What do the twelve stones in Joshua 4 represent?

The twelve stones mentioned in Joshua 4 hold a profound significance within the narrative of the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land. This event occurs during a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as they transition from wandering in the wilderness to establishing themselves in Canaan, the land God had promised to their forefathers. The twelve stones serve as a tangible and enduring memorial of God's faithfulness, power, and the fulfillment of His promises.

The context of this event is crucial to understanding its full significance. After the death of Moses, Joshua assumes leadership of the Israelites. God commands Joshua to lead the people across the Jordan River into Canaan. The crossing of the Jordan River is reminiscent of the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, symbolizing a new beginning and a continuation of God's miraculous provision and guidance.

In Joshua 3, God instructs Joshua on how the Israelites are to cross the Jordan River. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant are to step into the river, and as soon as their feet touch the water, the river will stop flowing, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. This miraculous event, like the parting of the Red Sea, demonstrates God's power and His direct involvement in the lives of the Israelites.

Once the entire nation has crossed the Jordan, God gives Joshua further instructions in Joshua 4:1-3:

"When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, 'Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.'" (Joshua 4:1-3, NIV)

Joshua obeys God's command and selects twelve men, one from each tribe, to take a stone from the riverbed. These stones are then carried to their camp at Gilgal and set up as a memorial. The significance of these stones is explained further in Joshua 4:6-7:

"to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." (Joshua 4:6-7, NIV)

The twelve stones represent several key themes:

1. God's Faithfulness and Power: The stones are a testament to God's miraculous intervention in stopping the flow of the Jordan River, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This event is a powerful reminder of God's ability to control nature and His commitment to fulfilling His promises. Just as He had parted the Red Sea for their ancestors, He now parts the Jordan River, reaffirming His faithfulness to the new generation of Israelites.

2. Unity of the Twelve Tribes: By selecting one man from each of the twelve tribes to carry a stone, the memorial represents the unity and collective identity of the Israelites. It underscores that the Promised Land is not just for one tribe but for all the descendants of Jacob. This unity is crucial as they prepare to face the challenges of conquering and settling in Canaan.

3. A Teaching Tool for Future Generations: The stones are intended to provoke questions from future generations. When children ask about the meaning of the stones, it provides an opportunity for parents to recount the story of God's deliverance and faithfulness. This practice of storytelling and remembrance is essential for maintaining the spiritual heritage and identity of the Israelites. It ensures that the knowledge of God's mighty acts is passed down through the generations, fostering faith and obedience.

4. A Call to Obedience and Trust: The memorial stones serve as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. They are a tangible symbol of the need for the Israelites to continue trusting and obeying God as they settle in the Promised Land. The stones remind them that just as God has been faithful in the past, He will continue to be faithful if they remain obedient to His commands.

The concept of memorial stones is not unique to this passage. Throughout the Old Testament, we see similar practices of setting up stones or altars as memorials to significant encounters with God. For example, in Genesis 28:18-22, Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel after his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven. In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel sets up a stone and names it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." These stones serve as physical reminders of God's presence, promises, and interventions in the lives of His people.

Christian literature and tradition have also drawn on the symbolism of the twelve stones in Joshua 4. For instance, Charles Spurgeon, a renowned 19th-century preacher, often emphasized the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness to strengthen faith in present trials. In his sermon "Memorials of God's Mercy," Spurgeon reflects on the significance of the twelve stones, urging Christians to set up their own "memorial stones" in their hearts to remember God's mercies and provisions.

The twelve stones in Joshua 4 also have a typological significance, pointing forward to the New Testament. The crossing of the Jordan River can be seen as a type of baptism, symbolizing a transition from the old life of wandering and sin to a new life in the Promised Land of God's grace and salvation. Just as the Israelites passed through the waters of the Jordan, Christians pass through the waters of baptism, entering into a new covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the twelve stones can be seen as a foreshadowing of the twelve apostles, who lay the foundation for the Church. In Revelation 21:14, we read about the New Jerusalem, where the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This connection highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, from the twelve tribes of Israel to the twelve apostles of the Church.

In conclusion, the twelve stones in Joshua 4 represent a multifaceted symbol of God's faithfulness, the unity of His people, the importance of teaching future generations, and the call to obedience and trust. They serve as a powerful reminder of God's miraculous intervention in the lives of the Israelites and His ongoing commitment to His promises. As Christians, we can draw inspiration from this memorial, recognizing the importance of remembering and recounting God's faithfulness in our own lives and passing on that heritage of faith to future generations.