Biblical Reference:
The account of the stones set up at Gilgal is found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 4:1-9, 19-24. This event occurs as the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

Historical Context:
The setting of this event is during the Israelites' entrance into Canaan, following their 40-year journey through the wilderness. The crossing of the Jordan River marks a significant transition from the period of wandering to the conquest and settlement of the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Event Description:
As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River, God instructed Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, to take twelve stones from the middle of the riverbed where the priests stood with the Ark of the Covenant. These stones were to be set up at their first encampment in the Promised Land, at a place called Gilgal.

Purpose of the Stones:
The stones served as a memorial for the Israelites. Joshua 4:6-7 states, "This will be a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever."

Significance:
1. Divine Intervention: The stones commemorated the miraculous stopping of the Jordan River's flow, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This event paralleled the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing God's power and faithfulness.

2. Covenant Reminder: The stones served as a tangible reminder of God's covenant promises to the patriarchs and His faithfulness in bringing the Israelites into the land He had promised.

3. Teaching Tool: The memorial was intended to provoke questions from future generations, providing an opportunity for parents to recount God's mighty acts and instill faith in their children.

4. Unity of the Tribes: By selecting one man from each tribe to carry a stone, the memorial symbolized the unity of the twelve tribes under God's leadership as they entered the land together.

Location:
Gilgal, where the stones were set up, became an important site in Israel's history. It served as a base of operations during the conquest of Canaan and was a place of worship and renewal of the covenant (Joshua 5:2-12).

Theological Implications:
The stones at Gilgal highlight the importance of remembering and recounting God's deeds. They underscore the necessity of faith and obedience in the life of God's people. The event also foreshadows the greater deliverance and inheritance found in Christ, who leads believers into the ultimate Promised Land.

Related Scriptures:
· Exodus 14:21-22: The crossing of the Red Sea.
· Deuteronomy 6:6-9: The importance of teaching future generations.
· Psalm 78:4-7: The call to recount God's works to the next generation.

Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of the stones at Gilgal has not been definitively identified, the site of Gilgal is generally associated with the area near Jericho. Archaeological findings in the region have provided insights into the early Israelite settlement patterns and their religious practices.