What does Joshua 4:7 mean?

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. Joshua 4:7

Explanation

Joshua 4:7 is a passage from the Old Testament of the Bible, where the context is the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. In this verse, the Israelites are instructed to tell future generations that the waters of the Jordan were stopped allowing the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the people to pass over on dry ground. The miraculous stopping of the waters is to be a lasting memorial for the children of Israel, symbolized by stones taken from the riverbed. The verse encapsulates a divine intervention that served as a physical and spiritual signpost for the Israelites, reaffirming their covenantal relationship with God.

Historical Context

The Book of Joshua covers the period after the death of Moses when Joshua leads the Israelites into Canaan. At this time, the Jordan River stood as a natural barrier to their entry into the land promised to them by God. It is stated, in the biblical narrative, God miraculously stopped the flow of the Jordan River during its seasonal flooding, similar to the parting of the Red Sea, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. This event signified the continuation of God’s faithfulness to His promises made to their ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the parting of the Jordan River reinforces the concept of God’s sovereignty and His direct intervention in the natural world. The miracle serves as a sign of the sacredness of the ark of the covenant, which represents God’s presence among His people. The stones mentioned in the verse symbolize a tangible, lasting reminder of the divine assistance provided to Israel, and they encourage faith and remembrance in future generations. Different theological viewpoints may emphasize the consecrating nature of this event or the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, ordained by miraculous means.

Practical Applications

Joshua 4:7 can be applied in daily life by reminding individuals of the importance of remembering and celebrating the significant moments where one feels guided or aided in their journey. It emphasizes the value of creating memorials or practices that help communities and families remember their collective history and the experiences that have defined and united them.

Cross-References

• Joshua 3:16 – “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.”
• Joshua 4:9 – “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.”
• Exodus 12:14 – “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 14:21-22 – “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.”
• Psalm 77:19 – “Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.”

Language Study

The key terms in the original Hebrew text of this verse include:

• “Ark of the covenant” (ארון הברית ‘ārôn habb’rîṯ): Referring to the sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God’s presence.
• “Cut off” (כָּרַת kārat): This verb indicates a decisive, powerful action; in this context, it is used to describe the halting of the Jordan’s waters.
• “Memorial” (זִכָּרוֹן zikkārôn): Derived from the Hebrew word for “remember,” this suggests a remembrance that transcends time.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of river crossing miracles is not unique to Judaism and Christianity. Various cultures have myths where divine or heroic figures alter natural landscapes. For example, in Ancient Greek mythology, gods often interact with nature as a demonstration of their power. Though the themes may resonate, the Jordan River crossing is distinctive to Jewish and Christian traditions, asserting their foundational beliefs about God’s deliverance and historical involvement with His chosen people.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, some scholars have attempted to find natural explanations for the river crossing, such as an earthquake causing a temporary dam upstream. However, accounts like Joshua 4:7 are primarily intended as theological narratives, not historical or scientific records. The scientific community, generally speaking, treats such events as matters of faith rather than phenomena to be explained empirically.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries provide insights into Joshua 4:7. For example:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes God’s mighty power and the importance of setting up memorials to help the covenant community remember their divine heritage and God’s faithfulness.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the significance of the ark and the memorial stones as symbolic representations of God’s presence and assistance.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the importance of teaching future generations about the miracles of God as a means to inspire and maintain faith.