After Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground (a miracle God performed as He had at the Red Sea), God commanded Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe, take twelve stones from the middle of the river where the priests stood with the Ark of the Covenant.

• The stones were set up as a memorial at Gilgal.

• They were to serve as a sign for future generations, so that when children asked, “What do these stones mean?” parents could testify of how God made a way for Israel to cross into the Promised Land.

• The chapter emphasizes God’s power, faithfulness, and the importance of remembering His works.