Joshua 4:1-24 provides us with the account of another unusual event that occurred in the life of the Covenant nation as Joshua obediently led God’s people across the Jordan River into the land of Canaan. You can read about the rather strange divine order given through Joshua to the people in verses 2-3. Twelve men were to be selected from the people, one man from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. And then, these men were to collect twelve stones from the middle of the river and take them to the other side, placing them in the location of their first encampment in the Promised Land. In addition to this, Joshua also set up a monument of twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, leaving them there to become visible in the river when the waters were at a lower level following the spring rains (v. 9). The first collection of stones was eventually erected at a place called “Gilgal” (v. 20), and it was to remain there as a “memorial forever” (v. 7), giving silent testimony to the greatness and faithfulness of God and promoting the “fear” of the Lord (v. 24).

So, what was all of this about? And what is the significance of the construction of two stony monuments, one in the river and the other on the land? The blessed answer may be found in verses 21-24. On Sunday, we will consider Joshua 4:1-24 and begin to explore the riches and eternal relevance of yet another ‘Great Event in the History of Redemption.’