Gilgal's Stones Teach Future Generations
The stones at Gilgal testify that the Lord brought Israel across on dry ground.
Joshua 4:19-24 (BSB)
19On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.
20And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.
21Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’
22you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’
23For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over.
24He did this so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.”
What is the big idea of Joshua 4:19-24?
The stones at Gilgal testify that the Lord brought Israel across on dry ground.
Understanding the Big Idea
At Gilgal Joshua sets up the stones and teaches future children that Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground. The sign directs Israel and the nations to know the Lord's mighty hand.
How does Joshua 4:19-24 point to Christ?
Gilgal's testimony announces the Lord's power in Israel's history. The gospel specifies Jesus' death for sins and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), through whom forgiveness is received by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). A comparison of water deliverances may illuminate God's faithfulness, but the stones are not themselves a salvation rite.
Authorial Intent
Israel camps at Gilgal on the tenth day of the first month; Joshua sets up the twelve stones and explains that children and all peoples should know the Lord's mighty hand through the Jordan crossing.
Literary Context
Joshua 4:15-18 precedes this unit; Joshua 5:1 continues the account. Israel camps at Gilgal on the tenth day of the first month; Joshua sets up the twelve stones and explains that children and all peoples should know the Lord's mighty hand through the Jordan crossing.
Historical Context
Israel emerges from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camps at Gilgal near Jericho. The twelve stones carried from the river are set up at the camp.
Chapter: Joshua 4
Memorial Stones and the Witness of the Jordan Crossing
God’s saving acts must be remembered, taught, and handed down so His people fear Him and the nations know His mighty hand.