Chapter four signifies that the Israelites have made it into the promise land. The LORD has given them dry land to walk on when crossing the Jordan and they have finally made it after over 40-years of wondering in the Midianite desert. I can only imagine the potential for excitement throughout the 12 tribes and that the idea of throwing a party, exploring the new land or simply just resting had to be some of the common themes going through the mind of the Israelites at that time. However, as we can see from the faithful tone of Joshua, now is a time to honor the LORD.

Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. And Joshua said to them “Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. (Verses 4-6)

Here Joshua is appointing a man from each of the twelve tribes to pick up a stone from the Jordan in order to set up a memorial to the LORD. Joshua realizes the grace that they (Israelites) have received by a sovereign God who is almighty, possessing the power to stop a running river. Therefore, their first act in the promise land is to praise the LORD.

How often do we forget the grace that God shows us in our lives daily? As we pass through our jobs, chores and good fortunes unable to even notice the grace that the LORD shows us nevertheless give thanks.

“ the you shall let your children know, Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground…so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear he LORD your God forever.

Just as a child has that overwhelming respect for their father when they are little and dependent because they know of the protection he provides. This is the same type of adoration and respect the Israelites are called to have for the LORD. As he has shown his mighty power to protect them through everything, but at the drop of a hat still has the power to wipe mankind off the face of the earth. Therefore, the “fearing” of the LORD that Joshua is trying to lay the foundation for in all future generations pertains to giving the father the ultimate respect that he deserves because of the his mighty power and how he has the ability to do all that he pleases.

His Humbled Servant,

W.H. Carston