Joshua 4:7

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.

Then ye shall answer {H559} them, That the waters {H4325} of Jordan {H3383} were cut off {H3772} before {H6440} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068}; when it passed over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}, the waters {H4325} of Jordan {H3383} were cut off {H3772}: and these stones {H68} shall be for a memorial {H2146} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

you will answer them, 'It's because the water in the Yarden was cut off before the ark for the covenant of ADONAI; when it crossed the Yarden, the water in the Yarden was cut off; and these stones are to be a reminder for the people of Isra'el forever.'"

you are to tell them, β€˜The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.”

then ye shall say unto them, Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

Commentary

Context of Joshua 4:7

This verse provides the divinely ordained answer to a question that future generations would ask about the twelve stones set up in the middle of the Jordan River and on the western bank at Gilgal. Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground, led by the Ark of the Covenant carried by the priests, God commanded Joshua to have one man from each of the twelve tribes take a stone from the riverbed where the priests' feet stood (Joshua 4:3). These stones were to serve as a perpetual memorial, a tangible reminder of God's mighty act in bringing Israel into the Promised Land, mirroring the earlier crossing of the Red Sea.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Power and Presence: The verse emphasizes that "the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD." This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His active presence with His people. The Ark, representing His presence, was the catalyst for the miracle, demonstrating that it was His power, not human strength, that accomplished the feat.
  • Remembrance and Memorials: The primary purpose of the stones was to be "for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever." God desires that His people remember His mighty works and faithfulness. These physical markers were designed to prompt questions from future generations, providing an opportunity for parents to recount God's powerful intervention.
  • Teaching Future Generations: The directive to "answer them" underscores the vital importance of intergenerational teaching. It's not enough to merely have a memorial; the story and significance behind it must be passed down. This echoes principles found in Deuteronomy 6:7, which calls for diligent instruction of children in God's ways and deeds.
  • God's Covenant Faithfulness: The Ark is explicitly called the "ark of the covenant of the LORD," reminding Israel of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The parting of the Jordan was a fulfillment of His promise to bring them into the land He had sworn to their forefathers.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "cut off" is karath (Χ›Χ¨Χͺ), which means to cut, cut off, or cut down. In this context, it signifies a decisive and complete separation of the water, not merely a drying up. This emphasizes the supernatural nature of the eventβ€”a deliberate and powerful act of God. The word for "memorial" is zikaron (Χ–Χ›Χ¨Χ•ΧŸ), which literally means a remembrance or a token by which something is remembered. It implies an active process of recalling and recounting, not just a passive monument.

Practical Application

Joshua 4:7 calls believers today to remember God's faithfulness in their own lives and in the history of His church. Just as Israel was to recount the Jordan crossing, we are encouraged to:

  • Remember God's Past Acts: Reflect on the "Jordan crossings" in your own life – times when God powerfully intervened, provided, or delivered. These personal "memorials" strengthen faith for future challenges.
  • Share Your Testimony: Be prepared to share the story of God's work in your life and in the world with others, especially with younger generations. Your personal testimony is a powerful tool for demonstrating God's reality and faithfulness.
  • Establish Spiritual Memorials: Consider how you can create "memorials" in your life or family – perhaps through traditions, journaling, or specific times of reflection – that help you and others remember God's goodness and power.
  • Trust God for Future "Crossings": The God who parted the Jordan for Israel is the same God who is faithful today. This verse encourages us to trust Him as we face our own challenges, knowing He is able to make a way where there seems to be none (Isaiah 43:19).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 12:14 (7 votes)

    And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

  • Exodus 28:12 (4 votes)

    And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod [for] stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

  • Numbers 16:40 (4 votes)

    [To be] a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which [is] not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

  • Psalms 111:4 (4 votes)

    He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion.

  • Joshua 3:13 (3 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

  • Joshua 3:16 (3 votes)

    That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

  • Isaiah 66:3 (2 votes)

    He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.