Joshua 4:9

"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. They carried them over with them to the place where they camped, and laid them down there."

Key Reflection

The Israelites followed Joshua's instructions by collecting twelve stones from the center of the Jordan River, as God had directed. This act was a significant commemoration, symbolizing their passage through the Jordan and the division of the land into tribal territories. The original audience would have understood this as a tangible reminder of God’s miraculous intervention and covenant with them, ensuring that future generations could remember the divine provision and protection experienced at that pivotal moment in their history.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Another set of stones is intended than that before mentioned. The one set was erected by the command of God at the spot where they passed the nightJoshua 4:3; the other by Joshua on the spot where the priests’ feet rested while they bore up the ark during the passage of the people. This spot was near, or perhaps on, the eastern brink (compareJoshua 3:8).

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