Overview:

In Joshua 4, the Israelites complete their crossing of the Jordan River, and God commands them to take twelve stones from the riverbed as a memorial. Each stone, representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is set up as a reminder of God’s miraculous power in holding back the waters so the people could cross on dry ground. This memorial serves as a lasting testimony for future generations to recall God’s faithfulness and power. The chapter emphasizes the importance of remembrance, the significance of generational faith, and the value of testimony in building faith and identity within the community of believers.

Key themes include the call to remember God’s works, the role of memorials in sustaining faith, and the importance of intergenerational testimony and unity.

Historical and Literary Context:

Joshua 4 occurs immediately after the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, a key event marking Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. The command to set up a memorial with twelve stones signifies the importance of remembering God’s provision and establishing a lasting testimony for the nation. Memorials in Israel’s history often marked significant events as reminders of God’s faithfulness, serving to reinforce Israel’s identity and covenant relationship with God. This chapter also highlights Joshua’s leadership and the continuation of God’s promise, strengthening Israel’s faith as they prepare for the conquest of Canaan.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

Remembering God’s Mighty Works:

The twelve stones taken from the Jordan serve as a memorial of God’s miraculous provision. This act of remembrance reinforces Israel’s faith in God’s power and commitment to His promises, encouraging them to rely on Him for future challenges.

For Christians, this theme emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness in personal and collective history. Psalm 77:11-12 encourages believers to recall “the deeds of the Lord,” reminding them to reflect on God’s goodness and power as a source of strength and encouragement.

The Importance of Intergenerational Testimony:

The memorial stones are meant to prompt future generations to ask about their significance, allowing parents to share the story of God’s deliverance. This passing down of faith helps ensure that each generation understands and values the faithfulness of God.

For Christians, the call to pass on faith is central to discipleship. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasizes teaching children about God’s works, encouraging believers to cultivate a legacy of faith within their families and communities.

Unity and Identity within the Community of Believers:

Each tribe’s involvement in taking a stone represents the unity of Israel as a covenant community. The twelve stones symbolize the collective identity of Israel, highlighting the importance of unity in fulfilling God’s purposes.

For Christians, this theme underscores the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:3 calls believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” encouraging the church to work together in building a strong community of faith.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Joshua 4:1-3:

“When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.’”

God commands Joshua to appoint twelve men, one from each tribe, to take stones from the Jordan’s riverbed and set them up as a memorial. This act of remembrance is a powerful reminder of God’s provision and serves as a unifying moment for Israel.

For Christians, this passage emphasizes the significance of honoring God’s work through symbols or memorials that serve as reminders of His faithfulness. Memorials help believers remember God’s work in their lives and inspire faith in future generations.

Joshua 4:4-5:

“So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 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.’”

The twelve men each carry a stone from the Jordan, representing their tribe in the memorial. This act signifies Israel’s unity in their covenant with God, as each tribe shares in the testimony of God’s miraculous provision.

For Christians, this act of collective remembrance illustrates the value of shared faith and unity within the community of believers. The body of Christ is called to unity and mutual support, sharing in each other’s testimonies and reflecting God’s faithfulness together.

Joshua 4:6-7:

“To serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”

The purpose of the stones is to serve as a reminder of God’s power and provision, prompting future generations to inquire about the miracle of the Jordan River crossing. This story is intended to reinforce faith and ensure that God’s works are remembered and celebrated.

For Christians, this passage underscores the role of testimony in strengthening faith. Revelation 12:11 emphasizes that believers “overcame [the enemy] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,” encouraging believers to share their stories of God’s faithfulness.

Joshua 4:8-9:

“So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the Lord had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. 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.”

The Israelites obey Joshua’s command, setting up the stones as a permanent memorial at their camp. This act of obedience demonstrates their respect for God’s instruction and their commitment to remember His works.

For Christians, this act of obedience highlights the importance of following God’s commands faithfully. Psalm 119:11 encourages believers to “hide [God’s] word in [their] heart,” valuing obedience as a way of honoring God’s guidance and faithfulness.

Joshua 4:10-11:

“Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything the Lord had commanded Joshua was done by the people, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried over, and as soon as all of them had crossed, the ark of the Lord and the priests came to the other side while the people watched.”

The priests remain in the riverbed until the entire nation has crossed and the stones are taken for the memorial. This emphasizes the priests’ role in ensuring the people’s safe passage and the significance of the Ark, representing God’s presence among them.

For Christians, this verse reminds them of the assurance of God’s presence, represented by the Ark. Just as God’s presence provided safe passage for Israel, Jesus promises to be with His followers, guiding them through every challenge (Matthew 28:20).

Joshua 4:12-13:

“The men of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over, ready for battle, in front of the Israelites, as Moses had directed them. About forty thousand armed for battle crossed over before the Lord to the plains of Jericho for war.”

The warriors from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh cross first, fulfilling their commitment to support Israel in the conquest of Canaan. Their readiness for battle signifies their unity and willingness to serve alongside their fellow tribes.

For Christians, this verse highlights the importance of supporting one another in faith. Ephesians 6:10-11 calls believers to “put on the full armor of God,” encouraging them to stand firm and support each other in spiritual battles.

Joshua 4:14:

“That day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.”

God establishes Joshua’s leadership in the eyes of Israel, affirming him as Moses’ successor. This exaltation confirms God’s choice of Joshua and reassures Israel that God’s presence is with their new leader.

For Christians, this verse serves as a reminder of God’s endorsement of godly leadership. Hebrews 13:17 instructs believers to “have confidence in [their] leaders,” encouraging them to respect those who are called by God to guide them in faith.

Joshua 4:15-18:

“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant law to come up out of the Jordan.’ So Joshua commanded the priests, ‘Come up out of the Jordan.’ And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before.”

