Old Testament
Joshua 4:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
and command them, saying, 'Take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests' feet stood firm, and carry them with you to the place where you will stay tonight.'
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And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
What Joshua 4:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Joshua to tell the Israelites to take twelve stones from the Jordan River. These stones are to be collected from the spot where the priests stood while the people crossed the river on dry ground. The act of gathering these stones serves as a memorial for future generations, reminding them of God's miraculous power and faithfulness. The stones symbolize the Israelites' journey and God's guidance as they entered the Promised Land. By carrying the stones to their lodging place, the Israelites are to create a physical reminder of their experience, ensuring that they remember and share the story of God's deliverance with their children and descendants. This act emphasizes the importance of remembering and teaching the next generation about God's works and promises.
How to apply Joshua 4:3 to your life
We can apply this lesson by creating our own reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives. This could be through journaling, sharing stories with family, or creating physical symbols that remind us of God's guidance. Remembering helps us stay grounded in faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3:1–4:24)
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Joshua
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Joshua 4:3
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of the twelve stones in Joshua 4:3?
The twelve stones taken from the Jordan River symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel and serve as a memorial of God's miraculous power in helping the Israelites cross the river on dry ground. This act of remembrance is intended to remind future generations of God's faithfulness and guidance as they entered the Promised Land.
How can we apply the lesson of Joshua 4:3 in our lives today?
We can apply the lesson by creating our own reminders of God's faithfulness, such as journaling about our experiences, sharing testimonies with family and friends, or establishing physical symbols in our homes that represent God's guidance. This practice helps us to remember and pass on our faith to future generations.
Why did God instruct Joshua to collect stones from the Jordan River?
God instructed Joshua to collect stones from the Jordan River to create a tangible reminder of the miraculous event of crossing the river. These stones would serve as a physical memorial for the Israelites and their descendants, ensuring that they would remember and share the story of God's deliverance and faithfulness throughout their history.
What does Joshua 4:3 teach us about community and legacy?
Joshua 4:3 emphasizes the importance of community and legacy by highlighting the collective experience of the Israelites. By gathering the stones together, they create a shared memory that reinforces their identity as God's people and encourages them to teach future generations about God's works, thus ensuring that their faith and history are preserved.
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