Topical Encyclopedia The term "large stone" appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing strength, permanence, or a significant event. In biblical narratives, stones frequently serve as markers of divine intervention, memorials of God's covenant, or instruments of judgment.1. Memorial Stones: One of the most notable uses of large stones in the Bible is as memorials. In Joshua 4:20-24, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the riverbed at Gilgal. These stones served as a memorial to the miraculous stopping of the river's flow, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. The passage states, "And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, 'In the future, when your descendants ask their fathers, "What do these stones mean?" tell them, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground."'" (Joshua 4:20-22). This act was intended to remind future generations of God's faithfulness and power. 2. Stones of Judgment: Large stones also appear in contexts of judgment and punishment. In the account of Achan's sin in Joshua 7, after Achan was found guilty of taking forbidden items from Jericho, he and his family were stoned, and a large pile of stones was raised over him as a sign of judgment. "Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the others, they burned them. And they raised over him a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day." (Joshua 7:25-26). This pile of stones served as a somber reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. 3. Stones as Witnesses: In Joshua 24:26-27, a large stone is set up as a witness to the covenant between God and the Israelites. Joshua wrote the words of the covenant in the Book of the Law of God and then took a large stone and set it up under the oak near the holy place of the LORD. He said, "See, this stone will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us. And it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God." (Joshua 24:27). This stone symbolized the enduring nature of the covenant and the accountability of the people to uphold it. 4. Stones in Prophetic and Messianic Contexts: In prophetic literature, stones often symbolize the Messiah or the kingdom of God. Isaiah 28:16 refers to a "tested stone, a precious cornerstone" laid in Zion, which is understood by Christians as a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ. "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.'" (Isaiah 28:16). This cornerstone represents the foundation of faith and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. 5. Stones in the New Testament: In the New Testament, large stones are mentioned in the context of Jesus' burial and resurrection. A large stone was rolled in front of the entrance to Jesus' tomb, signifying the finality of His death. However, the stone was miraculously rolled away, marking His resurrection. "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it." (Matthew 28:1-2). The removal of the stone symbolizes the victory over death and the hope of eternal life through Christ. Throughout Scripture, large stones serve as powerful symbols of God's interaction with humanity, representing His faithfulness, judgment, covenant, and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. |