Joshua 4:6

to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?'

Study Bible

to serve as a sign among you.
This phrase indicates the purpose of the stones: to act as a memorial. In biblical times, physical markers were often used to commemorate significant events. The stones from the Jordan River were to remind the Israelites of God's miraculous intervention in stopping the river's flow, allowing them to cross on dry ground. This act of remembrance is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of recalling God's faithfulness and mighty works (Exodus 12:14, Deuteronomy 6:12).

In the future, when your children ask,
This anticipates future generations inquiring about the significance of the stones. It underscores the importance of oral tradition and storytelling in Hebrew culture, where history and faith were passed down through generations. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, where parents are instructed to teach their children about God's laws and deeds (Deuteronomy 6:7, Psalm 78:4-6).

‘What do these stones mean to you?’
The question highlights the personal and communal significance of the stones. It invites reflection on God's actions and encourages a personal connection to the collective memory of the community. This inquiry is not just about historical facts but about understanding and internalizing the spiritual lessons behind the event. The stones serve as a tangible reminder of God's covenant and faithfulness, similar to other memorials in Scripture, such as the Passover (Exodus 12:26-27) and the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, who are crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

3. The Jordan River
The body of water that the Israelites miraculously crossed on dry ground.

4. The Twelve Stones
Stones taken from the Jordan River to serve as a memorial for future generations.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Remembrance
God instructs His people to create physical reminders of His faithfulness. This encourages us to establish our own "memorials" to remember God's work in our lives.

Teaching Future Generations
The stones serve as a tool for teaching children about God's mighty acts. We are called to actively pass down our faith and experiences with God to the next generation.

Faith in Action
The act of setting up the stones required faith and obedience. We are reminded to act in faith, trusting in God's promises and instructions.

Community and Shared Testimony
The stones were a collective memorial for all the Israelites. Our testimonies and experiences with God are meant to be shared within our communities to strengthen and encourage one another.

God's Faithfulness
The stones are a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life and share these accounts with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some "stones" or memorials in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness?

2. How can you effectively teach the next generation about God's works and promises?

3. In what ways can you act in faith today, trusting in God's promises as the Israelites did?

4. How can you share your testimony of God's faithfulness with your community?

5. Reflect on a time when God fulfilled a promise in your life. How can this encourage others in their faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The Passover serves as a memorial for the Israelites, similar to the stones from the Jordan River, reminding them of God's deliverance.

Deuteronomy 6
Emphasizes the importance of teaching children about God's commandments and acts, paralleling the purpose of the stones as a teaching tool.

Psalm 78
Highlights the importance of passing down the accounts of God's works to future generations.

1 Peter 2
Describes believers as living stones, building a spiritual house, connecting to the idea of stones as a memorial and testimony.

Hebrews 11
The faith chapter, which recounts the acts of faith by the Israelites, including their crossing of the Jordan.