Why did Joshua set stones "in the middle of the Jordan" riverbed? Purpose Behind the Riverbed Stones • Joshua personally erected twelve stones where the priests had stood, right in the Jordan’s heart (Joshua 4:9). • These stones served as a tangible, enduring testimony that the living God had stopped the waters the moment the Ark rested there (Joshua 3:13). • By leaving a memorial inside the river itself, Joshua highlighted that God’s power extended even to places normally unseen—reinforcing His sovereignty over creation (Psalm 93:3-4). A Dual Memorial—Visible and Hidden 1. Stones taken out of the river were set up at Gilgal for every eye to see (Joshua 4:20-22). 2. Stones left in the river remained largely unseen, surfacing only when waters were low—reminding Israel that God’s work continues even when not immediately visible (Isaiah 43:16-19). 3. Together they proclaimed both the public and private dimensions of God’s faithfulness. Link to Covenant Faithfulness • The location connected directly to the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing God’s steadfast promise to be with His people (Exodus 25:22; Joshua 3:11). • As long as those stones remained, Israel could trace deliverance back to God’s covenant presence rather than military might (Deuteronomy 7:7-9). Teaching Future Generations • Hidden stones added depth to the lesson parents would pass on: “Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground” (Joshua 4:21-24). • Like the Passover memorial (Exodus 12:24-27) and the law inscribed on stones at Mount Ebal (Joshua 8:30-32), this act built a storyline of remembrance for children yet unborn (Psalm 78:4-7). Encouragement for Ongoing Trust • Every season the river receded, emerging stones silently invited Israel to renew confidence in God’s power (Psalm 66:5-6). • The image foreshadowed later memorials—Samuel’s Ebenezer stone, “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). Summary Significance • An internal witness: the riverbed stones marked the exact spot of divine intervention. • A perpetual reminder: Israel’s history and hope rested on God’s mighty acts, not human achievement. • A call to fidelity: seeing—or remembering—the hidden stones urged continual obedience and gratitude (Deuteronomy 6:20-24). |
    |