Memorial Stones: The Israelites' Crossing of the Jordan River

Joshua 4 is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of remembering His divine interventions in our lives. As the Israelites cross into the Promised Land, we too are reminded to trust in God's promises, to obey His commands, and to never forget His mighty works in our own 'crossings.'

Setting up the Memorial Stones (Verses 1-7)

The Lord instructs Joshua to select twelve men from each tribe of Israel and command them to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River, from where the priests stood with the Ark of the Covenant, and carry them to the place where they will stay the night.

Crossing the Jordan (Verses 8-14)

As commanded by Joshua, the Israelites take twelve stones from the Jordan, one for each tribe, and carry them to their campsite. The priests carrying the Ark remain in the river until everyone crosses safely, after which the waters of the Jordan return to their full flow.

Memorial Stones at Gilgal (Verses 15-20)

God commands Joshua to order the priests out of the Jordan. Once they step out, the river returns to its normal state. Joshua sets up the twelve stones at Gilgal, where they camped.

The Significance of the Memorial (Verses 21-24)

Joshua explains the purpose of the stone memorial—to serve as a sign for future generations of Israelites, reminding them of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River led by God's power and might.

In Joshua Chapter 4, a significant event occurs as the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Led by Joshua and assisted by the power of God, the Israelites erect memorial stones as a testament to the miraculous event for future generations.

1. Faith and Obedience
2. Divine Guidance and Protection
3. Memorializing God's Miracles
4. Legacy and Future Generations1. The Crossing of the Jordan River
2. The Role of the Ark of the Covenant
3. Erection of Memorial Stones
4. Joshua's Leadership1. Joshua
2. The Israelites
3. The Priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant
4. The Lord (God)1. The Jordan River
2. The Promised Land
3. Gilgal

1. What is the significance of the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River?

2. How do you understand the role of the stones as a "memorial to the Israelites forever"?

3. What does this passage teach us about the importance of remembering God's miracles and blessings?

4. How can we create "memorials" in our own lives to remember God's faithfulness?

5. What does the act of the priests standing in the middle of the Jordan signify about their faith and obedience?

6. How can we apply the concept of 'crossing over' into challenges we face in our daily lives?

7. How does the miracle of crossing the Jordan River on dry ground parallel the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, and what does this teach us about God’s unchanging nature?

8. What does the phrase "the hand of the LORD is mighty" mean to you personally and how have you seen it manifest in your life?

9. Why was it important that each tribe have a representative carry a stone?

10. What is the significance of Joshua setting up twelve stones at Gilgal?

11. How does the exaltation of Joshua by the LORD and the reverence shown by the Israelites parallel leadership roles in modern day church?

12. How can we effectively answer questions about our faith and experiences when asked, as the Israelites were instructed to do when asked about the stones?

13. How does the crossing of the armed troops reflect our readiness for spiritual warfare?

14. How can the return of the waters of the Jordan once the ark and priests had crossed serve as a metaphor for the restoration or challenges in our lives?

15. Why do you think it was important for the stones to be taken from the middle of the Jordan, where the priests were standing?

16. How can the phrase "the waters of the Jordan returned to their course and overflowed all the banks as before" serve as a reminder of the power of God?

17. How does the LORD's command to "always fear the LORD your God" apply in our present context?

18. In what ways can we bear witness, like the stones, to the mighty works of God in our lives to future generations?

19. How does the reverence shown to Joshua teach us about respect for God-appointed leaders in today's society?

20. How can the journey of the Israelites inspire us when we are faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges in our lives?