Joshua 4

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Joshua commanding the Israelites to take twelve stones from the Jordan River and set them up as a monument at Gilgal, where they would camp for the night (Joshua 4:1-3). This monument would serve as a reminder to the Israelites and their children of God's faithfulness in parting the Jordan River, allowing them to enter the Promised Land (Joshua 4:6-7). The chapter also describes how the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood in the river until the entire nation had crossed over (Joshua 4:10-11). The Israelites then set up the monument of stones at Gilgal, and Joshua instructed them to use it as a teaching tool to tell their children about God's mighty work in their lives (Joshua 4:20-24).

Context for the Chapter

Joshua chapter 4 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. It follows the events of Joshua chapter 3, where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, and precedes the events of Joshua chapter 5, where the Israelites prepare for battle against the city of Jericho. This chapter provides a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, as they transition from wandering in the wilderness to settling in the Promised Land.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Joshua chapter 4, we are reminded of the importance of remembering and honoring God's mighty works in our lives. We should take time to commemorate God's faithfulness and provision, passing these stories down to future generations. This chapter encourages us to fear and reverence God, trusting in His power and provision for our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Joshua chapter 4 is about the Israelites remembering God's faithfulness in parting the Jordan River. They set up a monument of twelve stones to commemorate this event, which would serve as a reminder to them and their children of God's power and provision. As we read this chapter, we are encouraged to remember and honor God's mighty works in our lives, just like the Israelites did (Joshua 4:7).

Voices from the Church

“The monument of stones set up by the Israelites serves as a reminder to us today of the importance of commemorating God's mighty works in our lives, that we may always fear and reverence Him.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The parting of the Jordan River demonstrates God's power and provision for His people, foreshadowing the greater redemption that God would accomplish through Jesus Christ.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Command to Set Up a Monument (Joshua 4:1-3) — Joshua commands the Israelites to take twelve stones from the Jordan River and set them up as a monument at Gilgal.
2. The Parting of the Jordan River (Joshua 4:10-11) — The priests who carried the ark of the covenant stand in the river until the entire nation has crossed over.
3. The Setting Up of the Monument (Joshua 4:20-24) — The Israelites set up the monument of stones at Gilgal, and Joshua instructs them to use it as a teaching tool to tell their children about God's mighty work in their lives.
4. The Purpose of the Monument (Joshua 4:6-7) — The monument serves as a reminder to the Israelites and their children of God's faithfulness in parting the Jordan River.
5. The Conclusion (Joshua 4:12-24) — The chapter concludes with the Israelites setting up the monument and Joshua instructing them to fear and reverence God, remembering His mighty works in their lives.

Core Doctrines

Providence

This chapter teaches us about God's providence in providing for the Israelites and parting the Jordan River, demonstrating His power and care for His people.

Remembrance

The chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering and commemorating God's mighty works in our lives, passing these stories down to future generations.

Faith

The Israelites' faith is demonstrated as they trust in God's power and provision, crossing the Jordan River and settling in the Promised Land.

Redemption

The parting of the Jordan River foreshadows the greater redemption that God would accomplish through Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's power and provision for His people.

Lessons from Joshua 4

1. The Importance of Remembering God's Faithfulness — We should take time to commemorate God's mighty works in our lives, passing these stories down to future generations.
2. The Power of God's Providence — God's providence is demonstrated in the parting of the Jordan River, showing His power and care for His people.
3. The Role of Spiritual Leadership — The priests play a crucial role in the parting of the Jordan River, demonstrating the importance of spiritual leadership in the lives of God's people.
4. The Importance of Fearing and Reverencing God — We should cultivate an attitude of fear and reverence for God, remembering His mighty works in our lives and trusting in His power and provision.
5. The Foreshadowing of Redemption — The parting of the Jordan River foreshadows the greater redemption that God would accomplish through Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's power and provision for His people.

Themes from Joshua 4

1. God's Faithfulness — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness in providing for the Israelites and parting the Jordan River, demonstrating His power and care for His people.
2. Remembrance and Commemoration — The Israelites set up a monument to remember God's faithfulness, emphasizing the importance of commemorating God's mighty works in our lives.
3. The Power of God's Providence — The parting of the Jordan River demonstrates God's power and provision for His people, foreshadowing the greater redemption that God would accomplish through Jesus Christ.
4. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The priests play a crucial role in the parting of the Jordan River, demonstrating the importance of spiritual leadership in the lives of God's people.
5. The Importance of Fearing and Reverencing God — We should cultivate an attitude of fear and reverence for God, remembering His mighty works in our lives and trusting in His power and provision.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the monument of twelve stones represent, and what can we learn from it about God's faithfulness in our lives?
2. How does the parting of the Jordan River demonstrate God's power and provision for His people?
3. What role do the priests play in the parting of the Jordan River, and what can we learn from their example about spiritual leadership?
4. How can we apply the principles of remembrance and commemoration from this chapter to our own lives, honoring God's mighty works in our experiences?
5. What does this chapter teach us about the importance of fearing and reverencing God, and how can we cultivate this attitude in our own hearts?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Joshua 4

	Sermon	Description
	(2008 Usa Tour) Caleb, Give Me This Mountain! by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the book of Joshua and briefly mentioning the story of Caleb. He then transitions to discussing the importance of being consumed
	Through the Bible - Joshua by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God when He performs miracles in our lives. He uses the example of the Israelites crossing the River Jorda
	The Stones of Testing by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a concrete testimony to the power of God's resurrection and victory over death. He uses the story of Joshua and the crossin
	When Your Children Ask by David Roper	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the Lord is always doing highly improbable and unique things in our lives. He encourages listeners to trust in the Lord's ability to exc
	Last Day, That Great Day of the Feast - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker, David Thomas, shares his personal experience of witnessing for the Lord and the sacrifices he made for his faith. He recounts a conversation with a bus
	Truths From Israel's History, Part 2 - Gilgal by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on four stories from the Bible: the crossing of the Jordan River, the setting up of the base camp at Gilgal, the taking of Jericho, and the defe
	In His Presence by Don Courville	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events of Joshua chapters 3 and 4, where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. He compares this crossing to their previous crossing of
	Palm Sunday (The Stones Sing Out) by Thaddeus Barnum	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joshua chapter 4 in the Bible. The passage describes the Israelites' journey from captivity in Egypt to the promised land. The s
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 505 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God's wonderful works through memorials. He uses the example of the rainbow as a memorial of God's covenant wi
	He Has Done Great Things by Michael Koulianos	Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of remembering God's mighty works and testimonies in our lives, drawing from Joshua 4 where the Israelites set up stones as a memorial o

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 4

Matthew Henry's commentary on Joshua 4 emphasizes the importance of remembering and commemorating God's mighty works in our lives. He notes that the monument of twelve stones serves as a reminder to the Israelites of God's faithfulness in parting the Jordan River, demonstrating His power and provision for His people. Henry also highlights the role of the priests in the parting of the Jordan River, demonstrating the importance of spiritual leadership in the lives of God's people. He concludes that this chapter teaches us about the importance of fearing and reverencing God, remembering His mighty works in our lives and trusting in His power and provision. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?