Joshua 4:7

you are to tell them, 'The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.' Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever."

Study Bible

you are to tell them
This phrase emphasizes the importance of oral tradition and the responsibility of passing down God's acts to future generations. In ancient Israel, storytelling was a primary means of preserving history and teaching faith. This command ensures that the miraculous event is not forgotten and highlights the role of parents and leaders in educating the next generation about God's faithfulness.

‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off
The cutting off of the Jordan's waters is a miraculous event that parallels the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22). This miracle signifies God's continued presence and power among the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land. The Jordan River, typically a formidable barrier, especially during harvest season when it overflows its banks (Joshua 3:15), becomes a symbol of God's ability to overcome obstacles for His people.

before the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
The Ark of the Covenant represents God's presence and His covenant with Israel. Its central role in this event underscores the idea that it is God who leads and provides for His people. The Ark going before the Israelites into the Jordan signifies divine leadership and protection, reminding them of God's promises and His holiness.

When it crossed the Jordan,
The crossing of the Jordan marks a significant transition for the Israelites, from wandering in the wilderness to entering the land promised to their ancestors. This event fulfills God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21) and serves as a tangible sign of His faithfulness. It also represents a new beginning and a call to trust in God's guidance.

the waters were cut off.’
The repetition of the miracle's description emphasizes its significance and ensures that the event is clearly understood and remembered. This miraculous act serves as a testament to God's power and His ability to control nature, reinforcing the Israelites' faith in Him.

Therefore these stones will be a memorial
The stones taken from the Jordan and set up at Gilgal serve as a physical reminder of God's miraculous intervention. Memorials in ancient cultures were common ways to commemorate significant events. These stones are intended to provoke questions from future generations, leading to the retelling of God's mighty acts.

to the Israelites forever.”
The use of "forever" indicates the perpetual nature of this memorial. It is meant to be an enduring reminder of God's faithfulness and power. This concept of a lasting memorial is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as the Passover (Exodus 12:14) and the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:24-25), which also serve as perpetual reminders of God's salvation.

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 Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that represented the presence of God among His people.

5. Memorial Stones
Twelve stones taken from the Jordan River to serve as a lasting memorial of God's miraculous intervention.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Remembrance
God commands the Israelites to set up memorial stones to remember His faithfulness. In our lives, we should establish practices or symbols that remind us of God's work and faithfulness.

God's Presence and Power
The Ark of the Covenant signifies God's presence. As believers, we should be aware of God's presence in our lives and trust in His power to overcome obstacles.

Passing Down Faith
The memorial stones were meant to prompt questions from future generations. We should be intentional about sharing our faith accounts with others, especially the next generation.

Faith in Action
The Israelites had to step into the Jordan before it parted. Our faith often requires us to take steps of obedience before we see God's provision.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some "memorial stones" in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness, and how can you share these with others?

2. How does the crossing of the Jordan River compare to other miraculous events in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's character?

3. In what ways can you be intentional about passing down your faith to the next generation?

4. How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your daily life, similar to the Israelites with the Ark of the Covenant?

5. What steps of faith is God calling you to take today, and how can you trust Him to provide as you move forward?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14
The crossing of the Red Sea, where God parted the waters for the Israelites, parallels the crossing of the Jordan River.

Deuteronomy 6
The importance of remembering and teaching future generations about God's mighty acts.

Psalm 78
A call to remember and recount the deeds of the Lord to the next generation.

1 Peter 2
Christians are described as living stones, built into a spiritual house, which can be seen as a New Testament parallel to the memorial stones.