King James Version
Joshua 4
24 verses with commentary
Memorial Stones Set Up
And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The timing 'when all the people were clean passed over Jordan' shows God's instruction coming after corporate obedience completion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 30:11-14. The Commandment Is Manifest.
**11-14. For this commandment ... is not hidden ... neither is it far off--**That law of loving and obeying God, which was the subject of Moses' discourse, was well known to the Israelites. They could not plead ignorance of its existence and requirements. It was not concealed as an impenetrable mystery in heaven, for it had been revealed; nor was it caref...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Stones taken out of Jordan.(1-9)
The people pass through Jordan.(10-19)
The twelve stones placed in Gilgal.(20-24)
**Verses 1-9**
The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children....
Read full commentary →Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,</strong> This command initiates the memorial stone ceremony commemorating Israel's miraculous Jordan crossing. The Hebrew <em>leḵû lāḵem</em> (לְקוּ לָכֶם) carries the force of "take for yourselves," emphasizing personal participation and responsibility. The number twelve corresponds to Israel's twelve tribes, ensuring compre...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 30:11-14. The Commandment Is Manifest.
**11-14. For this commandment ... is not hidden ... neither is it far off--**That law of loving and obeying God, which was the subject of Moses' discourse, was well known to the Israelites. They could not plead ignorance of its existence and requirements. It was not concealed as an impenetrable mystery in heaven, for it had been revealed; nor was it caref...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Stones taken out of Jordan.(1-9)
The people pass through Jordan.(10-19)
The twelve stones placed in Gilgal.(20-24)
**Verses 1-9**
The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children....
Read full commentary →And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The command to take twelve stones from Jordan's midst where priests stood creates lasting memorial of God's miraculous provision.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
IV.
(3) **Out of the midst of Jordan . . . twelve stones**—(9)** Twelve stones in the midst of Jordan.**—It would seem that we are to understand two cairns to have been set up, one on either side the river, to mark the place where the Israelites crossed. The western cairn was in Gilgal, the other on the opposite side, at the edge of the overflow, where the priests had stopped. The only difficulty ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 30:15-20. Death and Life Are Set before the Israelites.
**15-20. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil--**the alternative of a good and happy, or a disobedient and miserable life. Love of God and compliance with His will are the only ways of securing the blessings and avoiding the evils described. The choice was left to them, and in urging upon them the inducem...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Stones taken out of Jordan.(1-9)
The people pass through Jordan.(10-19)
The twelve stones placed in Gilgal.(20-24)
**Verses 1-9**
The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children....
Read full commentary →Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Joshua calling the twelve designated men demonstrates following God's prior instruction for memorial preparation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 30:15-20. Death and Life Are Set before the Israelites.
**15-20. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil--**the alternative of a good and happy, or a disobedient and miserable life. Love of God and compliance with His will are the only ways of securing the blessings and avoiding the evils described. The choice was left to them, and in urging upon them the inducem...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Stones taken out of Jordan.(1-9)
The people pass through Jordan.(10-19)
The twelve stones placed in Gilgal.(20-24)
**Verses 1-9**
The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children....
Read full commentary →And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The command to 'take you up every man of you a stone' ensures personal participation in memorial construction, creating individual stake in community history.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 30:15-20. Death and Life Are Set before the Israelites.
**15-20. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil--**the alternative of a good and happy, or a disobedient and miserable life. Love of God and compliance with His will are the only ways of securing the blessings and avoiding the evils described. The choice was left to them, and in urging upon them the inducem...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Stones taken out of Jordan.(1-9)
The people pass through Jordan.(10-19)
The twelve stones placed in Gilgal.(20-24)
**Verses 1-9**
The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children....
Read full commentary →That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? in time: Heb. to morrow
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The memorial stones' purpose—'That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?'—creates teaching opportunities for future generations. Physical memorials prompt questions enabling gospel transmission. The anticipation that children will ask demonstrates intentional catechesis structure. Faith transmission requires n...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 30:15-20. Death and Life Are Set before the Israelites.
