Joshua 4:6-7
that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The command isn't just to set up stones, but to ensure they become a vibrant story for future generations. It's a deliberate act of intergenerational teaching, prompting children to ask and parents to share God's powerful work. This passage highlights that faith isn't just experienced, but actively passed down through intentional conversations and memorable signs.
Just after the entire nation of Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God commanded Joshua to select twelve stones from the riverbed. These stones, representing each tribe, were to be set up as a lasting monument in their camp. This act was intended to serve as a tangible reminder for future generations, prompting them to inquire about the meaning of the stones.
Why did God command the Israelites to build a pile of stones? It wasn't just for decoration, but for a profound purpose.
Imagine standing on the dry bed of the Jordan River! This was a once-in-a-lifetime miracle. God didn't want this moment to fade into memory.
A Visible Reminder
Joshua commanded the people to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River. These stones weren't just rocks; they were meant to be a sign – a physical reminder of God's power. This monument was designed to be noticed and talked about.
Faith Through Storytelling
The primary purpose of these stones was to spark conversations between generations. When children saw them and asked, "What do these stones mean?" their parents had a sacred duty to explain God's mighty acts. This ensured the story of their deliverance wasn't forgotten but passed down as a living testimony.
The stones were just the trigger; the real power was in the parents' response. What does this teach us about passing on our faith?
These stones were more than just a physical marker; they were designed to prompt a specific, vital action from the parents.
Explaining the Miraculous
When the children inquired, the parents were to recount the incredible event: how the Jordan River's waters stopped flowing so the entire nation could cross on dry ground. This wasn't just a history lesson; it was a declaration of God's covenant faithfulness.
Intentional Faith Transmission
God's command here highlights the crucial role of parents in intentionally passing down their faith. It's about more than just living a good life; it's about actively teaching the next generation about God's specific interventions and His character. The stones served as a perpetual prompt for this vital discipleship.
Understand the original words
’ôt · Hebrew Noun
A visible object or event intended to serve as a witness or evidence of a deeper spiritual reality, covenant, or act of God. It often points beyond itself to God's faithfulness or future promises.
’ārôn · Hebrew Noun
The sacred chest that symbolized the presence of God among His people. It served as a focal point for the covenant relationship and was the place where God's glory dwelt above the mercy seat.
bərît · Hebrew Noun
A solemn agreement between God and His people, often ratified by sacrifice, establishing a formal relationship where God commits Himself to His people and they to Him. It is the framework of redemptive history.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
This memorial wasn't just about remembering a past event; it was designed to actively engage future generations by prompting questions and initiating conversations about God's faithfulness.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Enter the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, prepare to cross the Jordan River and conquer the land of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Jordan River is Stopped
The Jordan River miraculously stops flowing when the Ark of the Covenant, carried by priests, enters its waters, allowing the entire Israelite nation to cross on dry ground.
c. 1406 BC
Twelve Stones Taken as Memorial
Joshua instructs twelve men, one from each tribe, to take twelve stones from the Jordan's riverbed to create a memorial on the west bank.
c. 1406 BC
Memorial Stones Erected at Gilgal
The twelve stones are set up at Gilgal, serving as a physical sign and reminder for future generations of God's miraculous intervention.
This passage highlights the importance of explaining religious symbols to future generations, mirroring the command in Joshua to explain the meaning of the stones.
Deuteronomy 6:20This verse directly addresses the practice of parents teaching their children about God's laws and works, emphasizing the same intergenerational instruction found in Joshua's command.
Psalm 78:3-7This psalm echoes the instruction to recount God's mighty deeds to the next generation, showing a consistent biblical theme of remembrance and teaching through tangible signs.
1 Corinthians 10:11This New Testament passage reflects on past events in Israel's history as examples and warnings for believers, underscoring the enduring significance of remembering God's actions, much like the stones were meant to do.
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 4:6: "That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?"
6 . when your children ] Comp. Exodus 12:26 ; Exodus 13:14 ; Deuteronomy 6:20 .
The command isn't just to set up stones, but to ensure they become a vibrant story for future generations. It's a deliberate act of intergenerational teaching, prompting children to ask and parents to share God's powerful work. This passage highlights that faith isn't just experienced, but actively passed down through intentional conversations and memorable signs.
Just after the entire nation of Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God commanded Joshua to select twelve stones from the riverbed. These stones, representing each tribe, were to be set up as a lasting monument in their camp. This act was intended to serve as a tangible reminder for future generations, prompting them to inquire about the meaning of the stones.
Just after the entire nation of Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God commanded Joshua to select twelve stones from the riverbed. These stones, representing each tribe, were to be set up as a lasting monument in their camp. This act was intended to serve as a tangible reminder for future generations, prompting them to inquire about the meaning of the stones.
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The personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel. It emphasizes His self-existence, faithfulness, and His active role as Redeemer of His people.
zikkārôn · Hebrew Noun
A physical object or monument intended to preserve the memory of a significant event or person. In biblical contexts, it often serves to ensure that future generations do not forget the mighty works of God.
c. 1406 BC
Circumcision and Passover in Canaan
After crossing the Jordan, the Israelites are circumcised and celebrate the Passover, marking their full restoration as God's covenant people in the promised land.
"that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed o…" — The command isn't just to set up stones, but to ensure they become a vibrant story for future generations. It's a deliberate act of intergenerational teaching, prompting children to ask and parents t…
