TRV
Translation
King James Version
Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
Complete Jewish Bible
Y'hoshua called the twelve men whom he had chosen from the people of Isra'el, a man from every tribe,
Berean Standard Bible
So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe,
American Standard Version
Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
World English Bible Messianic
Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Ioshua called the twelue men, whome he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of euery tribe a man,
Young's Literal Translation
And Joshua calleth unto the twelve men whom he prepared out of the sons of Israel, one man--one man out of a tribe;
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In the KJVVerse 5,915 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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Gregory of NyssaAD 395
ON THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST
The people of the Hebrews, as we learn, after many sufferings, and after accomplishing their weary course in the desert, did not enter the land of promise until it had first been brought, with Joshua for its guide and the pilot of its life, to the passage of the Jordan. But it is clear that Joshua also, who set up the twelve stones in the stream, was anticipating the coming of the twelve disciples, the ministers of baptism.
PrudentiusAD 410
HYMNS FOR EVERY DAY 177.180
Also, twelve stones from Jordan’s bed,
Left dry when waters backward flowed,
He raised and firmly set in place,
The type of Christ’s apostles twelve.
Aurelius Prudentius ClemensAD 413
Also, twelve stones from Jordan’s bed,
Left dry when waters backward flowed,
He raised and firmly set in place,
The type of Christ’s apostles twelve.
- "Hymns for Every Day 177.180"
Peter ChrysologusAD 450
SERMON 1.0
The twelve patriarchs destined to become twelve tribes were arranged to be a type and pattern of the number of the apostles. So were the twelve fountains in the desert and twelve stones taken from the bed of the Jordan. We leave it to the student of the law to find deeper proof of all this.
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 4:4 meticulously details Joshua's immediate and precise obedience to God's command, describing his selection of twelve men, one from each of the Israelite tribes. These chosen individuals were tasked with retrieving memorial stones from the miraculously dried Jordan River bed, an act divinely ordained to serve as a perpetual, tangible testimony of God's mighty power and unwavering faithfulness in bringing His people into the Promised Land, thereby ensuring that future generations would vividly recall this pivotal moment of divine intervention and instruction.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed at a momentous turning point in the book of Joshua, immediately following the miraculous and unprecedented crossing of the Jordan River. Joshua 3 vividly recounts the dramatic halting of the Jordan's waters, allowing the entire nation of Israel to pass through on dry ground, an event designed to echo and surpass the earlier Red Sea deliverance, establishing Joshua's leadership. In Joshua 4:1-3, God explicitly commands Joshua to appoint twelve men, one from each tribe, to take a stone from the very spot in the middle of the Jordan where the priests' feet had stood. Joshua 4:4 demonstrates Joshua's exemplary and prompt obedience to this divine directive, initiating the crucial process of establishing the memorial. The subsequent verses, Joshua 4:5-8, meticulously detail the execution of this command and the establishment of the memorial at Gilgal, profoundly emphasizing the purpose of the stones as a perpetual sign for all future generations, cementing their collective memory of God's faithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context: After forty arduous years of wilderness wandering, the generation that had departed from Egypt had largely passed away, and a new generation, born and raised in the wilderness, stood poised to enter the Promised Land. This miraculous crossing of the Jordan marked the definitive end of their nomadic existence and the providential beginning of their inheritance of Canaan. Memorials, often involving the erection of stones or altars, were a pervasive and significant practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, serving to commemorate momentous events, solemnize treaties, or mark profound divine encounters. For Israel, these memorials served a crucial pedagogical purpose, functioning as tangible prompts for recounting God's mighty acts and covenant faithfulness to their children (Deuteronomy 6:20-25). The deliberate selection of one man from each of the twelve tribes powerfully underscored the national, unified nature of this foundational event, reinforcing their collective identity as the chosen people of God entering their long-promised inheritance.
