and command them: 'Take up for yourselves twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan where the priests were standing, carry them with you, and set them down in the place where you spend the night.'" and command them: ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stonesOne man from each tribe was chosen to take a stone, joining the whole nation in a single act of remembrance. The twelve stones testified that every tribe had crossed through the Jordan by the faithfulness of the covenant God. Jos 3:12 Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel,… from the middle of the Jordan The stones came from the riverbed made accessible only because the Lord stopped the waters. Their origin marked the place where Israel passed from the wilderness into the inheritance promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jos 3:16 The flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream.… where the priests were standing, The priests stood with the ark of the covenant until all Israel had crossed safely. God’s presence went before His people and secured their passage, just as He had brought their fathers through the Red Sea. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… carry them with you, Israel was not merely to witness God’s deliverance but to bear its testimony into the land. The stones would make the miracle visible to those who had crossed and to generations yet unborn. 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.’” The memorial was established at Gilgal, Israel’s first encampment in the Promised Land. It would teach children that the Lord had dried up the Jordan before His people and call Israel to trust Him as they entered the land. Jos 5:10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. 2. The Israelites The people of God, who are crossing the Jordan River into the land promised to them by God. 3. The Jordan River A significant geographical and spiritual boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land. 4. The Twelve Stones Stones taken from the Jordan River to serve as a memorial for the miraculous crossing. 5. The Priests Those who carried the Ark of the Covenant and stood in the Jordan River, causing the waters to part. Teaching Points Memorials of FaithJust as the twelve stones served as a physical reminder of God's deliverance, we should establish memorials in our lives to remember God's faithfulness. Obedience to God's Commands The Israelites' obedience in taking the stones demonstrates the importance of following God's instructions, even when they may not fully understand the purpose. The Role of Leadership Joshua's leadership in directing the people to take the stones highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding others to remember and honor God's works. The Significance of Community The collective action of the Israelites in setting up the stones underscores the importance of community in witnessing and remembering God's acts. Faith in Action The act of taking stones from the riverbed required faith that God would continue to hold back the waters, illustrating the need for faith in God's ongoing provision and protection. Bible Study Questions 1. What significance do the twelve stones hold for the Israelites, and how can we create similar memorials in our own spiritual journeys?2. How does the crossing of the Jordan River compare to other miraculous events in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's power? 3. In what ways can we demonstrate obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, even when the reasons are not immediately clear? 4. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in remembering and celebrating God's faithfulness? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith, trusting in God's provision. How did that experience strengthen your relationship with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14The crossing of the Red Sea, which parallels the crossing of the Jordan River, both demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. 1 Samuel 7 The setting up of the Ebenezer stone by Samuel as a memorial of God's help, similar to the twelve stones from the Jordan. Psalm 114 A poetic reflection on the power of God over nature, including the parting of the Jordan River. Matthew 3 John the Baptist baptizing in the Jordan River, symbolizing a new beginning, much like the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land. 1 Peter 2 The concept of believers as living stones, building a spiritual house, reflecting the idea of memorial stones as a testimony to God's work. People Gad, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, ReubenPlaces Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River, Red SeaTopics Carry, Command, Firm, Jordan, Lay, Lodge, Lodging, Middle, Priests, Saying, Stay, Stones, Stood, Tonight, TwelveDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 4:1-9Library Stones Crying Out'For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over. 11. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Jordan Memorial Stone 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid' Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City. 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