Joshua 4:7
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 real marvel here isn't just that the Jordan River dried up, but that it happened because the Ark of the Covenant was passing through. The stones become a memorial not just of the miracle, but of God's powerful presence and covenant commitment moving with His people.
After the entire nation of Israel has miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, Joshua is commanded to have twelve stones taken from the riverbed. These stones are to be set up as a permanent monument. The purpose is to serve as a reminder and a teaching tool for future generations about God's power in enabling their entry into the Promised Land.
Imagine stopping a raging river in its tracks! This isn't just a cool story; it's a powerful sign from God.
Joshua 4:7 highlights a miraculous event: the Jordan River's waters were stopped. This wasn't a natural occurrence but a direct act of God's power, happening specifically 'before the ark of the covenant of the LORD.'
This emphasizes that the power was God's, symbolized by the ark. The repetition of the phrase 'the waters of the Jordan were cut off' serves to underscore the sheer magnitude and unforgettable nature of this miracle. It was a dramatic demonstration of God's might, ensuring that everyone present would remember who was responsible.
Why set up stones? These weren't just rocks, but a deliberate way to pass down an incredible story.
The twelve stones taken from the Jordan served a crucial purpose: to be a 'memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.' This means they were intended as a lasting reminder for future generations.
When children would ask about the stones, parents were to recount the miracle of the Jordan's waters being stopped. This established a tradition of teaching and remembrance, ensuring that the faithfulness of God and His mighty acts would not be forgotten. The stones acted as a physical prompt for ongoing discipleship.
Understand the original words
’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
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.
This memorial wasn't just about remembering a physical event; it was a faith-building tool designed to pass down God's powerful acts from one generation to the next, ensuring the story of their miraculous deliverance and God's covenant faithfulness would never be forgotten.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Israel Enters the Promised Land
After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, finally crossed the Jordan River into the land of Canaan. This marked a pivotal moment, initiating the conquest of the land promised to their ancestors.
c. 1405 BC
Jordan River Dried Up
As the Ark of the Covenant, carried by the priests, entered the Jordan River, its waters miraculously stopped flowing, allowing the entire Israelite nation to cross on dry ground. This was a direct display of God's power, confirming His presence and leadership.
c. 1405 BC
Twelve Stones Erected at Gilgal
Joshua commanded the Israelites to take twelve stones from the Jordan River's dry bed, one for each tribe, and set them up as a memorial at their first encampment in Canaan (Gilgal).
c. 1405 BC
Twelve Stones Placed in Jordan
Additionally, Joshua set up twelve stones in the very spot in the Jordan River where the priests carrying the Ark had stood. These were hidden from view but served as a powerful reminder of the miraculous crossing.
This passage describes God parting the Red Sea for Israel's escape, a powerful divine intervention that parallels the parting of the Jordan River as a sign of God's might.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7These verses command parents to diligently teach their children about God's commands and works, directly aligning with the purpose of the memorial stones in Joshua 4:7 for future generations.
Psalm 78:4-7This psalm recounts God's mighty deeds and instructs the people to tell their children, so that they too might set their hope in God, reflecting the memorial's function of passing down faith.
1 Samuel 7:12Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer after a victory, declaring 'Thus far the LORD has helped us,' highlighting the practice of using physical markers to remember God's deliverance.
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,…
pooleJoshua 4:7: "Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever."
Before the ark; as it were at the sight and approach of the ark, to give it and the Israelites a safe passage.
The real marvel here isn't just that the Jordan River dried up, but that it happened because the Ark of the Covenant was passing through. The stones become a memorial not just of the miracle, but of God's powerful presence and covenant commitment moving with His people.
After the entire nation of Israel has miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, Joshua is commanded to have twelve stones taken from the riverbed. These stones are to be set up as a permanent monument. The purpose is to serve as a reminder and a teaching tool for future generations about God's power in enabling their entry into the Promised Land.
After the entire nation of Israel has miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, Joshua is commanded to have twelve stones taken from the riverbed. These stones are to be set up as a permanent monument. The purpose is to serve as a reminder and a teaching tool for future generations about God's power in enabling their entry into the Promised Land.
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Generations Following
Memorial Stones Explained to Children
The stones were intended to prompt questions from future generations about their meaning. Parents were to recount the miraculous parting of the Jordan, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness in bringing Israel into their inheritance.
"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 memor…" — The real marvel here isn't just that the Jordan River dried up, but that it happened because the Ark of the Covenant was passing through. The stones become a memorial not just of the miracle, but o…
