TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
And the children H1121 of Israel H3478 did H6213 so as Joshua H3091 commanded H6680, and took up H5375 twelve H8147 H6240 stones H68 out of the midst H8432 of Jordan H3383, as the LORD H3068 spake H1696 unto Joshua H3091, according to the number H4557 of the tribes H7626 of the children H1121 of Israel H3478, and carried them over H5674 with them unto the place where they lodged H4411, and laid them down H3240 there.
Complete Jewish Bible
The people of Isra'el did just as Y'hoshua had ordered. They took twelve stones out of the Yarden riverbed, as ADONAI had said to Y'hoshua, corresponding to the number of the tribes of the people of Isra'el, carried them over with them to the place where they were camping, and set them down there.
Berean Standard Bible
Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each tribe of Israel, just as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them to the camp, where they set them down.
American Standard Version
And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as Jehovah spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.
World English Bible Messianic
The children of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the middle of the Jordan, as the LORD spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then ye children of Israel did euen so as Ioshua had commanded, and tooke vp twelue stones out of the mids of Iorden as ye Lord had said vnto Ioshua, according to the nomber of the tribes of the children of Israel, and caried them away with them vnto the lodging, and layd them down there.
Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel do so as Joshua commanded, and take up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as Jehovah hath spoken unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel, and remove them over with them unto the lodging-place, and place them there,
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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 4:8 meticulously records the immediate and faithful execution of God's command by the children of Israel, who, under Joshua's divinely inspired direction, retrieved twelve memorial stones from the miraculously dried riverbed of the Jordan. These stones, representing the twelve tribes, were then carried to their first encampment in the Promised Land and laid down, serving as a tangible and enduring witness to the Lord's mighty power in bringing His people safely across the formidable river and fulfilling His covenant promises.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Joshua 4:8 is strategically positioned within the climactic narrative of Israel's entry into the Promised Land, immediately following the divine instruction for the memorial stones. Joshua 3 culminates with the Levite priests standing firm in the middle of the Jordan on dry ground, holding the Ark of the Covenant, as the river's waters were miraculously cut off and piled up. Chapter 4 opens with the Lord instructing Joshua to select one man from each tribe to retrieve twelve stones from the very spot where the priests stood (Joshua 4:1-3). These stones were explicitly designated as a perpetual sign for future generations (Joshua 4:6). Verse 8, therefore, serves as the crucial hinge, demonstrating Israel's prompt and collective obedience to this command, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that detail the placement of the stones at Gilgal (Joshua 4:19-20) and their intended purpose as a teaching tool. This verse underscores the integral role of human response in the divine plan.
Historical & Cultural Context: The event described in Joshua 4:8 marks a monumental turning point in Israelite history: their long-awaited entry into the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. The miraculous parting of the Jordan River, a feat powerfully reminiscent of the parting of the Red Sea at the Exodus, served as an undeniable sign of God's continued presence, covenant faithfulness, and validation of Joshua's leadership before all Israel (Joshua 3:7). In the ancient Near East, the erection of stone memorials (often called massebot or gilgals) was a widespread and significant practice to commemorate pivotal events, treaties, victories, or divine encounters. These monuments served as physical, enduring reminders for generations, often prompting inquisitive questions from the young about their purpose and the events they signified. The specific instruction to take stones from the "midst of Jordan" emphasized the extraordinary nature of the dry ground, highlighting the complete cessation of the river's flow—a divine intervention that underscored God's sovereign control over creation. The stones were carried to their first encampment in Canaan, later identified as Gilgal, a site that would hold profound religious and historical importance in Israel's early years in the land, serving as a base for their conquest and a center for worship.
Key Themes: Joshua 4:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it vividly illustrates Obedience to Divine Command, explicitly stating that "the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones... as the LORD spake unto Joshua." This immediate, collective, and faithful obedience is presented as central to Israel's success and blessing as they enter their inheritance. Second, the verse highlights the theme of Memorial and Remembrance. The primary purpose of these stones, as articulated in Joshua 4:7, was to serve as a perpetual sign, prompting future generations to inquire about God's mighty acts and His unwavering faithfulness in bringing His people into their inheritance (compare Deuteronomy 6:20-25). Third, the entire episode, from the Jordan's miraculous parting to the command for the stones, vividly demonstrates Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness. God actively intervenes to clear the way for Israel, fulfilling His covenant promises and providing a tangible, enduring reminder of His power. Finally, the selection of "twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel," powerfully symbolizes the Unity of the Tribes in this momentous event. Each tribe shared equally in the miraculous crossing and the subsequent act of remembrance, reinforcing their collective identity as God's chosen people under one God.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 4:8 employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. Repetition is evident in the emphasis on "twelve stones" and the explicit connection to "the number of the tribes of the children of Israel," reinforcing the national scope and collective identity of the act. This repetition serves to underscore the unity and shared experience of the entire nation. Symbolism is central, as the stones themselves are not merely inert objects but powerful symbols of God's miraculous intervention, His covenant faithfulness, and Israel's collective witness. Their unique origin from the dry riverbed of the Jordan transforms them into a tangible, undeniable testament to divine power. The swift, declarative narrative, moving from divine command to immediate and complete human execution, creates a sense of Narrative Efficiency and powerfully highlights Israel's prompt Obedience. The verse also functions as a form of Preparatory Action or Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the establishment of the permanent memorial at Gilgal and its future role in teaching subsequent generations, thereby emphasizing the importance of remembrance and the transmission of spiritual heritage in Israel's ongoing story.