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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 4:8 Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each tribe of Israel, just as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them to the camp, where they set them down.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/4-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/06_Jos_04_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 4:8 - Twelve Stones from the Jordan" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each tribe of Israel, just as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them to the camp, where they set them down." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/joshua/4-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/joshua/4-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/4-7.htm" title="Joshua 4:7">◄</a> Joshua 4:8 <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm" title="Joshua 4:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/joshua/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/joshua/4.htm">New International Version</a> So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. <a href="/nlt/joshua/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> So the men did as Joshua had commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River, one for each tribe, just as the LORD had told Joshua. They carried them to the place where they camped for the night and constructed the memorial there. <a href="/esv/joshua/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, just as the LORD told Joshua. And they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged and laid them down there. <a href="/bsb/joshua/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each tribe of Israel, just as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them to the camp, where they set them down. <a href="/kjv/joshua/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/4.htm">New King James Version</a> And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the LORD had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. <a href="/nasb_/joshua/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So the sons of Israel did exactly as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, just as the LORD spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the encampment and put them down there. <a href="/nasb/joshua/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Thus the sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, just as the LORD spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the lodging place and put them down there. <a href="/nasb77/joshua/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And thus the sons of Israel did, as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, just as the LORD spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the lodging place, and put them down there. <a href="/lsb/joshua/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Thus the sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded and carried twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, just as Yahweh spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the lodging place and laid them down there. <a href="/amp/joshua/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So the [twelve men chosen from the] sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel, just as the LORD had spoken to Joshua; and they carried them over with them to the place where they were spending the night and put them down there. <a href="/csb/joshua/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The Israelites did just as Joshua had commanded them. The twelve men took stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each of the Israelite tribes, just as the LORD had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp and set them down there. <a href="/hcsb/joshua/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Israelites did just as Joshua had commanded them. The 12 men took stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each of the Israelite tribes, just as the LORD had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp and set them down there. <a href="/asv/joshua/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as Jehovah spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. <a href="/cev/joshua/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The men followed the instructions that the LORD had given Joshua. They picked up twelve rocks, one for each tribe, and carried them to the camp, where they put them down. <a href="/erv/joshua/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 they carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. <a href="/gwt/joshua/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The people of Israel did as Joshua had ordered. They took 12 stones, one for each of the tribes of Israel. They took them from the middle of the Jordan as the LORD had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp and set them down there. <a href="/gnt/joshua/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> The men followed Joshua's orders. As the LORD had commanded Joshua, they took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each of the tribes of Israel, carried them to the camping place, and put them down there. <a href="/isv/joshua/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> The Israelis did just as Joshua commanded. They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River—just as the LORD had spoken to Joshua—according to the number of the tribes of the Israelis, and they carried them over to where they would be pitching camp, and they put them down there. <a href="/msb/joshua/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each tribe of Israel, just as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them to the camp, where they set them down. <a href="/net/joshua/4.htm">NET Bible</a> The Israelites did just as Joshua commanded. They picked up twelve stones, according to the number of the Israelite tribes, from the middle of the Jordan as the LORD had instructed Joshua. They carried them over with them to the camp and put them there. <a href="/nheb/joshua/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The children of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the middle of the Jordan, as the LORD spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. <a href="/wbt/joshua/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of Jordan, as the the LORD commanded Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. <a href="/web/joshua/4.htm">World English Bible</a> The children of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the middle of the Jordan, as Yahweh spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel. They carried them over with them to the place where they camped, and laid them down there. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the sons of Israel do so as Joshua commanded, and take up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as YHWH has spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel, and remove them over with them to the lodging-place, and place them there, <a href="/ylt/joshua/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the sons of Israel do so as Joshua commanded, and take up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as Jehovah hath spoken unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel, and remove them over with them unto the lodging-place, and place them there, <a href="/slt/joshua/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the sons of Israel will do so as Joshua commanded, and they will lift up the twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as Jehovah spake to Joshua according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel, and they will pass them over with them to the lodging place, and they will deposit them there.