Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood. And the stones are there to this day. Joshua also set up twelve stonesJoshua established a second memorial, distinct from the twelve stones taken from the river and placed at Gilgal. The number twelve kept all Israel before the Lord as one covenant people, with each tribe sharing in both the deliverance and its testimony. 1Ki 18:31 And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe… in the middle of the Jordan, The stones marked the riverbed at the very place where God held back the flooded Jordan. Their location testified that Israel entered the promised land not by natural strength or human strategy, but by the Lord’s power. Jos 3:17 The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD… in the place where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood. The priests remained obediently in the river until the entire nation had crossed. The ark represented the holy presence of God among His people, and its central place in the crossing showed that the Lord went before Israel and secured their passage, as He had done at the Red Sea. Jos 3:13 When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD… And the stones are there to this day. The memorial endured as a witness to those who later saw or remembered it. Israel’s children were to learn that the God who gave the land was the God who first brought His people safely into it. Jos 7:26 And they heaped over Achan a large pile of rocks… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating obedience and leadership. 2. Twelve Stones These stones were set up as a memorial to the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites. They symbolize God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. 3. Jordan River A significant geographical location where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land. It represents a boundary between the wilderness and the land of promise. 4. Priests The priests carried the Ark of the Covenant and stood in the Jordan River, signifying God's presence and leading the people. 5. Ark of the Covenant A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenant with Israel and His presence among His people. Teaching Points Memorials of FaithJust as Joshua set up stones to remember God's faithfulness, we should establish memorials in our lives to remind us of God's work and promises. God's Presence in Transition The presence of the Ark in the Jordan signifies God's presence during times of transition. Trust in God's guidance as you move through life's changes. Obedience and Leadership Joshua's actions demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's commands and the role of leadership in guiding others in faith. Faith in Action The Israelites' crossing of the Jordan required faith. We are called to step out in faith, trusting in God's promises even when the path seems uncertain. Legacy of Faith The stones were a testimony to future generations. Consider how your faith and actions today can impact and inspire future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. What significance do the twelve stones hold in your personal faith journey, and how can you create similar memorials in your life?2. How does the crossing of the Jordan River encourage you to trust God in your current life transitions? 3. In what ways can you demonstrate obedience and leadership in your community or family, following Joshua's example? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith. How did you experience God's presence and provision during that time? 5. How can you ensure that your faith and actions leave a lasting legacy for future generations, similar to the stones set up by Joshua? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14The crossing of the Red Sea parallels the crossing of the Jordan River, both demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people. 1 Samuel 7 The setting up of a stone by Samuel as a memorial, called Ebenezer, which also serves as a reminder of God's help and faithfulness. Psalm 77 Reflects on God's mighty deeds and wonders, encouraging believers to remember and trust in God's past faithfulness. People Gad, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, ReubenPlaces Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River, Red SeaTopics Agreement, Ark, Bare, Bearing, Bore, Carried, Covenant, Firm, Jordan, Joshua, Middle, Midst, Placed, Priests, Raised, Spot, Standing, Stones, Stood, TwelveDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 4:9 7306 ark of the covenant Library Stones Crying Out'For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over. 11. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Jordan Memorial Stone 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid' Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City. The Holy War, Joshua Links Joshua 4:9 NIVJoshua 4:9 NLT Joshua 4:9 ESV Joshua 4:9 NASB Joshua 4:9 KJV Joshua 4:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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