TRV
Translation
Young's Literal Translation
`Take for you out of the people twelve men, one man--one man out of a tribe;
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In the KJVVerse 5,913 of 31,102
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Commentary on Joshua 4 verses 1–9
1 ¶ And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
2 Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
4 Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
5 And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:
6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
8 And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.
9 And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.
We may well imagine how busy Joshua and all the men of war were while they were passing over Jordan, when besides their own marching into an enemy's country, and in the face of the enemy, which could not but occasion them many thoughts of hear, they had their wives, and children, and families, their cattle, and tents, and all their effects, bag and baggage, to convey by this strange and untrodden path, which we must suppose either very muddy or very stony, troublesome to the weak and frightful to the timorous, the descent to the bottom of the river and the ascent out of it steep, so that every man must needs have his head full of care and his hands full of business, and Joshua more than any of them. And yet, in the midst of all his hurry, care must be taken to perpetuate the memorial of this wonderous work of God, and this care might not be adjourned to a time of greater leisure. Note, How much soever we have to do of business for ourselves and our families, we must not neglect nor omit what we have to do for the glory of God and the serving of his honour, for that is our best business. Now,
I. God gave orders for the preparing of this memorial. Had Joshua done it without divine direction, it might have looked like a design to perpetuate his own name and honour, nor would it have commanded so sacred and venerable a regard from posterity as now, when god himself appointed it. Note, God's works of wonder ought to be kept in everlasting remembrance, and means devise for the preserving of the memorial of them. Some of the Israelites that passed over Jordan perhaps were so stupid, and so little affected with this great favour of God to them, that they felt no concern to have it remembered; while others, it may be, were so much affected with it, and had such deep impressions made upon them by it, that they thought there needed no memorial of it to be erected, the heart and tongue of every Israelite in every age would be a living lasting monument of it. But God, knowing their frame, and how apt they had been soon to forget his works, ordered an expedient for the keeping of this in remembrance to all generations, that those who could not, or would not, read the record of it in the sacred history, might come to the knowledge of it by the monument set up in remembrance of it, of which the common tradition of the country would be an explication; it would likewise serve to corroborate the proof of the matter of fact, and would remain a standing evidence of it to those who in after-ages might question the truth of it. A monument is to be erected, and, 1. Joshua, as chief captain, must five direction about it (v. 1): When all the people had clean passed over Jordan, not even the feeble, that were the hindmost of them, left behind, so that God had done his work completely, and every Israelite got safe into Canaan, then God spoke unto Joshua to provide materials for this monument. It is the pious conjecture of the learned bishop Patrick that Joshua had gone into some place of retirement to return thanks immediately for this wonderful mercy, and then god met him, and spoke thus to him. Or, perhaps, it was by Eleazar the priest that God gave these and other instructions to Joshua; for, though he is not mentioned here, yet, when Joshua was ordained by the imposition of hands to this great trust, god appointed that Eleazar should ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim, and at his word Joshua and all the children of Israel must go out and come in, Num 27:21. 2. One man out of each tribe, and he a chosen man, must be employed to prepare materials for this monument, that each tribe might have the story told them by one of themselves, and each tribe might contribute something to the glory of God thereby (Jos 4:2, Jos 4:4): Out of ever tribe a man. Not the Levites only, but every Israelite must, in his place, help to make known to the sons of men God's mighty acts, Psa 145:12. The two tribes, though seated already in their possession, yet, sharing in the mercy, must lend a hand to the memorial of it. 3. The stones that must be set up for this memorial are ordered to be taken out of the midst of the cannel (where, probably, there lay abundance of great stones), and as near as might be from the very place where the priests stood with the ark, Jos 4:3, Jos 4:5. This intended monument deserved to be made of stones curiously cut with the finest and most exquisite art, but these stones out of the bottom of the river were more natural and more apt indications of the miracle. let posterity know by this that Jordan was driven back, for these very stones were then fetched out of it. In the institution of signs, God always chose that which was most proper and significant, rather than that which is pompous or curious; for God hath chosen the foolish things of the world. These twelve men, after they got over Jordan, must be sent back to the place where the ark stood, being permitted to come near it (which others might not) for this service: "Pass over before the ark (Jos 4:5), that is, into the presence of the ark, which now stands in the midst of Jordan, and thence fetch these stones." 4. the use of these stones is here appointed for a sign (Jos 4:6), a memorial, Jos 4:7. They would give occasion to the children to ask their parents in time to come, How came these stones hither? (probably the land about not being stony), and then the parents would inform them, as they themselves had been informed, that in this place Jordan was divided by the almighty power of God, to give Israel passage into Canaan, as Joshua enlarges on this head, v. 22, etc.
