a leader, obeys God's command and ensures the memorial is set up (Joshua 4:4-8). This highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding people to remember and honor God's works. Intergenerational Faith The memorial stones were intended to prompt future generations to ask about their significance, providing an opportunity to share God's mighty acts (Joshua 4:6-7). God's Faithfulness The crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground (Joshua 4:22-24) parallels the crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing God's consistent faithfulness to His people. Practical Applications Create Personal Memorials Consider ways to create personal reminders of God's faithfulness in your life, such as journaling or setting up a physical reminder. Share Your Testimony Use opportunities to share your experiences of God's faithfulness with others, especially the younger generation. Reflect on God's Past Works Regularly take time to reflect on how God has worked in your life, strengthening your faith for future challenges. Follow Godly Leadership Seek and support leaders who prioritize remembering and honoring God's works. People 1. Joshua As the leader of the Israelites, Joshua is central to the events in this chapter. He is responsible for directing the people and carrying out God's commands regarding the crossing of the Jordan River and the setting up of memorial stones. The Hebrew name "Joshua" (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshua) means "The LORD is salvation." 2. The LORD (Yahweh) While not a human person, the presence and commands of the LORD are pivotal in this chapter. The LORD instructs Joshua on what to do with the stones from the Jordan River, emphasizing His role in the miraculous crossing and the importance of remembering His deeds. 3. The Twelve Men These are representatives from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Joshua 4:4 states, "So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe." These men are tasked with carrying stones from the Jordan River to set up a memorial. 4. The Priests The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant play a crucial role in the crossing of the Jordan River. Their presence in the riverbed is what allows the waters to be held back, enabling the Israelites to cross on dry ground. 5. The Israelites The collective group of the Israelite people is involved in the crossing of the Jordan River. They follow Joshua's leadership and witness the miraculous event, which serves to strengthen their faith and commitment to God. Places 1. Jordan River The Jordan River is the central geographical feature in Joshua 4. It is where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land. The river's waters were miraculously stopped, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. The Hebrew word for Jordan is "יַרְדֵּן" (Yarden), which means "descender," reflecting the river's descent from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. 2. Gilgal Gilgal is the place where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River. It is here that Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the Jordan as a memorial. The name "Gilgal" (גִּלְגָּל) is thought to mean "circle" or "rolling," possibly referring to the circle of stones or the rolling away of the reproach of Egypt (Joshua 5:9). Events 1. Command to Take Twelve Stones The LORD instructs Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River where the priests stood with the Ark of the Covenant (Joshua 4:1-3). The Hebrew word for "stones" is "אֲבָנִים" (avanim), symbolizing a memorial. 2. Setting Up the Stones at Gilgal Joshua calls the twelve men and commands them to carry the stones to their lodging place and set them up as a memorial (Joshua 4:4-8). The stones serve as a sign for future generations to remember the miraculous crossing. 3. Joshua Sets Up Additional Stones Joshua sets up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan where the priests stood, which remain there as a testimony (Joshua 4:9). This act emphasizes the significance of the location and the miracle. 4. Completion of the Crossing The people finish crossing the Jordan, and the priests carrying the Ark come up from the riverbed (Joshua 4:10-11). The Hebrew term "עָבַר" (avar) for "crossing" highlights the transition from wilderness to the Promised Land. 5. The Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Half-Tribe of Manasseh These tribes, armed for battle, cross over before the Israelites as Moses had directed (Joshua 4:12-13). This fulfills their commitment to assist in conquering the land. 6. The LORD Exalts Joshua On that day, the LORD exalts Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revere him as they revered Moses (Joshua 4:14). The Hebrew root "גָּדַל" (gadal) for "exalt" signifies Joshua's established leadership. 7. Return of the Ark and Priests The LORD commands Joshua to instruct the priests to come up from the Jordan, and as they do, the waters return to their place (Joshua 4:15-18). This marks the end of the miraculous event. 8. Camp at Gilgal The people camp at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho, where Joshua sets up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan (Joshua 4:19-20). "Gilgal" in Hebrew means "circle," possibly referring to the circle of stones. 9. Purpose of the Stones Explained Joshua explains to the Israelites that the stones are to serve as a memorial for future generations to remember how the LORD dried up the Jordan, just as He did the Red Sea (Joshua 4:21-24). The Hebrew word "זִכָּרוֹן" (zikaron) for "memorial" underscores the importance of remembrance. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 12:14 The Passover as a memorial of God's deliverance from Egypt. Psalm 77:11-12 The psalmist's commitment to remember the deeds of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 The Lord's Supper as a memorial of Christ's sacrifice. Hebrews 13:7 Remembering the faith of leaders who have gone before us. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Faithfulness Thank God for His past faithfulness and the ways He has worked in your life. Guidance in Creating Memorials Ask for wisdom in establishing meaningful reminders of God's work in your life. Boldness in Sharing Testimonies Pray for courage to share your experiences of God's faithfulness with others. Strength for Godly Leaders Pray for strength and wisdom for leaders in the church to guide others in remembering and honoring God. As we study Joshua 4, may we be inspired to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness, ensuring that His mighty works are never forgotten. Bible Study Questions 1. What is the significance of the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River? 