and said to them, "Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of Israel, and said to them,Joshua addressed the twelve representatives previously chosen, one from each tribe. As Israel’s God-appointed leader, he conveyed instructions that would preserve the memory of the Lord’s saving work for 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 stood in the riverbed as the visible sign of the LORD’s covenant presence with Israel. The men were to pass before it in reverence and obedience, acknowledging that the God who led them through the wilderness was bringing them into the land He had promised. Jos 3:6 And he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant… into the middle of the Jordan. The river had been stopped at flood stage by the power of God, leaving its bed dry before Israel. The place of former danger became the setting for a memorial to divine faithfulness, much as the Red Sea crossing had marked the beginning of Israel’s wilderness journey. 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, making the task both personal and public. These stones would testify that Israel entered Canaan not by military strength or human skill, but by the LORD’s intervention on their behalf. 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 entire covenant people, including every tribe in the inheritance God was giving them. Set up at Gilgal, the memorial would instruct later generations to fear the LORD and remember that His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been fulfilled. Exo 24:4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD.… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. 2. The Ark of the LORD A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence among His people. 3. The Jordan River The river that the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, symbolizing a transition from the wilderness to the fulfillment of God's promise. 4. The Twelve Tribes of Israel The descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, each represented by a stone taken from the Jordan. 5. The Memorial Stones Stones taken from the Jordan River to serve as a lasting memorial of God's faithfulness in bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessThe stones serve as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We should also set up "memorials" in our lives to remember God's work. Leadership and Obedience Joshua's leadership and the people's obedience to God's command highlight the importance of following God's appointed leaders and His instructions. Symbolism of the Stones Each stone represents a tribe, emphasizing unity and collective memory. In our communities, we should strive for unity and shared remembrance of God's deeds. Generational Teaching The stones were meant to prompt questions from future generations, teaching them about God's mighty acts. We should be intentional in passing down our faith accounts to the next generation. Faith in Action The act of crossing the Jordan required faith. We are called to step out in faith, trusting God to lead us through challenges and into His promises. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the act of taking stones from the Jordan River symbolize in your personal walk with God?2. How can you create "memorials" in your life to remember God's faithfulness and share them with others? 3. In what ways does Joshua's leadership inspire you to lead or follow in your community or family? 4. How can the unity of the twelve tribes in this passage inform our approach to unity within the church today? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith. How does the crossing of the Jordan encourage you in current or future challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14The crossing of the Red Sea parallels the crossing of the Jordan, both demonstrating God's miraculous provision and faithfulness. Deuteronomy 27 The setting up of stones as a memorial is echoed in the instructions for setting up stones on Mount Ebal with the law written on them. 1 Samuel 7 The setting up of the Ebenezer stone by Samuel as a reminder of God's help, similar to the memorial stones from the Jordan. Psalm 114 A poetic reflection on the power of God in nature, including the parting of the Jordan River. Hebrews 11 The faith of the Israelites in crossing the Jordan is part of the broader account of faith in God's promises. People Gad, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, ReubenPlaces Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River, Red SeaTopics Ark, Cross, Israelites, Jordan, Joshua, Lift, Middle, Midst, Pass, Pick, Shoulder, Sons, Stone, Tribe, TribesDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 4:5 1450 signs, kinds of Library 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. The Holy War, Joshua Links Joshua 4:5 NIVJoshua 4:5 NLT Joshua 4:5 ESV Joshua 4:5 NASB Joshua 4:5 KJV Joshua 4:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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