Joshua 4:9 – “Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Joshua 4:9 tells us that Joshua personally set up twelve stones in the Jordan River at the exact spot where the priests had stood with the Ark of the Covenant. This was a second set of stones, distinct from those carried to the camp as a memorial. These stones were placed as a hidden yet significant reminder of the miracle God performed when He stopped the Jordan River, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. These stones served as a private testimony to the nation’s leaders and those who knew where they stood, marking the place where God’s presence had enabled a miraculous crossing. The phrase “they are there to this day” emphasizes the lasting impact of this act and how these stones continued to be a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Historical Context
The setting of this verse is right after the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stood in the middle of the riverbed as the entire nation crossed on dry ground. This event was pivotal, marking the end of the Israelites’ wilderness journey and the beginning of a new chapter in the Promised Land. Joshua’s action of setting up the stones in the river was an extra act of remembrance, likely known only to those who were part of the crossing. This hidden memorial stood as a quiet yet powerful reminder of God’s presence and the miracle that took place on that day.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the importance of remembering God’s presence and power in both visible and private ways. Joshua’s setting up of the stones where the priests stood is a profound act of acknowledging God’s role in the miracle. It serves as a reminder that God’s presence often goes unnoticed by the broader world but is deeply significant to those who witness His works firsthand. Theologically, it teaches that not all memorials need to be public; some of the most powerful reminders of God’s faithfulness are personal and hidden, known only to those who experienced His presence.
Literary Analysis
Joshua 4:9 uses specific and deliberate language to highlight the significance of the stones set up in the river. The act of Joshua setting up the stones himself adds a personal touch to the narrative, showing his dedication to honoring God’s work. The mention that the stones “are there to this day” creates a sense of continuity and lasting impact, reinforcing that what God does is not just for a moment but has lasting significance. This verse contrasts the public memorial set up at the camp with this hidden one, emphasizing that God’s works are worth remembering in both public and private ways.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 17:14: God instructs Moses to write down the victory over the Amalekites as a memorial, showing the importance of recording and remembering God’s acts.
- Deuteronomy 27:2-3: The Israelites are commanded to set up large stones and write God’s law on them upon entering the Promised Land, reinforcing the practice of creating memorials.
- 1 Kings 18:31: Elijah uses twelve stones to rebuild the altar of the Lord, connecting the stones to the twelve tribes of Israel, just as Joshua’s stones represented the nation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, Joshua 4:9 reminds us that it is important to set up personal reminders of God’s presence and power in our lives. Not every act of remembrance needs to be seen by others; some of the most meaningful ways to honor God’s work are through private memorials known only to us. These can be personal prayers, journal entries, or quiet moments of reflection that mark where God has moved in our lives. This verse encourages believers to hold onto those special places and moments where God’s presence was felt, knowing that they continue to speak of His faithfulness long after the event has passed.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His desire for His people to remember His presence, even in hidden and personal ways. The act of setting up stones in the riverbed symbolizes God’s intimate involvement in the lives of His people. It shows that God’s acts of deliverance are not just grand public displays but also deeply personal experiences that shape our faith. God’s love is seen in His willingness to meet us in specific moments and places, leaving behind markers of His faithfulness that speak to us long after.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 4:9 connects to Jesus Christ in how it points to the importance of remembrance in the life of faith. Just as Joshua set up stones to remember God’s presence, Jesus established practices like the Lord’s Supper to help believers remember His sacrifice (Luke 22:19). The hidden stones in the Jordan mirror how Jesus often worked in quiet, humble ways, unseen by the masses but deeply significant to those who followed Him. The memorial stones and the cross both serve as enduring symbols that remind us of God’s faithful presence and saving power.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What personal memorials can you set up in your life to remember God’s presence and faithfulness?
- How do you make time to quietly reflect on the ways God has worked in your life, even when those moments are not publicly seen?
- Why is it important to have both public and private ways of remembering God’s acts of deliverance?
- How does this verse encourage you to hold onto and cherish the hidden ways God has moved in your life?