Joshua 4:15

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible:

ADONAI said to Y'hoshua,

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the LORD said to Joshua,

American Standard Version:

And Jehovah spake unto Joshua, saying,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the LORD^{H3068} spake^{H559} unto Joshua^{H3091}, saying^{H559},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Joshua 4:15

Joshua 4:15 is a verse set within the context of the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land, a significant event in the history of the Israelite people. This event marks the culmination of the Exodus journey and the beginning of their settlement in Canaan. In this verse, God commands Joshua, who has succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites, to instruct the people. The specific command is not detailed in this verse alone, but the broader context involves the establishment of a memorial made of twelve stones taken from the Jordan River, which the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had stood upon, causing the waters to halt and allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.

The themes present in Joshua 4:15 include divine guidance, as God directly speaks to Joshua; the importance of remembrance and testimony, as the stones are meant to serve as a sign and reminder to future generations of God's mighty acts; and the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, signifying continuity and faithfulness in God's promises. Historically, this verse reflects the period of the Israelite conquest and settlement in Canaan, a time when the tribes were consolidating their identity as a people and solidifying their relationship with God, who was actively involved in their history and daily lives. The memorial of stones would have been a physical testament to God's power and faithfulness, reinforcing the people's trust in His guidance and provision as they entered a new phase of their national and spiritual life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3091
   There are 199 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהוֹשׁוּעַ
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-shoo'-ah
   Description: or יְהוֹשֻׁעַ; from יְהֹוָה and יָשַׁע; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader; Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare הוֹשֵׁעַ, יֵשׁוּעַ.