Then yee shall answere them, That the waters of Iordan were cut off before the Arke of the Couenant of the Lord, when it passed ouer Iordan, the waters of Iordan were cut off: and these stones shall bee for a memoriall vnto the children of Israel for euer. Joshua 4:7 (KJV)
The book of Joshua records the events following Moses’ death, focusing on Joshua’s leadership as the Israelites entered the Promised Land. In chapter 4 the people miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, echoing the earlier crossing of the Red Sea. Verse 7 highlights the purpose of the twelve stones that were to become a lasting memorial.
The crossing of the Jordan was a pivotal moment that marked the end of the wilderness wanderings and the beginning of possession of the land God had promised. The Lord commanded Joshua to have a representative from each of the twelve tribes take a stone from the midst of the Jordan and set up those stones at Gilgal as a permanent reminder of the event.
These stones were intended as a memorial for future generations. By placing a tangible reminder of God’s miraculous intervention, the Israelites would, whenever they looked upon the stones, recall how the waters were cut off before the ark of the covenant and how the Lord went before them in their journey. The stones therefore symbolize God’s faithfulness and power.
Beyond their physical presence, the stones carry spiritual significance for believers today. They invite us to reflect on God’s mighty works in our own lives, to remember moments when He has intervened, provided, and guided us through difficulty. Such remembrance strengthens our present faith and gives hope for the future, affirming that the same faithful God who stopped the Jordan waters remains with us.
The principle of remembrance calls each believer to create personal “stones of remembrance.” This can be done by journaling answered prayers, keeping records of God’s provision, or displaying visual reminders of His work. These practices help keep our focus on God’s faithfulness, especially when doubt, fear, or uncertainty arise.
In summary, Joshua 4:7 teaches the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness and passing down stories of His mighty deeds to the next generation. The stones set up at Gilgal serve as a tangible testimony to God’s intervention, urging us to continually recall and celebrate His steadfast love in our own lives.