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:8 stands as a profound theological statement on divine faithfulness and the imperative of human remembrance. The act of gathering and setting up these stones is not merely a historical record but a theological command for active recollection. It teaches that God's mighty acts are not to be forgotten but are to be enshrined in the collective memory of His people, serving as perpetual anchors for their faith and identity. This physical memorial underscores the undeniable reality of God's intervention in history, providing tangible evidence of His covenant promises fulfilled. The stones were a "sign" (Joshua 4:6), a visible token of an invisible God's power and presence, designed to prompt inquiry and facilitate the transmission of spiritual heritage from one generation to the next. This highlights the crucial role of testimony, teaching, and communal memory in maintaining a vibrant faith community and ensuring that the knowledge of God's works endures.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:8 offers a timeless and profound lesson for believers today: the critical importance of remembering God's faithfulness. Just as the Israelites were commanded to create a tangible memorial to recall God's miraculous intervention, we too are called to actively remember and recount His mighty works in our own lives and in the grand narrative of salvation history. This involves intentionally setting up "memorials"—whether through journaling personal testimonies of answered prayer, regularly reflecting on God's provision, sharing stories of His grace with others, or participating in corporate acts of remembrance like communion. Such practices serve to fortify our faith in times of doubt, to cultivate gratitude, and to remind us of God's unchanging character and unwavering love. Furthermore, the Israelites' prompt and collective obedience serves as a powerful challenge to our own discipleship. Are we as quick and unified in our obedience to God's revealed will, both individually and corporately? This verse also profoundly underscores our responsibility to be faithful stewards of spiritual heritage, ensuring that the next generation understands the foundational truths of God's power and faithfulness. We are called to be intentional storytellers, pointing to the "stones" in our lives and in Scripture, so that our children and grandchildren may ask, "What do these stones mean?" and be led to a deeper, transformative understanding of our great and faithful God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the stones taken from the Jordan itself, rather than from the banks?
Answer: The specific instruction to take the stones "out of the midst of Jordan" was absolutely crucial for emphasizing the miraculous and unprecedented nature of the event. The stones were retrieved from the very spot where the priests stood on miraculously dry ground, holding the Ark of the Covenant, while the mighty waters of the Jordan were supernaturally held back (Joshua 3:17). This detail underscored that the memorial was not merely about a river crossing, but about God's direct, supernatural intervention that defied natural laws. It made the stones undeniable, tangible proof of His immense power and unwavering faithfulness, serving as a direct link to the divine miracle itself.
What was the significance of "twelve" stones?
Answer: The number "twelve" is profoundly symbolic throughout the biblical narrative, consistently representing the totality, completeness, and unity of the tribes of Israel. By taking twelve stones, one for each tribe, the memorial symbolized the collective experience and unified participation of the entire nation in this foundational event. It served as a powerful reminder that God's covenant faithfulness extended to all His people, and that all tribes shared equally in the miraculous crossing and the subsequent inheritance of the Promised Land. This unified witness was essential for solidifying their identity as God's chosen nation and for teaching future generations about their shared heritage and God's collective blessing.
Where exactly were the stones laid down?
Answer: The verse states they were carried "unto the place where they lodged." Later in the chapter, Joshua 4:19-20 explicitly identifies this location as Gilgal. Gilgal became the Israelites' first encampment in Canaan and served as their primary base of operations for a significant period during the initial conquest. It was there that they circumcised the new generation (Joshua 5:2-9), celebrated the Passover (Joshua 5:10), and from there they launched their initial campaigns to conquer the land. Laying the stones at Gilgal established a central, visible, and enduring memorial at the very threshold of their new inheritance, a constant reminder of God's miraculous provision and faithfulness as they embarked on their mission to possess the land.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 4:8, with its emphasis on a tangible memorial to God's faithfulness in miraculously clearing the way into the Promised Land, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Jordan crossing, like the Red Sea deliverance before it, serves as a powerful typology of salvation, new beginnings, and God's sovereign power to make a way where there is no way. Just as the stones testified to God's power in creating a path through the impossible river, Christ is the ultimate "way" (John 14:6), the one through whom God has opened a new and living way into His very presence (Hebrews 10:19-20). The miraculous dry ground foreshadows Christ's victory over death and the grave, creating a path for humanity to cross from spiritual death to eternal life. He is the true and living "memorial" of God's love and power, the incarnate Word who "tabernacled among us" (John 1:14), making God's invisible attributes and redemptive plan perfectly visible. Furthermore, the New Covenant has its own, infinitely more significant memorial: the Lord's Supper. When we partake of the bread and the cup, we do so "in remembrance of Me" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), recalling Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the definitive act of God's faithfulness that secures our spiritual inheritance. The twelve stones pointed to a physical inheritance in Canaan; Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, ushers us into an eternal, heavenly inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4), a "better country" (Hebrews 11:16) made possible by His perfect obedience and atoning work.