Read or hear the story from Joshua 4:19-24

The book of Joshua was a product of a Jewish renewal movement during the time Israel was in exile in Babylon (6th century BCE). It was part of the Deuteronomistic History that shaped Jewish identity and gave them hope in a hopeless situation and power in a powerless place. (read Joshua and the Land, pp 3-6)

Moses said,
      Observe this law in the land you are about to cross into and occupy
            So that you and your children may worship God . . .
      Recite these words to your children (see Deuteronomy 6)

Joshua said,
      You shall let your children know the meaning of these stones
            so that you may worship the Lord forever.

The people of Israel remember God as one who has the power to save them in their time of need. (read Joshua and the Land, pp. 11-12)

Yeah, but . . .

What were the Israelites being saved from?

Seems like they were on the attack, not on the defense.

Seems like God helped them cross the river so they could destroy a city.

Okay, maybe . . .

God saved Israel from being a people without a land. (read Joshua and the Land, p. 19)

God wills that people have what they need to meet their needs.

The story of Joshua crossing over the Jordan with the people of Israel was remembered throughout Israel’s history. There’s another favorite story which has similar features. It is about the prophets Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings:2). The similarities are:

• Gilgal is the starting place for a story
• succession of leadership effectively occurred
• waters of the River Jordan parted and they crossed over on dry land
• saving power of God was demonstrated through miracles

Conflict over land	. . . then	. . . now
	Israel vs. Canaan in Palestine	Jews vs. Palestinians in Israel (note*) farmers vs. ranchers in Mexico Serbs vs. Croats in Bosnia (note*) (read Joshua and the Land, p. 15)

Gilgal         What is it?                 Not a city . . .                         A holy place with a circle of twelve stones. An ancient prompt to ask the question,         Why are these here? and to answer,         In order to remember the times         God has been present for us and helped us.

What do you do to remember the times
        God has been present for you and helped you?
What will remind you?
How do you expect the next generation to know?

12 stones in a circle
        12 tribes in the land
                12 disciples around the table
These are signs of remembrance.
Is there anything about this story that reminds you of Holy Communion?

The next time you:
        hear the words, Do this in remembrance of me
        taste the bread and wine
        see the circle of worshipers
remember the people of Israel crossing the river,
your spiritual family and the power God uses for you.

For a scholarly discussion of the relationship between the Jordan River and the Red Sea, read God at War, pages 64-65 by Old Testament professor Tom Dozeman

For information on stone circles in England, Scotland, and Ireland which date from the same Bronze Age period as Joshua, see the Stone Pages. (note*)

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