**15-20. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil--**the alternative of a good and happy, or a disobedient and miserable life. Love of God and compliance with His will are the only ways of securing the blessings and avoiding the evils described. The choice was left to them, and in urging upon them the inducem...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Stones taken out of Jordan.(1-9)
The people pass through Jordan.(10-19)
The twelve stones placed in Gilgal.(20-24)
**Verses 1-9**
The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children....
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The teaching content—'Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD'—connects miracle to covenant presence. The ark's mention emphasizes that God's covenant promise, not human power, accomplished the miracle. This illustrates proper theology transmission—attributing God's works to Him, not natural causes or human achievement. The detai...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **The waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant.**—Observe that the act is indirectly ascribed to the *ark of the covenant:*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 30:15-20. Death and Life Are Set before the Israelites.
**15-20. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil--**the alternative of a good and happy, or a disobedient and miserable life. Love of God and compliance with His will are the only ways of securing the blessings and avoiding the evils described. The choice was left to them, and in urging upon them the inducem...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Stones taken out of Jordan.(1-9)
The people pass through Jordan.(10-19)
The twelve stones placed in Gilgal.(20-24)
**Verses 1-9**
The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children....
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The twelve stones' arrangement creates visible memorial, teaching tool for future generations about God's faithfulness.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(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.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 30:15-20. Death and Life Are Set before the Israelites.
**15-20. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil--**the alternative of a good and happy, or a disobedient and miserable life. Love of God and compliance with His will are the only ways of securing the blessings and avoiding the evils described. The choice was left to them, and in urging upon them the inducem...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Stones taken out of Jordan.(1-9)
The people pass through Jordan.(10-19)
The twelve stones placed in Gilgal.(20-24)
**Verses 1-9**
The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children....
Read full commentary →And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Additional stones in Jordan's midst create submerged memorial, demonstrating that some testimonies to God's works remain hidden until revelation.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Stones taken out of Jordan.(1-9)
The people pass through Jordan.(10-19)
The twelve stones placed in Gilgal.(20-24)
**Verses 1-9**
The works of the Lord are so worthy of rememberance, and the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various methods are needful to refresh our memories, for the glory of God, our advantage, and that of our children....
Read full commentary →For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Priests standing in Jordan until people passed shows sustained faith required for continued miracle. They remained in position throughout entire crossing.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **According to all that Moses commanded Joshua.**—It would seem that the passage of Jordan had been made the subject of some directions by Moses, though nothing is written concerning the manner of it in the Pentateuch. It is noticeable that if Israel had gone into the land when Moses brought them to the frontier at Kadesh-barnea, in the second year of the Exodus, they would have had no occasi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 31 De 31:1-8. Moses Encourages the People and Joshua.
**1. Moses went and spake--**It is probable that this rehearsal of the law extended over several successive days; and it might be the last and most important day on which the return of Moses to the place of assembly is specially noticed. In drawing his discourse towards a conclusion, he adverted to his advanced age; and although neithe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The ark's passage after all people crossed demonstrates divine presence bringing up the rear, protecting Israel's complete passage.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-8. also the Lord hath said--**should be "for the Lord hath said" thou shalt not go over this Jordan. While taking a solemn leave of the people, Moses exhorted them not to be intimidated by the menacing opposition of enemies; to take encouragement from the continued presence of their covenanted God; and to rest assured that the same divine power, which had enabled them to discomfit their first ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Transjordan tribes passing armed before Israel demonstrates faithfulness to covenant commitment despite already possessing inheritance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-8. also the Lord hath said--**should be "for the Lord hath said" thou shalt not go over this Jordan. While taking a solemn leave of the people, Moses exhorted them not to be intimidated by the menacing opposition of enemies; to take encouragement from the continued presence of their covenanted God; and to rest assured that the same divine power, which had enabled them to discomfit their first ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho. prepared: or, ready armed
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The forty thousand armed men before the LORD shows massive military mobilization for conquest under divine command.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **About forty thousand.