Old Testament
Joshua 4:9
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Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, at the spot where the priests carrying the ark of the covenant had stood. Those stones remain there to this day.
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And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.
What Joshua 4:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua commemorates a significant moment in Israel's history by setting up twelve stones in the Jordan River. These stones symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel and serve as a reminder of God's miraculous act of parting the waters so the Israelites could cross into the Promised Land. The priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant stood in the river, and when they stepped into the water, it stopped flowing, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. By placing the stones where the priests stood, Joshua ensures that future generations will remember this event and the faithfulness of God. The phrase "to this day" emphasizes the lasting significance of this memorial, indicating that the stones were still there at the time of writing, serving as a tangible reminder of God's power and presence among His people.
How to apply Joshua 4:9 to your life
We can learn the importance of creating reminders in our lives to reflect on God's faithfulness. Just as Joshua set up stones to remember God's miracle, we can establish our own practices or symbols that help us recall and share our spiritual journeys and God's interventions in our lives.
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 4:9
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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 4:9?
The twelve stones set up by Joshua in the Jordan River symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel. They serve as a memorial to God's miraculous act of parting the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land. This act not only commemorates a pivotal moment in Israel's history but also reinforces the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and power in their lives.
Why did Joshua place the stones where the priests stood?
Joshua placed the stones at the spot where the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stood because it was a significant location where God's miracle occurred. The priests' faith and obedience in stepping into the Jordan River when it was at flood stage demonstrated God's power. By marking this spot, Joshua ensured that future generations would remember the moment when God intervened and provided for His people.
How can we apply the lesson of Joshua 4:9 in our lives today?
We can apply the lesson of Joshua 4:9 by creating our own reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives. This could be through journaling, setting up physical reminders, or sharing testimonies with others. Just as the stones served as a memorial for the Israelites, our reminders can help us reflect on God's interventions and encourage us in our faith journey.
What does 'to this day' mean in Joshua 4:9?
The phrase 'to this day' in Joshua 4:9 emphasizes the enduring significance of the memorial stones. It indicates that at the time of writing, the stones were still present, serving as a tangible reminder of God's miraculous act. This phrase highlights the importance of remembering God's faithfulness across generations and encourages believers to maintain their own reminders of God's work in their lives.
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