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The children of Israel therefore did as Josue commanded them, carrying out of the channel of the Jordan twelve stones, as the Lord had commanded him, according to the number of the children of Israel, unto the place wherein they camped, and there they set them. <a href="/cpdv/joshua/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, the sons of Israel did as Joshua instructed them, carrying twelve stones from the midst of the channel of the Jordan, just as the Lord had ordered him, according to the number of the sons of Israel, as far as the place where they made camp, and there they stationed them. <a href="/nabre/joshua/4.htm">New American Bible</a> The twelve Israelites did as Joshua had commanded: they took up twelve stones from the Jordan riverbed as the LORD had said to Joshua, one for each of the tribes of the Israelites. They carried them along to the camp site, and there they placed them. <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The Israelites did as Joshua commanded. They took up twelve stones out of the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD told Joshua, carried them over with them to the place where they camped, and laid them down there.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the children of Israel did as Joshua commanded them, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as the LORD had said to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And so the children of Israel did as Yeshua commanded them, and they picked up twelve stones from within the Jordan, according to what LORD JEHOVAH said to Yeshua, by the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and they brought them with them to the house of lodging and they left them there<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as the LORD spoke unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. <a href="/sep/joshua/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the children of Israel did so, as the Lord commanded Joshua; and they took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, (as the Lord commanded Joshua, when the children of Israel had completely passed over,) and carried these stones with them into the camp, and laid them down there. <a href="/parallel/joshua/4-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=690" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/4.htm">Twelve Stones from the Jordan</a> …7you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” 8<a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">Thus the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rå̄·ʾēl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘ă·śū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">did</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wāh (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">had commanded them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">They took up</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·tê- (Number-fdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">twelve</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘eś·rêh (Number-fsc) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’ă·ḇā·nîm (N-fp) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">stones</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: mit·tō·wḵ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">from the middle</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">of the Jordan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4557.htm" title="4557: lə·mis·par (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Number, tally. From caphar; a number, definite or indefinite; also narration.">one for each</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: šiḇ·ṭê (N-mpc) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">tribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">just as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·ber (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">had told</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">Joshua;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: way·ya·‘ă·ḇi·rūm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3mp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">and they carried</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mām (Prep:: 3mp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4411.htm" title="4411: ham·mā·lō·wn (Art:: N-ms) -- A lodging place, inn, khan. From luwn; a lodgment, i.e. Caravanserai or encampment.">the camp,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5117.htm" title="5117: way·yan·ni·ḥūm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3mp) -- To rest, i.e. settle down">where they set them down.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> 9Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood. And the stones are there to this day.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/12-14.htm">Exodus 12:14</a> And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come. <a href="/deuteronomy/27-2.htm">Deuteronomy 27:2-3</a> And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. / Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. <a href="/1_kings/18-31.htm">1 Kings 18:31-32</a> And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” / And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. <a href="/2_kings/3-16.htm">2 Kings 3:16-17</a> and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ <a href="/2_kings/20-9.htm">2 Kings 20:9</a> And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?” <a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Psalm 78:4-7</a> We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children ... <a href="/psalms/105-5.htm">Psalm 105:5</a> Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced, <a href="/isaiah/43-16.htm">Isaiah 43:16-17</a> Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters, / who brings out the chariots and horses, the armies and warriors together, to lie down, never to rise again; to be extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: <a href="/isaiah/46-9.htm">Isaiah 46:9</a> Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. <a href="/jeremiah/31-21.htm">Jeremiah 31:21</a> “Set up the road markers, put up the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours. <a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Matthew 3:9</a> And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. <a href="/matthew/16-9.htm">Matthew 16:9-10</a> Do you still not understand? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? / Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? <a href="/mark/8-19.htm">Mark 8:19-20</a> When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?” “Twelve,” they answered. / “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?” “Seven,” they said. <a href="/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8</a> Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. <a href="/john/1-28.htm">John 1:28</a> All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the middle of Jordan, as the LORD spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.did so as Joshua<a href="/joshua/4-2.htm">Joshua 4:2-5</a> Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, … <a href="/joshua/1-16.htm">Joshua 1:16-18</a> And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/3-17.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/joshua/4-7.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/3-3.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/joshua/4-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/4-7.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/joshua/4-5.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/3-1.htm">Lodged</a> <a href="/joshua/4-5.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/joshua/4-6.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/joshua/4-7.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/joshua/4-5.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/joshua/4-4.htm">Twelve</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/joshua/4-12.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/4-10.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/joshua/4-12.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/6-11.htm">Lodged</a> <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/joshua/7-14.