“And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.”
Context: The book of Joshua recounts the story of the Israelites entering the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, after the death of Moses. In Joshua 4, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, and God commanded Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe, take up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan and set them up as a memorial.
Importance of memorial: Setting up the twelve stones served as a memorial or a remembrance of what God had done for the Israelites. It was a visual reminder of God’s faithfulness and a way for future generations to learn about and remember the miraculous crossing of the Jordan. Memorials play a significant role throughout the Bible in helping people remember God’s faithfulness and the important events in their spiritual journey.
Symbolism of the stones: The twelve stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the unity and cohesion of God’s people. It served as a reminder that all the tribes were part of a single nation, led by God, and united in their purpose.
The place of the stones: The stones were set up in the midst of the Jordan River, in the place where the priests stood while carrying the ark of the covenant. This emphasizes the involvement of the priests and the presence of God in the miraculous event. Placing the stones in the riverbed was significant because it demonstrated that the Israelites had passed through the river on dry ground, just as God had parted the Red Sea for their ancestors during the time of Moses.
Enduring significance: The verse concludes by stating that the stones remained in that place “unto this day.” This phrase indicates that the writer of the book of Joshua added this note later, affirming that the stones served as a lasting testimony to future generations of God’s faithfulness and the remarkable crossing of the Jordan.
Application:
- Remembering God’s faithfulness: Like the Israelites, we can create memorials or symbols in our lives that remind us of God’s faithfulness and His work in our lives. These can include physical reminders, such as journal entries, photographs, or objects, as well as spiritual practices like celebrating communion or sharing testimonies with others.
- Passing down faith: The stones set up by Joshua were meant to be a visual lesson for future generations. As believers, we have a responsibility to pass down our faith to the next generation. We should share our testimonies, teach our children and disciples about God’s faithfulness, and leave a lasting legacy of spiritual truth.
- Unity and cohesion: The twelve stones represented the unity of the twelve tribes of Israel. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to unity and love within the body of Christ. We should seek to build bridges and foster unity, appreciating our diversity while focusing on our shared purpose of glorifying God and advancing His Kingdom.
- Trusting in God’s provision: The crossing of the Jordan River was a remarkable demonstration of God’s provision and guidance. It serves as a reminder that when God calls us to a task or leads us into new territories, we can trust in His provision and guidance. We can step out in faith, knowing that God will make a way and be with us every step of the journey.
In summary, Joshua 4:9 teaches us the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness, passing down our faith, fostering unity, and trusting in God’s provision. The stones set up in the Jordan River served as a lasting memorial to the Israelites’ crossing and can inspire us to create our own memorials and reminders of God’s work in our lives.
