And those twelue stones which they tooke out of Iordan, did Ioshua pitch in Gilgal. Joshua 4:20 (KJV)
The book of Joshua records the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership after Moses’ death. This verse belongs to the narrative of the crossing of the Jordan River, an event that mirrors the earlier crossing of the Red Sea during the Exodus. As the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the Jordan, the waters were miraculously divided, allowing the people to pass on dry ground.
Joshua instructed the people to take twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan and pitch them in Gilgal. These stones served as a memorial—a physical reminder of God’s miraculous provision and faithfulness in leading Israel into the land He promised. While the text does not explicitly state that each stone represented a tribe, tradition holds that the twelve stones symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel, providing a visual testimony for future generations.
The application for believers today is clear: we are called to remember and commemorate the significant moments of God’s faithfulness in our own lives. We can create our own “stones of remembrance” by journaling answered prayers, celebrating spiritual milestones, or displaying tangible reminders of God’s goodness. Such practices keep the memory of God’s work alive in our hearts.
Gilgal was the first encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan and became the base from which they launched the conquest of Canaan. The placement of the stones there reinforced Gilgal’s role as a spiritual foundation. Likewise, we need a firm spiritual base—regular fellowship, diligent study of Scripture, consistent prayer, and heartfelt worship—to remain rooted in our relationship with God and to face life’s challenges with strength.
Pitching the stones was a deliberate act of commemoration. It reminded the Israelites of what God had done and taught future generations to inquire about the stones’ significance, giving the people an opportunity to share the story of God’s mighty works. Likewise, when we commemorate and testify to God’s deeds, we strengthen our own faith and encourage others. Sharing testimonies of deliverance, provision, and answered prayer can inspire and uplift those around us, demonstrating God’s ongoing involvement in our lives.
In conclusion, Joshua 4:20 teaches the importance of remembering and commemorating God’s faithfulness and provision. The twelve stones taken from the Jordan and set up in Gilgal functioned as a lasting memorial and witness to future generations. This passage calls us to create personal “stones of remembrance,” establish a solid spiritual foundation, and boldly share our testimonies, thereby magnifying God’s name and encouraging the faith of others.
