Chapter 4

1 Twelve men are appointed to take twelve stones for a memorial out of Jordan. 9 Twelve other stones are set up in the midst of Jordan. 10, 19 The people pass over. 14 God magnifieth Joshua. 20 The twelve stones are pitched in Gilgal.

1. The Lord spake. Perhaps it was by Eleazar the priest that God gave these instructions to Joshua, for when Joshua was ordained to this great trust, God ordained that Eleazar should inquire of the Lord for him. It was at his word that Joshua and all the children of Israel must “go out” and “come in” (Num. 27:21).

2. Twelve men. These men had already been chosen for the work (ch. 3:12). Chapter 4:4 plainly recognizes this previous selection.

3. Where the priests’ feet stood firm. Literally, “from the station [standing place] of the feet of the priests.” The stones were to be taken from this spot, that the monument to be erected might be more vivid in its appeal to the memory and to reflection upon the signal power of God so gloriously manifested in their behalf.

4. Whom he had prepared. A reference to their appointment, as recorded in ch. 3:12, one man for each tribe and one stone for each man (see on v. 6).

6. What mean ye? God knew His people, knew how soon they would forget His great works of deliverance for them unless provision be made for keeping this great event in mind. Future generations must not be permitted to forget God’s leading. Even so today “we have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (LS 196). There were 12 tribes and 12 stones, all the people thus being represented. There were two monuments—one erected in the midst of the river, and another of stones taken from the bed of the river, set up at the site of their first encampment in the Land of Promise. These monuments to the power of God were to be a memorial of the successful completion of the wilderness wanderings. The murmuring, rebellion, and disappointment of the wilderness were to be things of the past. In the Red Sea, Israel had been “baptized unto Moses” (1 Cor. 10:2); here they were baptized, as it were, unto Joshua. Through these demonstrations of His power God sought, among other things, to confirm the confidence of the people in their appointed leaders (Joshua 3:7; 4:14).

9. In the midst of Jordan. There has been a difference of opinion as to whether this should read, “in the midst of Jordan,” or, “from the midst of Jordan.” The KJV represents the Hebrew text as we now have it. The Syriac reads, “from the midst of Jordan,” but no other manuscript supports this reading. The best evidence supports the KJV and RSV rendering.

Unto this day. See the Introduction to Joshua.

10. The people hasted. Some “hasted,” perhaps in fear that the waters might return at any moment. Others may have felt that unnecessary delay on their part would not be pleasing to God. Still others may have “hasted” because of eagerness to be in the land of Canaan. Some may have “hasted” just because others were hastening, not thinking or knowing why.

13. About forty thousand. At the last census (Num. 26) the men eligible for military service numbered: Reuben, 43,730 (v. 7); Gad, 40,500 (v. 18); Manasseh, 52,700 (v. 34), or, for the exact half, 26,350. Thus the entire force of the two and a half tribes was about 110,580. They therefore left more than half their number to protect their families and their dwellings. This was not inconsistent with the spirit of their agreement with Moses.

Prepared for war. In ch. 1:14 this expression is translated “armed,” literally “an army in five parts.” The phrase, “prepared for war,” is from a word meaning “stripped” or “equipped for war.”

14. They feared him. That is, in the sense of awed reverence. This gained for Joshua the same respect that the dividing of the Red Sea did for Moses (Ex. 14:31).

16. Testimony. Or “law,” generally understood to be the ten-commandment law, which Moses had placed in the ark (Ex. 25:21; Deut. 10:2; see on Ex. 25:16). Here God emphasizes the law as the basis of the covenant between Himself and His people. This law He desired to write in their hearts.

19. The tenth day. That is, four days before the Passover. This was the day when the Passover lamb was to be selected (Ex. 12:3, 6).

Gilgal. See on ch. 5:9.

20. Pitch. Literally, “caused to stand.” A stonework foundation or mound of earth of considerable height was probably laid first, and the 12 stones placed on top of it. Twelve stones of a size that could be carried that distance on a man’s shoulder would not have made a very conspicuous monument unless erected on such a base.

22. Let your children know. God ordained that the great “wonders” (ch. 3:5) Israel had witnessed this day should not soon be forgotten. It was His purpose that they should keep His “wonderful works” (Ps. 111:4) ever vivid in their memory, as a means of binding them in loyalty to Him. It was 40 years before in that very month that they had crossed the Red Sea. This was springtime (see on ch. 3:15), and even though the stream was strong and deep, God rolled back the waters and they crossed over safely. The queries of the children (ch. 4:21) would provide the parents with an opportunity to recount the story of God’s patient dealings with Israel in the wilderness. Joshua’s admonition to the fathers and mothers of his day provides a pattern parents of today would do well to emulate (LS 196).

24. All the people. God designed that His dealings with Israel should become an object lesson to all mankind. The people of Israel were not selfishly to hoard to themselves the knowledge of the true God and of His power to save. This knowledge was to go to all the earth as a result of the proper education of their children (cf. v. 22), who in their turn were to become missionaries. As Israel grew in numbers and in influence, the whole earth would soon learn of the true God and give glory to Him. But Israel failed, and this same commission was later given by Christ to His disciples (Matt. 28:19, 20). The “word of reconciliation” has now been “committed unto us” (2 Cor. 5:19). We must not fail.

Ellen G. White comments

1–24PP 484, 485; SR 177

2, 3 4T 158

2–9PP 484

12, 13  PP 518

14   PP 485

18   PP 484

20–244T 158

24   PP 484