Bible Study - Joshua 4:1-24

Joshua 4:1–9 KJV 1900

1 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying, 2 Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, 3 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. 4 Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man: 5 And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: 6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? 7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. 8 And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the Lord spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 9 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.

Joshua 4:19–24 KJV 1900

19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho. 20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. 21 And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? 22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: 24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.

Bible Study: A Call to Remember Joshua 4:1-9; 19-24 February 11, 2025

Lesson Abstract

God commands His people to remember His mighty works so that their faith remains strong and future generations will know of His power. In Joshua 4:1-9; 19-24, the Lord instructs Israel to take twelve stones from the Jordan River as a memorial to His miraculous provision. This passage highlights three key themes: God’s command to establish memorials (Joshua 4:1-5), the cause for remembering (Joshua 4:6-9), and the consequences of remembering (Joshua 4:19-24). By recalling God’s past faithfulness, believers strengthen their trust in Him for the future (Psalm 77:11), pass down their faith to the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), and proclaim the greatness of God to the nations (Psalm 105:1-5).

Introduction: A Call to Remember

Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to establish markers of remembrance so they will not forget His mighty works. The Israelites had just experienced another miraculous event—the crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground. Yet, before moving forward, God commanded them to set up a memorial of twelve stones. Why? Because human nature is prone to forget, and faith must be continually reinforced. God knows that remembrance strengthens obedience, deepens worship, and secures spiritual heritage.

The principle of remembrance is seen throughout biblical history. The Passover feast reminded Israel of their deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:14), the Ark of the Covenant was a constant symbol of God’s presence (Numbers 10:33-36), and the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ as a perpetual remembrance of His sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). Memorials are not for God—He does not forget—but for His people, who must be continually reminded of His goodness and faithfulness.

As we study Joshua 4, we see how God’s command to establish memorials applies to our faith today. Just as Israel set up physical reminders, believers must create spiritual markers—whether through testimonies, Scripture memory, or life events—to remember God’s faithfulness. The question is: How well do we remember what God has done, and how are we passing that memory down to others?

I. A Command to Remember (Joshua 4:1-5)

Lesson Section

The chapter begins with God giving Joshua a direct command: “Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man” (Joshua 4:2). This instruction reveals God’s intentionality in preserving His mighty works for future generations. The twelve men represented all of Israel, ensuring that each tribe took ownership of remembering God’s deliverance. This illustrates the corporate responsibility of faith—remembrance is not just personal but communal.

God’s command to take stones from the Jordan’s riverbed (Joshua 4:3) signifies the necessity of visible testimonies. These stones were not left where they had stood but were carried out and placed where the people camped. This teaches that memorials should be intentional and public, reinforcing faith in daily life. Like the Israelites, we should establish reminders that prompt us and others to recall God’s goodness (Psalm 103:2).

Furthermore, the command underscores obedience before understanding. The Israelites were to take the stones before fully grasping their future significance. Faith often requires stepping out in obedience even before seeing the full picture (Hebrews 11:1). Their obedience to gather stones prepared them for spiritual growth by securing a testimony for later reflection (Deuteronomy 4:9).

Synopsis: A Command to Remember

God commanded Israel to establish visible reminders of His faithfulness so that future generations would not forget His mighty acts (Joshua 4:5-6). Just as these stones testified of God’s power, we must also create spiritual memorials—whether through testimonies, Scripture memorization, or significant life events—to remind ourselves and others of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 105:5).

Five Truths about A Call to Remember (Joshua 4:1-5)

Remembrance strengthens faith.  

Psalm 77:11 “11 I will remember the works of the Lord: Surely I will remember thy wonders of old.”

Memorials testify to God’s power.

Exodus 12:14 “14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.”

Obedience comes before understanding.  

Hebrews 11:1 “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith must be passed down 

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 “6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Spiritual markers keep us from forgetting.  

Psalm 103:2 “2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:”

II. Cause to Remember (Joshua 4:6-9)

Lesson Section

God instructed Joshua that these stones would serve as a sign for future generations (Joshua 4:6). When children asked, “What do these stones mean?” parents were to proclaim the greatness of God. This highlights the importance of generational faith transmission—our testimonies must extend beyond ourselves.

Theologically, this aligns with the doctrine of divine providence—God actively directs history for His glory and our instruction (Romans 15:4). Just as God orchestrated Israel’s crossing, He orchestrates moments in our lives to be remembered and shared.

Moreover, remembrance fosters worship and obedience. Forgetting God’s works leads to spiritual drift (Judges 2:10), but recalling His faithfulness cultivates a heart of gratitude and trust (Psalm 145:4).

Synopsis: Cause to Remember

The stones served as a visible testimony of God’s faithfulness so that future generations would not forget. Likewise, believers must continually recall and share God’s works, strengthening faith for future challenges (Psalm 145:4).

Five Truths about Cause to Remember (Joshua 4:6-9)

God’s works must be taught.  

Deuteronomy 4:9 “9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;”

Faith is passed through testimony.

Psalm 145:4 “4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, And shall declare thy mighty acts.”

Memorials preserve spiritual heritage. 

Psalm 78:6–7 “6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; Who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep his commandments:”

Forgetting leads to spiritual decline. 

Judges 2:10 “10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.”

Remembering leads to obedience.  

Psalm 103:17–18 “17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children’s children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his commandments to do them.”

III. Consequences of Remembering (Joshua 4:19-24)

Lesson Section

Joshua 4 concludes with the placement of the stones in Gilgal as a lasting testimony (Joshua 4:20). This act had two results: it inspired Israel’s faith and instilled fear in their enemies (Joshua 4:24). Remembering God’s power brings confidence and courage to believers while demonstrating His authority to the world.

Furthermore, this passage emphasizes the global proclamation of God’s glory. Israel’s testimony was not just for themselves but for the nations (Psalm 96:3). Likewise, our testimonies should magnify God’s greatness beyond our own lives.

Synopsis: Consequences of Remembering

Remembering God’s works strengthens faith, deters spiritual drift, and proclaims His power to others. Like Israel, we are called to live in a way that testifies to God’s faithfulness (Psalm 96:3).

Five Truths about Consequences of Remembering (Joshua 4:19-24)

God’s works inspire faith.  

Psalm 78:4 “4 We will not hide them from their children, Shewing to the generation to come The praises of the Lord, and his strength, And his wonderful works that he hath done.”

Memorials prevent forgetfulness. 

Psalm 103:2 “2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:”

Faithful testimony impacts nations 

Psalm 96:3 “3 Declare his glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.”

God’s power is undeniable. 

Joshua 4:24 “24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.”

Remembrance leads to trust. 

Psalm 37:3–5 “3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; So shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; Trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

This study reminds us that God’s faithfulness should never be forgotten but continually proclaimed for His glory.