Once the priests exit the Jordan, the waters resume their natural flow. This return of the waters demonstrates the miraculous nature of the event, further affirming God’s power and His role in bringing Israel into the Promised Land.

For Christians, this miraculous event reinforces God’s sovereignty over creation and His power to fulfill His promises. Psalm 114:3 speaks of the sea fleeing at God’s presence, reminding believers that nothing is beyond God’s control.

Joshua 4:19-20:

“On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan.”

The Israelites set up camp at Gilgal, and Joshua establishes the twelve-stone memorial there. This site becomes a place of spiritual significance, marking the beginning of Israel’s journey in the Promised Land and serving as a place of remembrance.

For Christians, this act of establishing a memorial emphasizes the importance of setting aside places and moments to remember God’s faithfulness. Hebrews 10:23 encourages believers to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,” reinforcing the value of remembrance in sustaining faith.

Joshua 4:21-24:

“He said to the Israelites, ‘In the future when your descendants ask their parents, “What do these stones mean?” tell them, “Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.” For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.’”

Joshua explains the purpose of the stones, emphasizing that they are to serve as a testimony for future generations and to remind the world of God’s power. This memorial is meant to inspire reverence and faith in God for all who see it, reinforcing Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people.

For Christians, this call to remember God’s works and share them with others serves as a foundation for personal and communal faith. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as a “royal priesthood,” called to proclaim God’s deeds, reminding them to bear witness to His power and faithfulness.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Joshua 4 reveals God’s power, faithfulness, and desire for His people to remember His works. This chapter foreshadows the importance of remembering Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, which stands as the ultimate memorial of God’s love and salvation. Just as the stones served as a testimony to future generations, the cross serves as a perpetual reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and victory over sin and death. Communion also reflects this theme, as Jesus instructed His followers to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

The twelve stones symbolizing unity among the tribes of Israel reflect the unity believers have in Christ. Through Jesus, believers are brought together as one body, called to share in the testimony of God’s grace and to proclaim His power and faithfulness to the world.

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Title: “Remembering God’s Mighty Works: Lessons from the Twelve Stones at the Jordan”

1. Introduction
   • Introduce the themes of remembrance, faith, and testimony as Israel sets up a memorial at the Jordan.
   • Emphasize the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness and sharing testimonies as a source of faith and encouragement.
2. The Call to Remember (Joshua 4:1-7)
   • Discuss the significance of the twelve stones as a reminder of God’s power and provision, emphasizing the importance of memorials.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are encouraged to recall God’s works as a foundation for faith (Psalm 77:11-12).
3. Intergenerational Testimony and Legacy (Joshua 4:21-24)
   • Examine the role of the memorial in prompting future generations to ask about God’s works, underscoring the importance of passing down faith.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are called to share their faith with others, ensuring a legacy of faith (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
4. Unity in Faith and Purpose (Joshua 4:4-5, 12-13)
   • Highlight the unity of the tribes in setting up the stones, reflecting Israel’s collective identity as God’s people.
   • Apply this to the Christian life, where unity within the body of Christ strengthens and supports shared faith (Ephesians 4:3).
5. Conclusion
   • Reaffirm the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness, cultivating a legacy of faith, and upholding unity in testimony and purpose.

Illustrations and Examples:

• Personal Story: Share an example of someone who created a memorial or kept a journal of God’s faithfulness, illustrating the impact of remembrance on sustaining faith.
• Global Example: Many cultures honor memorials to remember significant events. Relate this to the importance of marking moments of God’s faithfulness in personal and communal life.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Joshua 4 calls today’s believers to:

• Cultivate Remembrance of God’s Works: Just as Israel set up stones to remember God’s miracle, believers are encouraged to reflect on and remember God’s faithfulness in their lives.
• Share Testimonies Across Generations: The memorial stones prompt future generations to ask questions. Believers are called to pass on their faith, sharing testimonies that inspire and strengthen others.
• Pursue Unity in the Body of Christ: The act of each tribe taking a stone represents collective unity. Believers are encouraged to pursue unity, working together in faith to fulfill God’s purposes.

Connection to the Father in Joshua 4:

God the Father’s faithfulness is evident in His desire for Israel to remember His mighty works. His call to set up a memorial reveals His love and care for His people, ensuring that they and future generations know of His power. God’s provision and guidance in the crossing of the Jordan serve as a testament to His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Joshua 4:

The twelve stones foreshadow Jesus as the ultimate memorial of God’s redemptive work. Just as the stones served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, the cross serves as a permanent reminder of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. Through Christ, believers are invited to participate in God’s covenant, unified as one body and called to share His grace with others.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Joshua 4:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to remember and proclaim God’s faithfulness, helping them to pass on a legacy of faith. Just as the stones served as a lasting testimony, the Spirit inspires believers to share their testimonies and to live lives that reflect God’s power and presence. The Spirit also brings unity to the body of Christ, strengthening believers as they walk in faith together.

Connection to God’s Love in Joshua 4:

God’s love is displayed in His provision for Israel and His desire for them to remember His works. By setting up a memorial, God ensures that His love and faithfulness are remembered, providing a source of strength for Israel’s future challenges. Through Jesus, God’s love is revealed fully, inviting believers to find security in His faithfulness and to carry His love into the world.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the story of the twelve stones challenge you to remember God’s faithfulness in your own life?
2. In what ways can you create reminders or memorials of God’s work in your life?
3. How can you pass on your testimony of faith to future generations or others around you?
4. What steps can you take to foster unity within the body of Christ, celebrating God’s faithfulness together?
5. How does the example of God’s love in Joshua 4 encourage you to rely on His promises and share His works with others?