Key Themes: Joshua 4:4 contributes profoundly to several overarching and interconnected themes prevalent throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Obedience to Divine Command is paramount, as Joshua's immediate and precise action exemplifies faithful leadership and establishes a vital precedent for the entire nation. This theme of unwavering obedience is a recurring motif, particularly highlighted in stark contrast to the previous generation's frequent disobedience in the wilderness. The verse also powerfully highlights Remembrance and Legacy, emphasizing the critical importance of establishing tangible and enduring reminders of God's faithfulness so that future generations would intimately know, trust, and worship Him. This active process of remembering is central to Israelite identity, worship, and their covenant relationship with Yahweh (Psalm 78:1-7). Furthermore, the deliberate selection of "out of every tribe a man" forcefully reinforces the theme of Unity and Representation, demonstrating that the entire nation, not merely a select few, experienced and participated in God's miraculous deliverance and shared in the inheritance of the land. This collective identity is foundational to Israel's unique covenant relationship with God and their corporate mission.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning, impact, and theological significance. Emphasis is powerfully achieved through the precise numerical specification of "twelve men" and the clear, repetitive directive "out of every tribe a man," underscoring the comprehensive and representative nature of the selection. This numerical precision highlights the deliberate and all-encompassing scope of God's plan for the entire nation. The Symbolism of the number twelve, representing the complete nation of Israel, is profoundly potent, reinforcing the idea that the entire covenant community was involved in and bore witness to this pivotal moment of divine intervention. The phrase "whom he had prepared" hints at Prolepsis or Divine Orchestration, suggesting that Joshua had either made prior arrangements or had certain individuals in mind, or more profoundly, that God had providentially prepared these specific men for this task even before the immediate command was given. This demonstrates not merely Joshua's foresight but God's sovereign hand in the preparation of His chosen instruments. The direct and active verbs "called" and "prepared" create a strong sense of Action and Agency, powerfully highlighting Joshua's decisive leadership and the immediate, effective execution of God's divine will.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:4 serves as a foundational text for understanding the critical importance of divine command, the nature of faithful leadership, and the perpetuity of God's covenant promises. The deliberate selection of these twelve men for a memorial act underscores the profound biblical principle that God's mighty deeds are not meant to be forgotten or relegated to history, but are to be intentionally remembered, recounted, and passed down through successive generations. This sacred act of remembrance fosters a robust corporate identity, reinforces collective faith, and provides a tangible, enduring link between God's past faithfulness and His ongoing presence and future promises. It powerfully illustrates how God sovereignly uses human agents, specifically chosen and prepared, to accomplish His redemptive purposes and to ensure that His unfolding redemptive history is preserved, proclaimed, and perpetuated. The unity of the tribes in this significant act of remembrance profoundly foreshadows the future unity of God's people in worship, mission, and the shared experience of His grace.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:4 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers regarding the essence of faithful leadership, the vital practice of remembrance, and the sacred responsibility of passing on the faith. Joshua's immediate, precise, and unwavering obedience to God's specific instruction serves as a powerful and exemplary model for spiritual leaders and all believers today, emphasizing the absolute necessity of listening intently to divine directives and acting upon them without hesitation, deviation, or compromise. Furthermore, the verse highlights the enduring importance of establishing "memorials" in our own lives and within our communities—not necessarily physical stones, but intentional practices, cherished traditions, and heartfelt testimonies that help us vividly remember God's faithfulness. Whether through consistent personal journaling, regular family devotions, corporate worship, or sharing personal testimonies, intentionally recounting God's past works fortifies our faith in His present activity and future promises. This active and deliberate act of remembering is utterly crucial for ensuring that the profound story of God's redemptive work is not lost to apathy or forgetfulness, but is actively transmitted and joyfully proclaimed to the next generation, equipping them to trust and obey Him, just as the Israelites were taught through the enduring witness of the twelve stones.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were these "prepared" men, and what does their selection imply about leadership in Israel?
Answer: The text does not explicitly name these twelve men, but the significant phrase "whom he had prepared" (Hebrew, kûn) strongly suggests they were not randomly chosen or hastily appointed. This implies that Joshua had either pre-selected individuals known for their exemplary character, unwavering faithfulness, proven leadership qualities, or that God Himself had providentially set them apart for this specific, sacred task. Their selection, one representative from each of the twelve tribes, profoundly underscores the principle of representative leadership within ancient Israel. It demonstrates that significant national acts, particularly those with lasting theological and pedagogical implications, required the active participation and endorsement of the entire community through its designated tribal leaders. This method of selection ensured national unity, fostered shared responsibility for the memorial, and established a collective witness to God's mighty acts. It reinforces the idea that leadership in Israel was often intrinsically tied to tribal identity, the collective well-being of the nation, and the preservation of covenant memory, as exemplified in the appointment of elders, judges, and tribal heads throughout their history (Exodus 18:25 and Numbers 1:4).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 4:4, with its profound emphasis on chosen leadership, immediate divine command, and the establishment of a lasting memorial for future generations, finds its ultimate and most glorious Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Joshua, a type of Christ, called and prepared twelve men to bear witness to God's miraculous entry into the earthly Promised Land, so too did Jesus, the greater Joshua, call and prepare twelve disciples to bear witness to His greater work of salvation and the inauguration of the new covenant. These disciples, much like the men in Joshua, were chosen not by random chance but by divine intention, being "prepared" by Christ's transformative teaching and perfect example to be His apostles, serving as foundational stones of the new spiritual Israel, the Church (Ephesians 2:20). The miraculous crossing of the Jordan, marking a new beginning for physical Israel, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual new birth and entry into God's eternal kingdom through Christ, where believers are led by the ultimate Shepherd into a spiritual inheritance far surpassing the land of Canaan (1 Peter 1:3-4). Furthermore, while the memorial stones served as a tangible and enduring reminder of God's faithfulness to His old covenant, in Christ, we have the ultimate, living memorial: the Lord's Supper, where we "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). Thus, Joshua 4:4 points forward with prophetic clarity to Christ's perfect leadership, His sovereign selection of those who would carry His redemptive message, and the enduring spiritual memorials He instituted to ensure His glorious work is remembered and proclaimed through all generations until His triumphant return.