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Commentary on Joshua 4 verses 20–24
The twelve stones which were laid down in Gilgal (Jos 4:8) are here set up either one upon another, yet so as that they might be distinctly counted, or one by another in rows; for after they were fixed they ar not call a heap of stones, but these stones.
I. It is here taken for granted that posterity would enquire into the meaning of them, supposing them intended for a memorial: Your children shall ask their fathers (for who else should they ask?) What mean these stones? Notes, Those that will be wise when they are old must be inquisitive when they are young. Our Lord Jesus, though he had in himself the fulness of knowledge, has by his example taught children and young people to hear and ask questions, Luk 2:46. Perhaps when John was baptizing in Jordan at Bethabara (the house of passage, where the people passed over) he pointed at these very stones, while saying (Mat 3:9) God is able of these stones (which were at first set up by the twelve tribes) to raise up children unto Abraham. The stones being the memorial of the miracle, the children's question gave occasion for the improvement of it; but our Saviour says (Luk 10:40), If the children should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out; for one way or other the Lord will be glorified in his works of wonder.
II. The parents are here directed what answer to give to this enquiry (Jos 4:22): "You shall let your children know that which you have yourselves learned from the written word and from your fathers." Note, It is the duty of parents to acquaint their children betimes with the word and works of God, that they may be trained up in the way they should go.
1.They must let their children know that Jordan was driven back before Israel, who went through it upon dry land, and that this was the very place where they passed over. They saw how deep and strong a stream Jordan now was, but the divine power put a stop to it, even when it overflowed all its banks - "and this for you, that live so long after." Note, God's mercies to our ancestors were mercies to us; and we should take all occasions to revive the remembrance of the great things God did for our fathers in the days of old. The place thus marked would be a memorandum to them: Israel came over this Jordan. A local memory would be of use to them, and the sight of the place remind them of that which was done there; and not only the inhabitants of that country, but strangers and travellers, would look upon these stones and receive instruction. Many, upon the sight of the stones, would go to their Bibles, and there read the history of this wondrous work; and some perhaps, upon reading the history, though living at a distance, would have the curiosity to go and see the stones.
2.They must take that occasion to tell their children of the drying up of the Red Sea forty years before: As the Lord your God did to the Red Sea. Note. (1.) It greatly magnifies later mercies to compare them with former mercies, for, by making the comparison, it appears that god is the same yesterday, today, and for ever. (2.) Later mercies should bring to remembrance former mercies, and revive our thankfulness for them.
3.They must put them in the way of making a good use of these works of wonder, the knowledge whereof was thus carefully transmitted to them, Jos 4:24. (1.) The power of God was hereby magnified. All the world was or might be convinced that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that nothing is too hard for God to do; nor can any power, no, not that of nature itself, obstruct what God will effect. The deliverances of God's people are instructions to all people, and fair warnings not to contend with Omnipotence. (2.) The people of God were engaged and encouraged to persevere in his service "That you might fear the Lord your God, and consequently do your duty to him, and this for ever," or all days (margin), "every day, all the days of your lives, and your seed throughout your generations." The remembrance of this wonderful work should effectually restrain them from the worship of other gods, and constrain them to abide and abound in the service of their own God. Note, In all the instructions and informations parents give their children, they should have this chiefly in their eye, to teach and engage them to fear God for ever. Serious godliness is the best learning.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 4:20 records the pivotal moment when Joshua, leading the Israelites, established a lasting memorial at Gilgal. This verse details the setting up of the twelve stones miraculously taken from the dry riverbed of the Jordan, immediately after the entire nation crossed into the Promised Land. This act served as a tangible and permanent testimony to God's miraculous power, His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, and the official entry of His people into their inheritance, ensuring future generations would remember His mighty works.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Joshua 4:20 concludes a significant narrative arc that began in Joshua 3. Chapters 3 and 4 meticulously describe the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, mirroring the earlier Red Sea deliverance. God commanded the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to stand in the Jordan's dry bed, causing the waters to pile up, allowing the entire nation to pass through on dry ground, as detailed in Joshua 3:17. Immediately following this, God instructed Joshua to select one man from each of the twelve tribes to take a stone from the riverbed, as commanded in Joshua 4:1-3. These twelve stones were to be set up as a memorial. Additionally, Joshua himself set up another twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, where the priests had stood, as recorded in Joshua 4:9, though these would have been submerged. Joshua 4:20 specifically refers to the first set of twelve stones, brought out of the riverbed and "pitched" at Gilgal, serving as the primary, visible memorial for all to see and remember.