**—The totals of these three tribes at the last census (Numbers 26) were:—Reuben (Numbers 26:7), 43,730; Gad (Numbers 26:18), 40,500; Manasseh (Numbers 26:34), 52,700, or for the exact half, 26, 350. Thus the entire force of the two and a half tribes might amount to 110,580. They therefore left more than half their number to protect their families and their dwellings. T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-8. also the Lord hath said--**should be "for the Lord hath said" thou shalt not go over this Jordan. While taking a solemn leave of the people, Moses exhorted them not to be intimidated by the menacing opposition of enemies; to take encouragement from the continued presence of their covenanted God; and to rest assured that the same divine power, which had enabled them to discomfit their first ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God magnifying Joshua as He had Moses establishes leadership succession credibility through miraculous vindication.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **All the days of his life.**—This ends the section, as appears by comparison with Joshua 3:7. Observe that Joshua’s position, as equal to Moses in the respect of the people, dates from the passage of Jordan, a fact not to be forgotten in considering his Antitype.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-8. also the Lord hath said--**should be "for the Lord hath said" thou shalt not go over this Jordan. While taking a solemn leave of the people, Moses exhorted them not to be intimidated by the menacing opposition of enemies; to take encouragement from the continued presence of their covenanted God; and to rest assured that the same divine power, which had enabled them to discomfit their first ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God's direct command to Joshua about priests confirms divine orchestration of every detail, not human planning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-8. also the Lord hath said--**should be "for the Lord hath said" thou shalt not go over this Jordan. While taking a solemn leave of the people, Moses exhorted them not to be intimidated by the menacing opposition of enemies; to take encouragement from the continued presence of their covenanted God; and to rest assured that the same divine power, which had enabled them to discomfit their first ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The command to priests to 'come ye up out of Jordan' releases them from stationed position, allowing river's return.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Command the priests . . . that they come up out of Jordan.**—Observe that the removal of the priests and the ark of the covenant from their station in Jordan is made the subject of a distinct section, and treated as a distinct event. It *need *not have been so for the purpose of the mere historical narrative. We might have taken it for granted. But the significance of the event is so marked...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-8. also the Lord hath said--**should be "for the Lord hath said" thou shalt not go over this Jordan. While taking a solemn leave of the people, Moses exhorted them not to be intimidated by the menacing opposition of enemies; to take encouragement from the continued presence of their covenanted God; and to rest assured that the same divine power, which had enabled them to discomfit their first ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Joshua's command to priests echoes God's instruction, showing proper prophetic mediation of divine commands to people.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-8. also the Lord hath said--**should be "for the Lord hath said" thou shalt not go over this Jordan. While taking a solemn leave of the people, Moses exhorted them not to be intimidated by the menacing opposition of enemies; to take encouragement from the continued presence of their covenanted God; and to rest assured that the same divine power, which had enabled them to discomfit their first ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before. lifted: Heb. plucked up flowed: Heb. went
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Waters returning to flood stage immediately upon priests' emergence demonstrates miracle's divine nature and timing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 31:9-13. He Delivers the Law to the Priests, to Read It Every Seventh Year to the People.
**9-13. And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests--**The law thus committed to writing was either the whole book of Deuteronomy, or the important part of it contained between the twenty-seventh and thirtieth chapters. It was usual in cases of public or private contract for two copies of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The timing of crossing 'the tenth day of the first month' connects to Passover preparation, linking deliverance themes.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**EVENTS AT GILGAL** (Joshua 4:19 to Joshua 5:12, inclusive).
(19) **On the tenth day of the first month.**—Of the forty-first year after they left Egypt. Exactly forty years before, on the tenth day of the first month, (Exodus 12:5), they had been commanded to take them “a lamb for an house,” that they might keep the Passover. The forty years of the Exodus were now complete, and on the self-same ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 31:9-13. He Delivers the Law to the Priests, to Read It Every Seventh Year to the People.
**9-13. And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests--**The law thus committed to writing was either the whole book of Deuteronomy, or the important part of it contained between the twenty-seventh and thirtieth chapters. It was usual in cases of public or private contract for two copies of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that th...
Read full commentary →And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The twelve stones erected at Gilgal create permanent camp memorial, maintaining visible testimony to God's works.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20—5:9) It would seem that these verses all belong to one section. The use of the first person in Joshua 5:1, “until *we *were passed over,” is most naturally explained by taking the verse as part of what the Israelites were to say to their children by the command of Joshua. The difficulty has been met in the Hebrew Bible by a Masoretic reading, in which “they” is substituted for “we.” But the mo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 31:9-13. He Delivers the Law to the Priests, to Read It Every Seventh Year to the People.
