It's easy to read this as just the end of a journey, but notice the phrasing: "when all the people were clean passed over." This implies a thorough and complete crossing, a decisive moment where the entire nation, not just individuals, finished this monumental act of faith. God speaking to Joshua after this signals that the miracle wasn't just about the water parting; it was about the obedience and totality of the people's journey.
When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The people of Israel have just experienced a monumental miracle: crossing the Jordan River on dry ground. With the entire nation safely on the other side, God immediately speaks to Joshua, not to move on to the next conquest, but to establish a powerful, tangible reminder of His faithfulness. This moment sets the stage for an act that will serve as a testament for generations to come.
Ever felt like you missed a cue? This moment highlights God's perfect timing, even after a huge event is over.
The verse tells us that 'when all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua.' This wasn't an afterthought; it was God's deliberate plan.
Timing is Everything
The Israelites had just accomplished the seemingly impossible: crossing the Jordan River on dry ground. This miracle was fresh in everyone's mind. It was the ideal moment for God to instruct Joshua on how to make this event a lasting memory. God's commands often come at the conclusion of His mighty acts, giving us something tangible to hold onto.
A Command, Not a Suggestion
This wasn't just a casual word from God. The commentaries note that this command was likely given before the crossing (Joshua 3:12) and is now being reiterated for execution. God doesn't just perform wonders; He provides clear instructions on how we should remember and honor them.
Why twelve stones? And why were they placed in two different spots? These weren't just rocks; they were powerful symbols.
The immediate command after the crossing is for Joshua to take twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan. These stones served a dual purpose, creating a layered testimony.
Stones of Remembrance
Joshua was instructed to take twelve stones, one for each tribe of Israel, and set them up in Gilgal. These would serve as a visible reminder for future generations. When children asked about the stones, parents could recount the incredible story of God parting the Jordan River.
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Stones of Presence
Interestingly, Joshua also set up twelve stones in the Jordan, where the priests stood with the Ark. These underwater stones, though hidden, were also a testimony. They marked the very spot where God's presence, symbolized by the Ark, had caused the waters to stand still. They were a foundational marker of divine intervention.
A Unified Witness
Both sets of stones represented the unity of Israel under God. Each tribe had a part in the miracle and a role in remembering it. The stones stood as a perpetual sign of God's covenant faithfulness and His mighty power displayed for His people.
Understand the original words
goy · Hebrew Noun
A group of people sharing a common ancestry, land, and covenantal relationship with God. In Scripture, it often refers to the corporate identity of God's people under His rule.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies His eternal existence, faithfulness, and His commitment to His redemptive promises.
Yehoshua · Hebrew Proper Noun
A leader chosen by God to succeed Moses, tasked with leading Israel into the Promised Land. His name, meaning "the LORD is salvation," points toward the ultimate salvation found in Jesus Christ.
shebet · Hebrew Noun
A group descending from a common ancestor, symbolizing the unity and organized structure of God’s people. In the Old Testament, these groupings represent the complete inheritance and covenantal inclusion of Israel.
kohen · Hebrew Noun
Religious leaders from the tribe of Levi set apart by God for holy service. They were responsible for maintaining the sanctuary and acting as mediators between God and the people through sacrifice and intercession.
This pivotal moment of crossing the Jordan River was not just a physical transition but a profound spiritual one. The command to set up memorial stones underscores the importance of remembering God's mighty acts and passing that legacy down through generations, ensuring His faithfulness would not be forgotten.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Israelites Cross the Jordan River
Led by Joshua, the Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, with the waters parting to allow them safe passage.
c. 1405 BC
Setting Up Memorial Stones
Joshua establishes two stone memorials: one set of twelve stones taken from the Jordan's riverbed and placed at Gilgal, and another set left in the Jordan where the priests stood. These served as a lasting reminder of God's miraculous intervention.
c. 1405 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following the crossing and the establishment of memorials, the Israelites begin their military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, starting with the capture of Jericho.
Similar to how the Passover meal was meant to spark questions and teach future generations, these stones were a physical reminder to explain God's mighty acts.
Deuteronomy 6:7This passage emphasizes the importance of diligently teaching God's commands to children, a purpose directly served by the memorial stones established here.
Psalm 78:4-7This psalm recounts the command to teach the next generation about God's wonderful works, mirroring the intent behind Joshua setting up the memorial stones.
1 Corinthians 10:4The 'rock' that followed Israel in the wilderness symbolizes Christ's presence and provision, much like these Jordan stones represent God's powerful intervention.
calvinJoshua 4:1-9: "And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,"
And command you them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and you shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where you shall lodge this night.
Et praecipite illis dicendo: Tollite vobis hinc e medio Jordanis a loco ubi stant pedes sacerdotum expeditorum,…
cambridgeJoshua 4:1: "And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,"
Ch. Joshua 4:1-18 . Completion of the Passage 1 . when all the people were clean passed over ] Below the spot, where the priests stood firm and motionless, the host, probably at various points, “ hasted and passed over ” ( Joshua 4:10 ).
It's easy to read this as just the end of a journey, but notice the phrasing: "when all the people were clean passed over." This implies a thorough and complete crossing, a decisive moment where the entire nation, not just individuals, finished this monumental act of faith. God speaking to Joshua after this signals that the miracle wasn't just about the water parting; it was about the obedience and totality of the people's journey.
The people of Israel have just experienced a monumental miracle: crossing the Jordan River on dry ground. With the entire nation safely on the other side, God immediately speaks to Joshua, not to move on to the next conquest, but to establish a powerful, tangible reminder of His faithfulness. This moment sets the stage for an act that will serve as a testament for generations to come.
The people of Israel have just experienced a monumental miracle: crossing the Jordan River on dry ground. With the entire nation safely on the other side, God immediately speaks to Joshua, not to move on to the next conquest, but to establish a powerful, tangible reminder of His faithfulness. This moment sets the stage for an act that will serve as a testament for generations to come.
"When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the ve…" — It's easy to read this as just the end of a journey, but notice the phrasing: "when all the people were clean passed over." This implies a thorough and complete crossing, a decisive moment where th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
