Joshua 4

Twelve Stones to Remember the Miracle

1 When the whole crew had crossed the Jordan, God told Joshua what to do next.

2 He said, “Pick 12 dudes - one from each tribe.”

3 “Tell them to go back to where the priests still standing with the Ark, Grab one big stone each, and carry it on their shoulders.”

4 So Joshua picked 12 men like God said - one from every tribe.

5 He told them, “Go to the middle of the Jordan where the Ark is, And each of you all grab a stone - one for your tribe.”

6 “This is not just rocks - this going to be a sign for your kids. When they ask, ‘What is this about?’…”

7 “Tell them how the waters stopped when the Ark crossed over. These stones going to remind you all forever what God did right here.”

The Stones Get Set Up

8 So the men did what Joshua said - Grabbed 12 stones from the river and brought them to camp.

9 Joshua also stacked 12 stones right in the middle of the Jordan, Where the priests had stood - and they still there to this day.

10 The priests stayed posted with the Ark until everything God said was done - Just like Moses told Joshua, and just like Joshua told the people.

11 When everyone crossed over, The Ark and the priests finally came out with the people watching.

The Battle Tribes Roll Out Armed

12 The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh rolled out first, strapped up and ready, Just like Moses had told them.

13 About 40,000 soldiers went ahead of everyone, Ready to ride for the Lord in Jericho.

God Puts Joshua on the Map

14 That day, God made Joshua famous in all of Israel. They respected him like they did Moses - and that stayed true for life.

The Priests Come Up from the River

15 Then God told Joshua,

16 “Tell the priests carrying the Ark to step out the river.”

17 So Joshua told them, “Aight, come up now.”

18 As soon as the priests’ feet hit dry ground, The Jordan River came back full force - flooding like before.

Camp at Gilgal & Set the Stones

19 On the 10th day of the first month, the people set up camp at Gilgal, On the east side of Jericho.

20 Joshua set up the 12 stones they took from the river right there in Gilgal.

21 He told the people, “One day your kids going to ask, ‘What is these stones for?’”

22 “You tell them - Israel crossed this river on dry ground.”

23 “God dried up the Jordan for you all - Just like He dried up the Red Sea for your parents.”

24 “God did this so everybody would know He is the real power - the One to fear and follow forever.”