Joshua 4 recounts the building of a memorial after crossing the Jordan, so that future generations would remember what God had done. Read the full text here.

Text Structure

Josh 4:1-7

The command for the memorial. God instructs that twelve men collect stones from the middle of the Jordan, forming a memorial that would remind future generations of the miracle.

Josh 4:8-10

The obedience of the people. The Israelites follow the instructions exactly, carrying the stones while the priests remain standing firm in the middle of the river.

Josh 4:11-14

The completion of the crossing. The people finish crossing, and God exalts Joshua before Israel, confirming his leadership before everyone.

Josh 4:15-18

The return of the waters. After the priests leave the river with the Ark, the Jordan returns to its normal course, ending the supernatural moment.

Josh 4:19-24

The purpose of the memorial. The stones are set up at Gilgal to remember what God did and to teach future generations about His power.

Additional Literature

As a complement to the theme addressed in Joshua 4, it is recommended to read:

Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 44 - “Crossing the Jordan”

Reflection

Joshua 4 shows that experiences with God should not be forgotten. The memorial turns a miracle into a lasting remembrance for the people.

The instruction to teach the next generations reveals that faith is also passed on. What God does today needs to be told tomorrow.

As presented in Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 44, God values spiritual memory, because it strengthens confidence in the face of new challenges.

This passage teaches that remembering strengthens faith. When we recall what God has already done, we find confidence to face what is yet to come.