Tyndale Open Study NotesJoshua 4

Choose twelve men: These men represented Jacob’s 12 sons. The tribe of Levi was not counted because the Levites settled in designated cities among the other tribes (Genesis 49:5–7; Numbers 1:49–52; 18:20). However, the number of tribes remained at 12 because Joseph’s two sons (Ephraim and Manasseh) were accounted as separate tribes (Genesis 48:5).

to take a stone upon his shoulder: This implies that each man chose stones weighing about 100 pounds.

Joshua told the Israelites two times to get ready to explain to future generations. The stone memorial would help teach them (4:21).

• A second memorial of twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan River became covered with water when the river resumed its flow. The top of the monument would be visible during the dry summer seasons.

• are there to this day: This shows that the memorials stood for generations, until the final editing of the book (see Joshua Book Introduction, “Author and Date”).

After God brought the Israelites safely across the Jordan River, the people recognized that God was with Joshua as their leader. They honored Joshua just as they had honored Moses. This trust in Joshua would be important in the years ahead.

After Israel crossed the river, the Jordan overflowed its banks as before. These events could not occur without God’s intervention.

• The tenth day of the first month: This happened a few days before the Passover feast.

• Gilgal became an important worship center for early Israel. Although its exact location is uncertain, it was somewhere just east or northeast of Jericho. Its name means “wheel of a cart” (compare Isaiah 28:28). This suggests that Joshua set up the 12 stones in a circle (see study note on Joshua 5:9).

In addition to future generations of Israelites, all the nations of the earth were to understand God’s power. At least some individuals in every group respond to the God who cares for them (Revelation 7:9–10).