2. How do you understand the role of the stones as a "memorial to the Israelites forever"? 3. What does this passage teach us about the importance of remembering God's miracles and blessings? 4. How can we create "memorials" in our own lives to remember God's faithfulness? 5. What does the act of the priests standing in the middle of the Jordan signify about their faith and obedience? 6. How can we apply the concept of 'crossing over' into challenges we face in our daily lives? 7. How does the miracle of crossing the Jordan River on dry ground parallel the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, and what does this teach us about God’s unchanging nature? 8. What does the phrase "the hand of the LORD is mighty" mean to you personally and how have you seen it manifest in your life? 9. Why was it important that each tribe have a representative carry a stone? 10. What is the significance of Joshua setting up twelve stones at Gilgal? 11. How does the exaltation of Joshua by the LORD and the reverence shown by the Israelites parallel leadership roles in modern day church? 12. How can we effectively answer questions about our faith and experiences when asked, as the Israelites were instructed to do when asked about the stones? 13. How does the crossing of the armed troops reflect our readiness for spiritual warfare? 14. How can the return of the waters of the Jordan once the ark and priests had crossed serve as a metaphor for the restoration or challenges in our lives? 15. Why do you think it was important for the stones to be taken from the middle of the Jordan, where the priests were standing? 16. How can the phrase "the waters of the Jordan returned to their course and overflowed all the banks as before" serve as a reminder of the power of God? 17. How does the LORD's command to "always fear the LORD your God" apply in our present context? 18. In what ways can we bear witness, like the stones, to the mighty works of God in our lives to future generations? 19. How does the reverence shown to Joshua teach us about respect for God-appointed leaders in today's society? 20. How can the journey of the Israelites inspire us when we are faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges in our lives? Topics 1. Command to Take Twelve Stones (Joshua 4:1-3) After the entire nation had crossed the Jordan, the LORD instructed Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan. This act was to serve as a memorial for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "memorial" is "זִכָּרוֹן" (zikaron), which signifies a reminder or remembrance. 2. Setting Up the Stones at Gilgal (Joshua 4:4-8) Joshua called the twelve men and instructed them to carry the stones to their camp at Gilgal. This was to be a lasting memorial for future generations. The stones were to remind the Israelites of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. 3. Joshua Sets Up Twelve Stones in the Jordan (Joshua 4:9) Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests stood with the Ark of the Covenant. This act symbolized the presence and power of God during the crossing. 4. Completion of the Crossing (Joshua 4:10-13) The priests carrying the Ark remained in the middle of the Jordan until everything the LORD commanded Joshua was completed. The people hurried across, and the armed men from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh led the way, as they had promised Moses. 5. The LORD Exalts Joshua (Joshua 4:14) On that day, the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him as they had revered Moses. The Hebrew word for "exalted" is "גָּדַל" (gadal), meaning to make great or magnify. 6. The Priests Come Up from the Jordan (Joshua 4:15-18) The LORD commanded Joshua to instruct the priests to come up from the Jordan. As soon as the priests set their feet on dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed its banks as before. 7. The Stones Set Up at Gilgal (Joshua 4:19-24) The people camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. Joshua set up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan there. He explained to the Israelites that these stones would serve as a sign for future generations to remember how the LORD dried up the Jordan, just as He did the Red Sea, so that all the peoples of the earth might know the hand of the LORD is mighty. Themes 1. Memorialization of God's Miracles Joshua 4 emphasizes the importance of remembering God's miraculous acts. The Israelites are instructed to set up twelve stones as a memorial after crossing the Jordan River. This act serves as a tangible reminder of God's power and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "memorial" (זִכָּרוֹן, zikkaron) underscores the importance of remembrance in the faith journey. 2. Intergenerational Faith Transmission The passage highlights the responsibility of passing down faith to future generations. In Joshua 4:6-7, the stones are meant to prompt questions from children, providing opportunities for parents to recount God's deeds. This theme underscores the biblical mandate for teaching and sharing faith with the next generation. 3. Obedience to Divine Command The Israelites' obedience to God's instructions through Joshua is a central theme. Joshua 4:8 states, "Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded." This obedience reflects a trust in God's leadership and a commitment to follow His directives, which is foundational in a covenant relationship with God. 4. Unity Among God's People The collective action of the twelve tribes in setting up the stones signifies unity among the people of Israel. Each tribe's participation symbolizes their shared identity and purpose under God's covenant. This theme is crucial for understanding the communal aspect of faith and the importance of unity in fulfilling God's plans. 5. God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness The crossing of the Jordan River and the subsequent memorial serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Joshua 4:23-24 highlights that just as God parted the Red Sea, He also stopped the Jordan's flow, demonstrating His unchanging power and commitment to His promises. The Hebrew root for "faithfulness" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) reflects trustworthiness and reliability, attributes of God celebrated in this chapter. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions