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Joshua 4

24 verses

TL;DR

Joshua gathers twelve stones as a lasting memorial after the Israelites cross the Jordan River, illustrating God's power to dry up water and the faithfulness of the covenant.

Summary

After all the people are cleansed, God commands Joshua to select twelve men—one from each tribe—to take twelve stones from the Jordan River as a memorial. These stones are set up where the priests carried the Ark of the Covenant, marking the moment the waters were cut off. The priests and the Ark then cross to the other side, and the waters return to their normal state. The Israelites camp at Gilgal, and Joshua pitches the stones there as a sign for future generations, reminding them that God brought them over dry land, just as He had at the Red Sea. The chapter highlights God's miraculous power, the continuity of the covenant, and the faith of the people.

Outline
  1. Selection of twelve men and collection of stones as a memorial to the Jordan crossing
  2. The priests and the Ark cross, and the waters return, establishing the covenant sign
  3. Encampment at Gilgal and instruction to future generations about the significance of the stones
Themes
Divine power and interventionCovenant fidelityRemembrance and testimony
Keywords
crossingcovenantArk of the Covenanttwelve stonesdry landJordan Rivermiracleremembrance
People
JoshuaLORD (God)Mosespriestschildren of Reubenchildren of Gadhalf the tribe of Manassehchildren of Israelpeople of Israel
Places
Jordan RiverGilgalJerichoRed SeaIsrael (the land)
Things
Ark of the Covenanttwelve stonesJordan watersdry landcovenant testimonybattle preparations
Key Verses
  • Joshua 4:9: First description of the stones set up in the midst of Jordan, establishing the physical memorial.
  • Joshua 4:17: The waters of Jordan return once the priests leave, demonstrating divine control.
  • Joshua 4:21: Joshua's instruction to future generations explains the stones' symbolic meaning.
Questions
  • Why did Joshua collect the stones, and how does this act function as a covenantal sign?
  • What is the significance of the priests' feet standing firm in the Jordan River?
  • How does the return of the waters after the priests leave reinforce the theme of divine power?
  • In what ways does Joshua’s instruction to future generations maintain continuity of Israel’s identity?
  • How does the comparison to the Red Sea event deepen the theological message of the chapter?
Sentiment

positive
The passage celebrates God's miraculous power and the faithfulness of the covenant, fostering a sense of reverence.