Joshua 4:6

to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?'

Study Bible

This will be a sign
The Hebrew word for "sign" is "אוֹת" (oth), which often denotes a visible marker or symbol that conveys a deeper spiritual truth or covenant. In the context of Joshua 4:6, the stones taken from the Jordan River serve as a tangible reminder of God's miraculous intervention. Throughout the Bible, signs are used by God to communicate His promises and faithfulness to His people, such as the rainbow after the flood or the blood on the doorposts during Passover. This sign is meant to be a perpetual reminder of God's power and presence with Israel.

among you
The phrase "among you" emphasizes the communal aspect of the sign. It is not just for individual reflection but is meant to be shared and remembered collectively by the people of Israel. This communal memory strengthens the identity and faith of the nation as a whole. In the broader biblical narrative, God often acts within the context of community, underscoring the importance of unity and shared faith experiences.

so that when your children ask
This phrase highlights the importance of intergenerational teaching and the transmission of faith. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on oral tradition and storytelling as a means of preserving history and faith. By preparing for the questions of future generations, the Israelites ensure that the mighty acts of God are not forgotten. This reflects a biblical principle seen in Deuteronomy 6:7, where parents are instructed to diligently teach their children about God's commandments and deeds.

in times to come
The phrase "in times to come" points to the future-oriented nature of God's works and the enduring relevance of His actions. It suggests that the events of the past have implications for future generations, encouraging them to trust in God's continued faithfulness. This forward-looking perspective is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God's past actions are a foundation for future hope and trust.

What do these stones mean to you?
This question is designed to provoke reflection and discussion, ensuring that the significance of the stones is not lost over time. It invites personal engagement with the account of God's deliverance and challenges each generation to find their place within God's ongoing narrative. The stones serve as a catalyst for storytelling, allowing each generation to recount the mighty works of God and reaffirm their identity as His chosen people. This practice of remembrance is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and living faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, who are crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

3. The Jordan River
The body of water that the Israelites miraculously crossed on dry ground.

4. The Twelve Stones
Stones taken from the Jordan River to serve as a memorial for future generations.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Remembrance
God instructs His people to create physical reminders of His faithfulness. This encourages us to establish our own "memorials" to remember God's work in our lives.

Teaching Future Generations
The stones serve as a tool for teaching children about God's mighty acts. We are called to actively pass down our faith and experiences with God to the next generation.

Faith in Action
The act of setting up the stones required faith and obedience. We are reminded to act in faith, trusting in God's promises and instructions.

Community and Shared Testimony
The stones were a collective memorial for all the Israelites. Our testimonies and experiences with God are meant to be shared within our communities to strengthen and encourage one another.

God's Faithfulness
The stones are a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life and share these accounts with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some "stones" or memorials in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness?

2. How can you effectively teach the next generation about God's works and promises?

3. In what ways can you act in faith today, trusting in God's promises as the Israelites did?

4. How can you share your testimony of God's faithfulness with your community?

5. Reflect on a time when God fulfilled a promise in your life. How can this encourage others in their faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The Passover serves as a memorial for the Israelites, similar to the stones from the Jordan River, reminding them of God's deliverance.

Deuteronomy 6
Emphasizes the importance of teaching children about God's commandments and acts, paralleling the purpose of the stones as a teaching tool.

Psalm 78
Highlights the importance of passing down the accounts of God's works to future generations.

1 Peter 2
Describes believers as living stones, building a spiritual house, connecting to the idea of stones as a memorial and testimony.

Hebrews 11
The faith chapter, which recounts the acts of faith by the Israelites, including their crossing of the Jordan.