Joshua 4:5 – “and said to them, ‘Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Joshua 4:5, Joshua instructs the twelve chosen men to go ahead of the Ark of the Covenant into the middle of the Jordan River and pick up a stone. Each man, representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is to carry a stone on his shoulder, emphasizing the significant weight and importance of what they were doing. This was not a small, casual task but a purposeful act that required effort and intention. The stones were to serve as a memorial, a physical reminder of God’s power in stopping the Jordan River so the Israelites could cross into the Promised Land. The action of carrying the stones symbolized each tribe’s participation in God’s miraculous provision and highlighted the collective memory of the nation.
Historical Context
At this point in Israel’s history, the people were witnessing a miraculous event—the crossing of the Jordan River, which was at flood stage. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God’s presence, was central to this event, as it led the way and stayed in the middle of the river while the entire nation crossed on dry ground. God instructed Joshua to have representatives from each tribe take stones from the riverbed, directly where the Ark was stationed. These stones were to be set up at their camp as a lasting reminder of God’s mighty intervention. This was a pivotal moment for the Israelites, as they were about to enter the land promised to their forefathers after years of wandering.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse underscores the importance of obedience, remembrance, and community participation in God’s work. The act of taking stones from the river where the Ark stood serves as a powerful reminder that God’s presence was at the center of their journey and success. It highlights that God’s miracles are not to be forgotten but remembered and passed down through generations. The memorial stones were not just for the immediate generation but were meant to testify to future generations of God’s faithfulness, teaching them to trust and revere Him.
Literary Analysis
Joshua 4:5 is rich in imagery and detail, emphasizing the physical action of carrying the stones on the shoulders, which suggests the stones were substantial in size and importance. The verse connects the act of remembrance directly with the presence of God, as the stones were taken from the exact spot where the Ark stood. The specific instruction to carry the stones on the shoulder signifies the weight of the memory they were creating—not just a light task but a burden worth bearing. This literary device underscores the significance of the event and the need for intentional remembrance.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 28:12: The high priest’s ephod had stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, symbolizing how the people were constantly before God.
- 1 Kings 18:31: Elijah uses twelve stones to rebuild the altar of the Lord, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and reaffirming God’s covenant with His people.
- Psalm 78:4: A call to tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, reflecting the purpose of the memorial stones in reminding future generations of God’s power.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, Joshua 4:5 serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and sharing what God has done in our lives. Just as the Israelites carried stones to set up a memorial, Christians can create reminders of God’s faithfulness in their lives, such as sharing testimonies, writing down answered prayers, or creating family traditions that honor God’s work. This verse also teaches us that remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens our trust in His future provision.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse highlights God’s loving desire for His people not to forget His acts of kindness and deliverance. By instructing the Israelites to create a memorial, God was showing His care and commitment to keep His works alive in their hearts. It is a loving act that provides a visual and physical reminder of God’s faithfulness, helping His people remain connected to Him through all generations. God’s love is seen in His effort to ensure His deeds are not just heard but deeply remembered.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 4:5 connects to Jesus Christ in the way it points to the need for remembering God’s acts of salvation. Just as the memorial stones were taken from the Jordan to signify God’s intervention, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross serves as the ultimate memorial of God’s saving grace. Jesus Himself established the Lord’s Supper as a way to remember His sacrifice (Luke 22:19), reminding believers of the importance of keeping God’s works at the center of our faith. The stones remind us of God’s power, just as the cross reminds us of Jesus’ love and redemption.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some ways you can create “memorials” in your life to remember God’s faithfulness?
- How can you actively involve your family or community in remembering and celebrating God’s works?
- What burdens are you willing to bear as a testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life?
- How does remembering God’s past actions help you trust Him more in your current circumstances?