**9-13. And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests--**The law thus committed to writing was either the whole book of Deuteronomy, or the important part of it contained between the twenty-seventh and thirtieth chapters. It was usual in cases of public or private contract for two copies of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-24**
It is the duty of parents to tell their children betimes of the words and works of God, that they may be trained up in the way they should go. In all the instruction parents give their children, they should teach them to fear God. Serious godliness is the best learning. Are we not called, as much as the Israelites, to praise the loving-kindness of our God? Shall we not raise a...
Read full commentary →And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? in time: Heb. to morrow
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?</strong><br><br>This verse establishes the pedagogical purpose of the twelve memorial stones taken from the Jordan. The phrase <em>lema'an</em> (לְמַעַן, "in order that") indicates divine intentionality—the stones serve as a teaching tool for future ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 31:9-13. He Delivers the Law to the Priests, to Read It Every Seventh Year to the People.
**9-13. And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests--**The law thus committed to writing was either the whole book of Deuteronomy, or the important part of it contained between the twenty-seventh and thirtieth chapters. It was usual in cases of public or private contract for two copies of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-24**
It is the duty of parents to tell their children betimes of the words and works of God, that they may be trained up in the way they should go. In all the instruction parents give their children, they should teach them to fear God. Serious godliness is the best learning. Are we not called, as much as the Israelites, to praise the loving-kindness of our God? Shall we not raise a...
Read full commentary →Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.</strong><br><br>This verse contains the prescribed response to children's questions about the memorial stones. The Hebrew verb <em>yada</em> (יָדַע, "let...know") means more than cognitive awareness—it implies experiential understanding and personal appropriation of truth. Parents must actively transmit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
De 31:9-13. He Delivers the Law to the Priests, to Read It Every Seventh Year to the People.
**9-13. And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests--**The law thus committed to writing was either the whole book of Deuteronomy, or the important part of it contained between the twenty-seventh and thirtieth chapters. It was usual in cases of public or private contract for two copies of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-24**
It is the duty of parents to tell their children betimes of the words and works of God, that they may be trained up in the way they should go. In all the instruction parents give their children, they should teach them to fear God. Serious godliness is the best learning. Are we not called, as much as the Israelites, to praise the loving-kindness of our God? Shall we not raise a...
Read full commentary →For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:</strong><br><br>This verse explicitly connects the Jordan crossing to the Red Sea deliverance, using the verb <em>yabesh</em> (יָבֵשׁ, "dried up") for both events. The phrase "until ye were passed...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-15. the Lord said unto Moses, ...call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation--**Joshua had been publicly designated to the office of commander by Moses [Nu 27:22, 23]; and God was pleased to confirm his appointment by the visible symbols of His presence and approval. As none but the priests were privileged to enter the sanctuary, it is probable that this signific...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-24**
It is the duty of parents to tell their children betimes of the words and works of God, that they may be trained up in the way they should go. In all the instruction parents give their children, they should teach them to fear God. Serious godliness is the best learning. Are we not called, as much as the Israelites, to praise the loving-kindness of our God? Shall we not raise a...
Read full commentary →That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever. for ever: Heb. all days
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The miracle's purpose—'That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever'—has dual audiences: universal witness and Israel's reverence. God's mighty acts serve both evangelistic (showing His power to nations) and sanctifying (producing fear among His people) purposes. The comprehensive phrase 'all the people of the ea...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-15. the Lord said unto Moses, ...call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation--**Joshua had been publicly designated to the office of commander by Moses [Nu 27:22, 23]; and God was pleased to confirm his appointment by the visible symbols of His presence and approval. As none but the priests were privileged to enter the sanctuary, it is probable that this signific...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-24**
It is the duty of parents to tell their children betimes of the words and works of God, that they may be trained up in the way they should go. In all the instruction parents give their children, they should teach them to fear God. Serious godliness is the best learning. Are we not called, as much as the Israelites, to praise the loving-kindness of our God? Shall we not raise a...
Read full commentary →