Joshua 4:20

KJV

¶ And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.

KJV (with Strong's)

And those twelve {H8147}{H6240} stones {H68}, which they took out {H3947} of Jordan {H3383}, did Joshua {H3091} pitch {H6965} in Gilgal {H1537}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those twelve stones which they took out of the Yarden, Y'hoshua piled up at Gilgal.

Berean Standard Bible

And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.

American Standard Version

And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, did Joshua set up in Gilgal.

Commentary

### 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](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Jordan Crossing"). 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 ([Joshua 3:17](/joshua/3-17 "Joshua 3:17 - Israel Crosses the Jordan")). Immediately following this, God instructed Joshua to select one man from each of the twelve tribes to take a stone from the riverbed ([Joshua 4:1-3](/joshua/4-1 "Joshua 4:1-3 - Command to Take Stones")). 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 ([Joshua 4:9](/joshua/4-9 "Joshua 4:9 - Stones in the Jordan Riverbed")), 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 ([Joshua 5:9-10](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9-10 - Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal")). 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 ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")) 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** ([Joshua 4:6-7](/joshua/4-6 "Joshua 4:6-7 - Purpose of the Memorial Stones"))—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, _'ăbānîm'_):** The plural form of the common Hebrew word for "stone." In this context, these are not just ordinary rocks but specially chosen "large stones" ([Joshua 4:3](/joshua/4-3 "Joshua 4:3 - Taking Large Stones")) taken from a miraculously dry riverbed. Their number, "twelve," 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, נָצַב, _natsav'_):** This verb means "to stand, set up, establish, erect." It implies a deliberate and firm placement, not a casual dropping. The use of _natsav_ 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, גִּלְגָּל, _Gilgal'_):** The name of the location itself carries theological weight. While later interpreted as "rolling away" the reproach of Egypt ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - The Reproach of Egypt Rolled Away")), 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
* **"¶ And those twelve stones":** This phrase immediately draws attention to the specific objects of the memorial. The number "twelve" is crucial, representing the complete nation of Israel, ensuring that every tribe had a stake in and a reminder of this miraculous event. The "stones" themselves are ordinary, yet their origin and purpose render them extraordinary, becoming a tangible link between God's power and Israel's experience.
* **"which they took out of Jordan":** This clause highlights the miraculous source of the stones. They were not simply found on dry land but were retrieved from the very riverbed that God had supernaturally dried up. This detail underscores the divine intervention, making the stones direct physical evidence of God's power over creation and His direct involvement in bringing Israel into the land.
* **"did Joshua pitch":** This emphasizes Joshua's role as the divinely appointed leader, faithfully executing God's command. His action of "pitching" (setting up firmly) signifies the deliberate and permanent establishment of the memorial. It was not a casual act but a foundational one, designed to endure and serve its purpose for future generations.
* **"in Gilgal":** The specific location is significant. Gilgal was Israel's first encampment in the Promised Land, serving as a strategic and spiritual center. Placing the memorial here made it a prominent landmark for the nascent nation, a constant reminder of their entry into the land and the God who brought them there, a place where they would repeatedly gather and remember.

#### 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](/joshua/4 "Joshua 4 - The Jordan Memorial"), 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.

* [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Parting of the Red Sea") - Parallels the miraculous parting of the Jordan, demonstrating God's consistent power over water barriers.
* [Joshua 4:6-7](/joshua/4-6 "Joshua 4:6-7 - Purpose of the Memorial Stones") - Explicitly states the purpose of the stones: to be a sign for future generations, prompting inquiry and instruction.
* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram") - Connects the fulfillment of the land promise to the original covenant made with Abraham.

### 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
* **What are the "Gilgals" in your own life—specific moments or seasons where God's intervention was undeniably clear?**
* **How do you intentionally remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness, both personally and corporately?**
* **In what ways can you effectively share the story of God's works with the next generation, ensuring they understand His character and deeds?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen your faith and provide hope for current or future challenges?**

### 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](/joshua/4-3 "Joshua 4:3 - Command to Take Stones") and explicitly set up in [Joshua 4:20](/joshua/4-20 "Joshua 4:20 - Stones Pitched in Gilgal"), 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](/joshua/4-9 "Joshua 4:9 - Stones in the Jordan Riverbed"), 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 ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - The Reproach of Egypt Rolled Away")), and the Passover was observed ([Joshua 5:10](/joshua/5-10 "Joshua 5:10 - Passover at Gilgal")), 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](/joshua/4-20 "Joshua 4:20 - Stones Pitched in Gilgal"), 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 ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). 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 ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The twelve stones served as a tangible witness to God's power and faithfulness, prompting future generations to ask, "What do these stones mean?" ([Joshua 4:6](/joshua/4-6 "Joshua 4:6 - Purpose of the Memorial Stones")). 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 ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). 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" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")) 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 ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 4:3

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.

Joshua 4:8

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.