Joshua 4: Jordan-Henge

In a preliterate society, it would be challenging to find a way to preserve information for future generations.  To mark the significance of the Israelites entering the Promised Land in a miraculous way, the Lord instructs Joshua to set up twelve stones from the Jordan River at Gilgal.  (Gilgal literally means "circle of standing stones.")  These stones are meant to bear testimony for coming ages.  "When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?' then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord.  When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.  So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever" (vs. 6-7).  Joshua relays this word from the Lord to the Israelites in verses 21 and 22.  The stones thus became an enduring witness to God's power and faithfulness.