Joshua 4:7
Joshua 4:7 in Multiple Translations
you 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.”
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.
then ye shall say unto them, Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
Then you will say to them, Because the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the Lord's agreement; when it went over Jordan the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones will be a sign for the children of Israel, keeping it in their memory for ever.
you can tell them, ‘It's about the time the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord's Agreement went across. When it crossed over the water stopped. These stones are a memorial to the people of Israel forever.’”
Then ye may answere them, That the waters of Iorden were cut off before the Arke of the couenant of the Lord: for when it passed through Iorden, the waters of Iorden were cut off: therefore these stones are a memoriall vnto the children of Israel for euer.
that ye have said to them, Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off, at the presence of the ark of the covenant of Jehovah; in its passing over into the Jordan were the waters of the Jordan cut off; and these stones have been for a memorial to the sons of Israel — to the age.'
then you shall tell them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the LORD’s covenant. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.’”
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 to the children of Israel for ever.
You shall answer them: The waters of the Jordan ran off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, when it passed over the same: therefore were these atones set for a monument of the children of Israel for ever.
tell them that the water in the Jordan River was blocked off when the priests were carrying the chest that contained the Ten Commandments that Yahweh gave us. When the chest was carried into the Jordan River, the water was blocked off so that we could cross the riverbed. These stones will be a memorial for the descendants of us Israeli people forever.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 4:7
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Joshua 4:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 4:7
Study Notes — Joshua 4:7
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 4:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 4:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:7
- Sermons on Joshua 4:7
Context — Twelve Stones from the Jordan
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.”
8Thus 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. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 12:14 | 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. |
| 2 | Numbers 16:40 | just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers. |
| 3 | Exodus 28:12 | Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalms 111:4 | He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. |
| 5 | Joshua 3:13–16 | When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—touch down in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.” So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. |
| 6 | Joshua 4:6 | to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 11:24 | and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 66:3 | Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations. |
| 9 | Exodus 30:16 | Take the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will serve as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD to make atonement for your lives.” |
Joshua 4:7 Summary
Joshua 4:7 reminds us that God is a miracle-working God who can do the impossible, just like He did when He cut off the waters of the Jordan River before the ark of the covenant. This event was a significant reminder to the Israelites of God's power and provision, and it can be the same for us today, as we remember God's promises in Jeremiah 29:11 and His faithfulness in Lamentations 3:22-23. By trusting in God's power and provision, we can face any challenge that comes our way, knowing that He is always with us. This verse also encourages us to share our stories of God's faithfulness with others, just as the Israelites were instructed to do, so that they can be encouraged and inspired to trust in Him as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the stones in Joshua 4:7?
The stones served as a memorial to the Israelites, reminding them of the miracle of the Jordan River being cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, as seen in Joshua 4:7 and also referenced in Joshua 4:9.
How does this event relate to the larger story of the Israelites?
This event is part of the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land, which was promised to them by God in Genesis 12:7 and reaffirmed in Deuteronomy 1:8.
What role did the ark of the covenant play in this miracle?
The ark of the covenant, which represented God's presence, was the focal point of the miracle, as the waters of the Jordan were cut off before it, demonstrating God's power and authority, similar to the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31.
Why is it important for the Israelites to remember this event?
Remembering this event would help the Israelites trust in God's power and provision, just as it is written in Deuteronomy 8:2, and would serve as a reminder of their covenant with Him, as seen in Exodus 19:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has miraculously provided for me, and how can I remember and share those stories with others?
- How can I, like the Israelites, create memorials or reminders of God's work in my life to encourage myself and others in their faith?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and provision, and how can I apply the lessons from Joshua 4:7 to those situations?
- In what ways can I pass on the stories of God's faithfulness to the next generation, just as the Israelites were instructed to do in Joshua 4:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 4:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 4:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 4:7
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 4:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 4:7
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 4:7
Sermons on Joshua 4:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Judgment Day by Dave Hunt | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the topic of Judgment Day, referring to passages from the books of Joel and Zechariah in the Bible. He emphasizes that God will gather all nati |
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Call to Repentance by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that Israel failed to learn from their experiences in the wilderness, despite God's tender leading and the manifestation of His glory. The sp |
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The Feasts of Jehovah 04 Firstfruits by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the various offerings mentioned in the Bible, specifically focusing on the drink offering. He references the story of Jacob in Genesis, where |
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The Eucharistic Feast by Todd Atkinson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the division between the haves and the have nots in the Corinthian church. He emphasizes that this division goes against the principles of Ch |
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The Paschal Supper by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson preaches about the trustworthiness of Gospel narratives, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in details to maintain the credibility of the Bible. He delves i |
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(Covenant Series) 1. David and Jonathan by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and Jonathan from 1 Samuel 18. The background is that David, a shepherd boy, has just slain Goliath, the enemy of God. Davi |