Historical & Cultural Context: The crossing of the Jordan marked Israel's definitive transition from forty years of wilderness wandering to inhabiting the land promised to their forefathers. Gilgal, where the stones were pitched, became Israel's first encampment in Canaan, serving as a base of operations for the initial campaigns and a significant religious center for a period, as seen in Joshua 5:9-10. In the ancient Near East, erecting stone monuments was a common practice to commemorate significant events, treaties, victories, or divine encounters. However, unlike pagan practices, this memorial was explicitly commanded by Yahweh, not for idol worship but for remembrance of His unique power and covenant faithfulness. The Jordan River itself was a formidable natural barrier, and its miraculous parting underscored God's sovereign control over creation, demonstrating His power to clear obstacles for His people to enter their inheritance.
Key Themes: The establishment of the memorial stones at Gilgal encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of God's Covenant Faithfulness, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to fulfill the land promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:7 and reiterated throughout the Pentateuch. This act also powerfully highlights Divine Power and Sovereignty, as God manipulates natural forces to clear a path for His people, proving that no obstacle can thwart His plans. The primary stated purpose of the stones—to serve as a lasting Memorial and for Generational Instruction, as articulated in Joshua 4:6-7—emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past deeds to strengthen faith and educate future generations about their heritage and God's character. Finally, the event signifies the Transition from Wilderness to Inheritance, marking the end of a nomadic existence and the beginning of settled life in the Promised Land, a crucial step in Israel's national identity and destiny.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
stones (Hebrew, ʼeben', H68): The singular form of the common Hebrew word for "stone" (H68). In this context, the plural form ʼăbānîm refers to these specific, divinely chosen objects. These are not just ordinary rocks but specially selected "large stones" taken from a miraculously dry riverbed. Their number, "twelve" (H8147 shᵉnayim and H6240 ʻâsâr), is highly significant, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the unity and collective witness of the entire nation to God's act. These stones are tangible, enduring, and speak of a lasting testimony.
pitch (Hebrew, qûwm', H6965): A primitive root (H6965) meaning "to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); abide, accomplish, confirm, continue, decree, endure, get up, make good, help, hold, lift up, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, rise (up), rouse up, set (up), establish, stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, sure." It implies a deliberate and firm placement, not a casual dropping. The use of qûwm here conveys the idea of permanence and stability. Joshua didn't just lay the stones down; he "pitched" them, ensuring they stood upright and conspicuously as a fixed, enduring monument. This emphasizes the lasting purpose of the memorial—to remain a visible reminder for generations.
Gilgal (Hebrew, Gilgâl', H1537): The name of the location itself (H1537) carries theological weight. It is described as "the same as גִּלְגָּל (with the article as a properly, noun); Gilgal, the name of three places in Palestine." While later interpreted as "rolling away" the reproach of Egypt in Joshua 5:9, the name "Gilgal" likely means "circle of stones" or "stone circle," suggesting it may have been a pre-existing site or named for this very memorial. It became Israel's first base camp in Canaan, a place of covenant renewal (circumcision, Passover), and a significant spiritual and military center for a period, making it a fitting place for such a foundational memorial.