II. According to these orders the thing was done. 1. Twelve stones were taken up out of the midst of Jordan, and carried in the sight of the people to the place where they had their head-quarters that night, v. 8. It is probable that the stones they took were as big as they could well carry, and as near as might be of a size and shape. But whether they went away with them immediately to the place, of whether they staid to attend the ark, and kept pace with the solemn procession of that, to grace its triumphant entry in to Canaan, is not certain. By these stones which they were ordered to take up God did, as it were, give them livery and seisin of this good land; it is all their own, let them enter and take possession; therefore what these twelve did the children of Israel are said to do (v. 8), because they were the representatives of their respective tribes. In allusion to this, we may observe that when the Lord Jesus, our Joshua, having overcome the sharpness of death and dried up that Jordan, had opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers, he appointed his twelve apostles according to the number of the tribes of Israel, by the memorial of the gospel to transmit the knowledge of this to remote places and future ages. 2. Other twelve stones (probably much larger than the other, for we read not that they were each of them one man's load) were set up in the midst of Jordan (v. 9), piled up so high in a heap or pillar as that the top of it might be seen above the water when the river was low, or seen in the water when it was clear, or at least the noise of commotion of the water passing over it would be observable, and the bargemen would avoid it, as they do a rock. Some way or other, it is likely, it was discernible, so as to notify the very place where the ark stood, and to serve for a duplicate to the other monument, which was to set up on dry land in Gilgal, for the confirming of its testimony and the preserving of its tradition. The sign being doubled, no doubt the thing was certain.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 4:2 records a precise divine directive given to Joshua immediately after the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. This instruction to select twelve men, one from each tribe, serves as the foundational command for establishing a lasting memorial of stones. It underscores God's active involvement in Israel's journey, His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and His desire for His people to perpetually remember His mighty acts of deliverance as they enter the Promised Land, thereby solidifying their national identity and fostering intergenerational faith.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 4:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is Divine Command, which serves as the primary driver of the narrative, establishing God's direct involvement and absolute authority over Israel's actions and destiny. The precise and specific nature of the command ("Take you twelve men," "out of every tribe a man") also utilizes Specificity and Repetition ("out of the people, out of every tribe a man") to ensure clarity and leave no room for misinterpretation, highlighting the meticulousness of God's plan and the importance of exact obedience. Furthermore, the number "twelve" and the phrase "out of every tribe a man" employ profound Symbolism and Representation, emphasizing the unity, completeness, and collective identity of the nation of Israel. This selection of representatives from each tribe also functions as Synecdoche, where a part (one man from each tribe) stands for the whole (the entire nation), underscoring the corporate nature of their covenant relationship with God and their shared experience of His deliverance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:2, though a simple command, is deeply rooted in the theological framework of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His profound desire for His people to remember His mighty acts. It highlights that God's deliverance is not just for the moment but is intended to be a foundational memory that shapes identity, fosters gratitude, and builds faith for future generations. The selection of twelve representatives underscores the corporate nature of Israel's relationship with God; their blessings and responsibilities are shared nationally, emphasizing their collective identity as a covenant people. This act of remembrance serves as a powerful antidote to spiritual amnesia, ensuring that the nation continually acknowledges God as their sovereign deliverer and faithful provider, thereby building resilience for future challenges and fostering obedience to His commands. It's a powerful reminder that God's past faithfulness is the bedrock for present trust and future hope, establishing a precedent for how God's people are to preserve and transmit their spiritual heritage.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine command in Joshua 4:2 to establish a memorial serves as a timeless principle for believers today: the imperative to intentionally remember and acknowledge God's faithfulness in our lives. Just as God ensured Israel would not forget His mighty act at the Jordan, we are called to actively recall and celebrate His interventions, provisions, and deliverances, both personally and corporately. This practice of "setting up stones" in our hearts and communities—whether through journaling, sharing testimonies, observing spiritual disciplines, or creating tangible reminders—strengthens our faith in times of doubt and equips us to teach the next generation about God's unchanging character and redemptive power. When we collectively remember God's past works, our corporate witness becomes a powerful testament to His ongoing presence and power, encouraging fellow believers, solidifying our shared identity in Christ, and drawing others to Him. This act of remembrance transforms historical events into living faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was it important that "twelve men" were chosen, one from "every tribe"?
Answer: The selection of "twelve men, out of every tribe a man," was crucial for several profound reasons, all emphasizing unity, comprehensive representation, and the national significance of the event. Firstly, the number twelve directly corresponded to the twelve tribes of Israel, ensuring that the memorial was a collective act of the entire nation, not just a segment or a few leaders. This fostered a deep sense of shared participation and ownership in God's miraculous deliverance. Secondly, it reinforced the idea of national unity under God's covenant. Each tribe, though distinct, was part of a single people, and their joint action in gathering the stones underscored their solidarity and shared identity as the people of God entering their inheritance. Finally, it ensured that the testimony of God's power at the Jordan would be universally recognized and remembered across all tribal lines, serving as a lasting sign for all future generations of Israelites, as articulated in Joshua 4:6-7. This corporate act of remembrance was designed to prevent spiritual amnesia and continually point back to God's faithfulness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The crossing of the Jordan River and the subsequent command to establish a memorial in Joshua 4:2 find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as Israel passed through the waters into the Promised Land, believers today pass through the waters of baptism, symbolizing their death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ, entering into the spiritual realities of God's kingdom and the inheritance of eternal life (Colossians 2:12). Joshua, whose name (Yeshua) is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, leads God's people into their earthly inheritance, powerfully foreshadowing Jesus Christ, who leads His people into their ultimate spiritual inheritance and eternal rest (Hebrews 4:8-10). The twelve stones taken from the Jordan riverbed symbolize a lasting testimony of God's saving power, much like the Church, composed of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9), stands as a living memorial to God's ultimate act of salvation through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Christ Himself is the cornerstone upon which this new spiritual temple is built, with believers as "living stones" (1 Peter 2:4-5) united in Him, bearing witness to God's redemptive work for all eternity, a testament far more enduring than any physical monument.