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Twelve</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 4</div>1. <a href="/joshua/4-1.htm">Twelve men are appointed to take twelve memorial stones from Jordan</a> 9. <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Twelve other stones are set up in the midst of Jordan</a> 10. <a href="/joshua/4-10.htm">The people pass over</a> 14. <a href="/joshua/4-14.htm">God magnifies Joshua</a> 15. <a href="/joshua/4-15.htm">The priests commanded to come out of Jordan</a> 20. <a href="/joshua/4-20.htm">The twelve stones are pitched in Gilgal</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Thus the Israelites did as Joshua had commanded them. This phrase highlights the obedience of the Israelites to Joshua's leadership, which is crucial in their conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua, as Moses' successor, is a type of Christ, leading God's people into their inheritance. The Israelites' compliance reflects their trust in God's appointed leader, paralleling the call for Christians to follow Christ's commands.They took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, The twelve stones symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, representing the unity and collective identity of God's people. The act of taking stones from the Jordan's middle signifies a miraculous event, as the river was parted for their crossing. This mirrors the Red Sea crossing, reinforcing God's power and faithfulness. The stones serve as a tangible reminder of God's deliverance and provision.one for each tribe of Israel, This emphasizes the equal representation and importance of each tribe in God's covenant community. It underscores the theme of unity among diversity within the body of believers. The twelve tribes are often seen as a precursor to the twelve apostles, who form the foundation of the Church.just as the LORD had told Joshua; This phrase underscores the divine origin of the command, highlighting Joshua's role as a faithful mediator of God's will. It reflects the importance of divine instruction and obedience in achieving God's purposes. The phrase also points to the prophetic nature of God's word, which is fulfilled through human action.and they carried them to the camp, The act of carrying the stones to the camp signifies the transition from a miraculous event to a memorial for future generations. The camp represents a place of rest and community, where the Israelites can reflect on God's faithfulness. This action parallels the Christian practice of remembering Christ's sacrifice through communion.where they set them down. Setting the stones down establishes a permanent memorial, serving as a witness to future generations of God's mighty acts. It is a call to remember and teach God's faithfulness, similar to how Christians are called to remember and proclaim the gospel. The stones become a testimony to God's enduring covenant with His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The leader of the Israelites after Moses, who commanded the people to take stones from the Jordan as a memorial. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The people of God, representing the twelve tribes, who obeyed Joshua's command. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> The river that the Israelites crossed on dry ground, symbolizing God's miraculous provision and faithfulness. 4. <a href="/topical/t/twelve_stones.htm">Twelve Stones</a> Taken from the Jordan River, these stones served as a memorial for future generations to remember God's deliverance. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_camp.htm">The Camp</a> The place where the Israelites set down the stones, serving as a physical reminder of their crossing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a> The Israelites' obedience to Joshua's command reflects the importance of following God's instructions precisely. <a href="/topical/m/memorials_of_faith.htm">Memorials of Faith</a> Physical reminders, like the twelve stones, help us remember God's faithfulness and teach future generations. <a href="/topical/u/unity_among_god's_people.htm">Unity Among God's People</a> The twelve stones represent the unity of the twelve tribes, reminding us of the importance of unity in the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a> The crossing of the Jordan and the setting up of the stones testify to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. <a href="/topical/t/teaching_future_generations.htm">Teaching Future Generations</a> Just as the stones were to prompt questions from future generations, we are called to share our testimonies of God's work in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 4</a> <a href="/q/should_christians_join_labor_unions.htm">What is Gilgal's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/verify_jordan_miracle_without_proof.htm">Joshua 4:1–9: How can we verify the miraculous nature of stopping the Jordan and gathering stones without historical or scientific proof? </a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_judges_2_1_angel_event.htm">Judges 2:1 mentions an angel of the LORD appearing; is there any historical or archaeological evidence for such an event or being?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_plot_of_jordan_crossing.htm">What is the plot of Jordan Crossing?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8-9) According to the number of the tribes. . . .--Every tribe was represented by a stone on either side Jordan. The two cairns represent a complete Israel in the wilderness, and a complete Israel in the promised land. "Thou shalt remember all the way that the Lord thy God led thee." "By the grace of God I am what I am." <a href="/commentaries/joshua/4-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Thus the Israelites בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son did וַיַּעֲשׂוּ־ (way·ya·‘ă·śū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make as כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֒ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites had commanded them. צִוָּ֣ה (ṣiw·wāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order They took up וַיִּשְׂא֡וּ (way·yiś·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take twelve שְׁתֵּֽי־ (šə·tê-) Number - fdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) stones אֲבָנִ֜ים (’ă·ḇā·nîm) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> A stone from the middle מִתּ֣וֹךְ (mit·tō·wḵ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> A bisection, the centre of the Jordan, הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine one for each לְמִסְפַּ֖ר (lə·mis·par) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4557.htm">Strong's 4557: </a> A number, definite, indefinite, narration tribe שִׁבְטֵ֣י (šiḇ·ṭê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc just as כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel had told דִּבֶּ֤ר (dib·ber) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue Joshua; יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites and they carried וַיַּעֲבִר֤וּם (way·ya·‘ă·ḇi·rūm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on them עִמָּם֙ (‘im·mām) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the camp, הַמָּל֔וֹן (ham·mā·lō·wn) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4411.htm">Strong's 4411: </a> A lodgment, caravanserai, encampment where they set them down. וַיַּנִּח֖וּם (way·yan·ni·ḥūm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3240.htm">Strong's 3240: </a> Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place, <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/4-8.htm">Joshua 4:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/4-8.htm">OT History: Joshua 4:8 The children of Israel did as Joshua (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/4-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 4:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 4:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/4-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 4:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 4:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>