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 4:20, though concise, employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. Symbolism is paramount; the twelve stones are not merely rocks but powerful symbols of God's faithfulness, His miraculous power, and the covenant He keeps with His people. They represent a tangible, enduring witness to an intangible divine act. The narrative also uses Emphasis through Repetition, as the command to take the stones, their number, and their purpose are reiterated throughout Joshua 4, underscoring their importance. The verse serves as a Culmination in the narrative arc of the Jordan crossing, providing the final, visible outcome of the divine command and miraculous event. It acts as a Foreshadowing device, setting the stage for future inquiries from subsequent generations, thereby establishing a pattern of generational instruction and remembrance within Israel's history.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:20 stands as a profound theological statement about God's active presence and faithfulness in the history of His people. The memorial at Gilgal is a visible testament to God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of land to Abraham and his descendants. It underscores the principle that God is a promise-keeping God, who intervenes supernaturally to clear obstacles and bring His people into their inheritance. This event also highlights the importance of remembrance in biblical theology; God commands memorials not for His own benefit, but for His people to recall His mighty deeds, fostering gratitude, strengthening faith, and ensuring the transmission of divine truth across generations. The stones serve as a perpetual sermon, teaching that God's power is limitless and His commitment to His people is unwavering.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:20 calls us to intentionally remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our own lives and in the collective history of His people. Just as the Israelites were commanded to build a tangible memorial, we are invited to identify and acknowledge the "Gilgals" in our spiritual journeys—those specific moments where God has clearly intervened, provided, delivered, or guided us through seemingly impossible circumstances. These acts of remembrance are not merely nostalgic; they are vital for strengthening our faith in the face of current challenges and future uncertainties. By recalling God's consistent character and past victories, we cultivate a deeper trust in His continued presence and power. Furthermore, this verse reminds us of our responsibility to pass on the narrative of God's faithfulness to the next generation, ensuring that the legacy of His mighty works endures. Our testimonies, shared stories, and intentional acts of gratitude become our "memorial stones," pointing others to the God who keeps His promises.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were there two sets of twelve stones mentioned in Joshua 4?
Answer: Joshua 4 describes two distinct sets of twelve stones, each with a different purpose and location. The first set, referenced in Joshua 4:3 and explicitly set up in Joshua 4:20, consisted of stones taken out of the Jordan riverbed by one man from each tribe. These were then "pitched" (set up) at Gilgal as a permanent, visible memorial for all to see and for future generations to inquire about. The second set of twelve stones is mentioned in Joshua 4:9, where Joshua himself set them up in the middle of the Jordan, precisely where the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had stood. These stones would have been submerged once the Jordan's waters returned to their normal flow. While their exact purpose is debated, they likely served as a submerged, internal witness to the priests and perhaps a hidden testimony that only those who knew the story would understand, emphasizing the exact spot of the miracle. The primary public memorial, however, was the one at Gilgal.
What was the significance of Gilgal as the location for this memorial?
Answer: Gilgal held immense significance for the Israelites as their first encampment in the Promised Land. It was more than just a campsite; it became a foundational spiritual and national center. Here, the reproach of Egypt was "rolled away" through the mass circumcision of the male population, as recorded in Joshua 5:9, and the Passover was observed, as recounted in Joshua 5:10, marking a new beginning for the covenant community. Placing the memorial stones at Gilgal embedded the memory of God's miraculous Jordan crossing at the very heart of their initial experience in the land. It served as a constant, visible reminder of God's faithfulness and power at a place where they would frequently gather for worship, military planning, and covenant renewal, reinforcing their identity as God's people in the land He had given them.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The memorial at Gilgal, established in Joshua 4:20, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate memorial and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Just as the Jordan crossing marked Israel's entry into their physical inheritance, Christ's death and resurrection mark the believer's entry into a spiritual inheritance of eternal life and communion with God, as promised in Ephesians 1:11-14. Joshua, whose name is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, led God's people into rest; similarly, Jesus, our ultimate Joshua, leads us into true spiritual rest and salvation, as He invites in Matthew 11:28-30. The twelve stones served as a tangible witness to God's power and faithfulness, prompting future generations to ask, "What do these stones mean?" as stated in Joshua 4:6. In the New Covenant, Christ Himself is the ultimate "memorial" of God's saving power and covenant faithfulness, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His resurrected body, broken and raised, is the enduring sign of God's triumph over sin and death. Furthermore, believers are now called "living stones" in 1 Peter 2:5 built into a spiritual house, a new temple, collectively bearing witness to God's saving acts in Christ, just as the physical stones bore witness to His acts at Gilgal. The ultimate inheritance is no longer a physical land but an eternal kingdom secured by Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, as proclaimed in Colossians 1:13-14.