In what ways does Joshua 4:3 connect to the Passover memorials? Setting the Scene Joshua 4:3: “and command them, ‘Take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, carry them over with you, and set them down in the camp where you spend the night.’ ” Parallels with the Passover Memorials • Physical Reminders – Passover: a lamb, bitter herbs, unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8). – Jordan: twelve stones stacked at Gilgal (Joshua 4:20). – Both tangible objects kept Israel’s deliverance visible and unforgettable. • Purpose Stated for the Children – Passover: “When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ …” (Exodus 12:26-27). – Stones: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ …” (Joshua 4:6-7). – Each memorial built inter-generational faith by prompting storytelling. • Timing in Israel’s Calendar – Israel crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month (Joshua 4:19), the very day Passover lambs were chosen (Exodus 12:3). – The memorial stones were set before Israel celebrated its first Canaan-side Passover at Gilgal (Joshua 5:10-11), weaving the two remembrances together chronologically. • Deliverance Through Water and Blood – Passover: blood on doorposts spared firstborn and led to Red Sea crossing (Exodus 12–14). – Jordan: the ark halted floodwaters, letting all Israel pass “on dry ground” (Joshua 3:17; 4:22). – Both events showcase God’s saving power, first from Egypt, then into the Promised Land. • Covenant Renewal – Passover: instituted at Exodus as a perpetual statute (Exodus 12:14). – Stones: erected at the Jordan as a “sign among you forever” (Joshua 4:7). – Each memorial underscored covenant faithfulness and identity. Theological Links • Redemption Remembered – Passover pointed to the ultimate Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). – Stones proclaimed, “So that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD” (Joshua 4:24). – Together they announce that salvation is God-initiated, God-completed. • Faith Transmitted – Deuteronomy 6:20-21 commands parents to explain God’s acts. – Both memorials operationalize that command—faith is taught, not assumed. Practical Takeaways for Today • Use visible symbols (cross, baptism, Communion) to rehearse redemption truths. • Tell God’s stories to the next generation; let questions open gospel conversations. • Remember that salvation has both a “brought you out” (Passover) and a “brought you in” (Jordan) dimension—freedom from sin and entrance into promise. |
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