Joshua 4 (2)

Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” Joshua 4.4-7

Reflect.
1.  Is there a role for art in the life of faith? How about in your own walk with the Lord?

2.  Art conveys ideas and meaning. Has any work of art spoken to you in a way that encourages you in your faith?

Think about it.
God intends for the arts to have a significant role within the people of God. He employed a variety of artists and craftsmen in making the tabernacle and its furnishings and implements (Ex. 35-39). A variety of forms, textures, materials, and genre went into that lavish and colorful project, the purpose of which was to express the beauty and tangibleness of God’s covenant relationship with Israel.

In today’s passage, Joshua informs the twelve men of their mission and its meaning. We recall that all Israel has finished crossing the Jordan (v. 1), so Joshua is now sending these twelve men back to the river bed, where the priests and Levites are still holding the ark. They will gather twelve stones from the place where the ark stood. The stones thus convey a dual meaning: the twelve tribes of Israel and the presence of the LORD. Because they were taken from the Jordan, they will also recall God’s causing the waters to pile up in a heap while His people crossed. The form of this work of art – heavy stones – suggests permanence, like the presence and promises of God.

Joshua explains that these twelve stones will be “a sign among you” for future generations, a memorial to explain to those not present at the crossing just what had happened there.

Keep in mind that, at this point, Joshua is only instructing the twelve men (v.4). The rest of the people are left to wonder about their work. We can imagine that the twelve must have regarded this an important task and would have been very careful to select a proper stone to represent their tribe. The stones were probably large and heavy, as they had to be carried on the men’s shoulders.

This heap of stones is not a work of art like the tabernacle, but it’s a work of art nonetheless. Today we would say it was an example of abstract art (rather than representational) and even concept art, because it involved members of a community creating a project for the entire community. Art can play an important role in the life of faith. If it were not so, God would not have commanded it.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Imagine you were asked to explain the meaning of these stones to a child. What would you say?

2.  Do you think art – other than music – should have a more prominent role in your walk with and work for the Lord? Why or why not?

3.  Our Christian heritage is replete with works of art from many different genres. How might you begin to acquaint yourself with, and make use of, this great heritage of the arts?

“God ordered twelve stones to be taken from the Jordan, and specified why, for he says, ‘When your children ask their fathers in time to come, what do these stones mean? Then you shall let your children know, Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground, for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over,’ and thus the ark was saved and all the people. Shall we not then record with images the saving passion and miracles of Christ our God, so that when my son asks me, ‘What is this?’ I may say that God the Word became man, and that through him not only Israel passed through the Jordan, but the whole human race regained its original happiness?” John of Damascus (650-750 AD)

Thank You, Lord, for the many forms and works of art by which You are glorified. I want to learn more about this, so help me as I…

Pray Psalm 115.
This psalm can help us think about the role of the arts in the life of faith. It is a work of art itself, and shows in its beginning and end how art can be used to glorify and praise the Lord. As you pray through it, let any works of Christian art come to mind – hymns, paintings, architecture, etc. – and give thanks and praise to God for each one.

Psalm 115 (Plainfield: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus)
Not to us, O God, not us, But unto Your Name give glory!
For Your love and faithfulness, Ever to Your Name be glory!
Why should the nations cry, “Where is their God on high?”
You rule us, Lord, on high: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Idols made by men’s own hand – Ever to Your Name be glory – 
See nor hear nor understand – Ever to Your Name be glory!
They neither feel nor walk, nor can they speak or talk;
All those who serve them fall, But unto Your Name be glory!

All who trust in Jesus yield – Ever to His Name be glory – 
Find in Him their help and shield – Ever to Your Name be glory!
O Israel, trust the Lord! He helps us evermore!
Fear Him obey His Word: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Blessings from our gracious Lord – Ever to Your Name be glory – 
Will attend us evermore – Ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless all who fear You, Lord, all who obey Your Word,
All who Your Name adore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Grant us, Savior, great increase – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless us with eternal peace – ever to Your Name be glory!
Heaven and earth are Yours; let every soul adore
And bless You evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

T. M. Moore

Where does the book of Joshua fit in the ongoing story of God’s covenant? Our workbook, God’s Covenant, can help you discover the place in God’s work of redemption not only of Joshua but of all the books of the Bible. God’s Covenant is a valuable resource to guide you in all your studies in God’s Word. To order your copy, click here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).