What does Joshua 4:9 mean?

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. Joshua 4:9

Explanation

Joshua 4:9 depicts a symbolic act of commemoration performed by Joshua. As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the promised land, the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stood in the middle of the river, where the waters had been miraculously halted to allow safe passage. Joshua erected twelve stones at that exact location, corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel, to serve as a memorial of the crossing. The stones were a physical reminder to future generations of the power and faithfulness of God in aiding His people. The phrase “and they are there unto this day” suggests the permanence of the memorial and serves to lend historical credibility to the account.

Historical Context

The events recorded in Joshua 4 occurred as the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, entered Canaan, the land promised to them by God, after wandering in the desert for 40 years. This period is dated to around the late Bronze Age (around 1400-1200 BCE). The crossing of the Jordan River and the setting up of the stones were significant acts that marked the end of the Israelites’ wilderness journey and the beginning of their conquest and settlement in Canaan.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted to signify God’s faithfulness in fulfilling promises. For the Israelites, it was a testimony of their national heritage and divine assistance. Different theological viewpoints might emphasize the sacramental significance of the memorial stones, drawing parallels with Christian sacraments as outward signs of inward grace. Other interpretations might focus on the theme of remembrance and the importance of teaching future generations about God’s deeds.

Practical Applications

The act of setting up memorial stones can inspire individuals to create tangible reminders of their spiritual journeys and significant life moments where they experienced divine intervention or guidance. The verse encourages believers to reflect on their personal and communal history, recognizing milestones and expressing gratitude for them. It can serve as a prompt to pass on stories of faith and experiences with God to younger generations.

Cross-References

• Joshua 4:20-24: These verses elaborate on the event, explaining that the stones were set up at Gilgal and were meant to prompt future generations to inquire about their meaning, providing an opportunity to retell the story of God’s faithfulness.
• Exodus 28:21: The twelve stones may symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, similar to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the high priest Aaron representing each tribe.
• Genesis 28:18-22: Jacob sets up a stone as a pillar to remember his encounter with God, indicating a tradition of using stones as memorials.
• 1 Samuel 7:12: After a victory against the Philistines, Samuel sets up a stone and names it Ebenezer, saying, “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.”

Language Study

In the original Hebrew text, the key terms are:

• “Joshua” (“Yehoshua” in Hebrew): The name means “Yahweh is salvation,” reflecting the role of Joshua as a deliverer and leader.
• “Twelve stones” (“sheteym `asar ‘eben”): The number twelve often symbolizes completeness or a perfect governmental foundation in the Bible, in this case representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
• “Jordan” (“Yarden”): The river’s name, meaning “descender,” is significant as it represents the boundary the Israelites crossed from their old life into the promised land.
• “Priests” (“kohanim”): The bearers of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God’s presence among His people.
• “Ark of the covenant” (“‘aron hab’riyt”): The sacred chest holding the Tablets of Law, a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, standing stones or pillars were used as commemorative monuments. For example, in Mesopotamia and ancient Greece, such stones could mark significant events or boundaries. In the context of Israelite religion, these stones would not be worshipped but would serve as reminders of God’s acts. This differs from other ancient practices where stones or pillars might be associated with deities or ancestor worship.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the permanent placement of stones in a riverbed, as described in the Bible, could potentially be investigated archaeologically. However, such markers can be challenging to verify and date. The story’s interest lies more in its cultural and religious implications than in its geological or hydrological aspects.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators offer various insights on this verse. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the importance of perpetuating the memory of great works of God. The Pulpit Commentary notes the likely permanence of the stones due to their size and weight, which would have prevented their easy removal by floods. Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament discusses the geographical implications of the stones being erected in the midst of Jordan and the importance of them being seen as a sign by all the people. These commentaries focus on the instructive and commemorative purpose of Joshua’s actions for future generations.