What does Joshua 4:22 mean?
"Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land." - Joshua 4:22

Joshua 4:22 (KJV) - "Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land."
The book of Joshua is filled with significant events that mark the transfer of power and leadership from Moses to Joshua, and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land. This verse comes at a pivotal point in the narrative, after the Israelites have miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground and are instructed to set up twelve stones as a memorial to mark the spot where God parted the waters to allow them to pass.
The verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites to pass on the story of God's faithfulness to future generations. It emphasizes the importance of passing down religious and cultural traditions, especially those that highlight God's hand in the history of His people. This theme of generational faithfulness is one that carries through the entire biblical narrative, and is a call for believers to continue to teach the next generation about the mighty works of God.
The crossing of the Jordan River is a significant event in the history of the Israelites as it symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promise to bring them into the land He had promised to their forefathers. It is a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness and provision for His people. The Israelites had seen God part the waters of the Red Sea for them to escape from Egypt, and now they witness another miraculous crossing of a body of water to enter the land of Canaan. This event served as a reminder to them of God's power and His ability to deliver them from their enemies.
The setting up of the twelve stones as a memorial was a physical reminder for the Israelites of God's faithfulness to them. It would serve as a witness to future generations, and a testimony to the mighty works of God on their behalf. The passing down of this story to their children was crucial in ensuring that the next generation would remember and acknowledge the faithfulness of God.
In a broader sense, this verse also serves as a call for all believers to remember and acknowledge the faithfulness of God in their own lives. It is a reminder to reflect on the moments where God has parted the waters for us, and to pass on these stories to those who come after us. This verse encourages believers to be intentional in teaching the next generation about the miraculous works of God, and to never forget the ways in which He has shown Himself faithful in our lives.
The story of the crossing of the Jordan River is also rich in symbolism. The Jordan River can be seen as a barrier that stood between the Israelites and the Promised Land. It represents the obstacles that we face in our own lives, and the trials and challenges that can sometimes seem insurmountable. The miraculous crossing of the Jordan serves as a reminder that with God, all things are possible, and that He is able to make a way where there seems to be no way.
Overall, Joshua 4:22 is a powerful reminder of the importance of passing on the stories of God's faithfulness to future generations. It serves as a testimony to the miraculous works of God in the lives of His people, and as a call for believers to remember and acknowledge His faithfulness in their own lives. The crossing of the Jordan River serves as a powerful symbol of God's ability to overcome obstacles and fulfill His promises, and is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness to His people.
Have questions about Joshua 4:22?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Joshua 4:22 Artwork
Joshua 4:22 - "Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land."
"Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land." - Joshua 4:22
Joshua 22:1 - "Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,"
Joshua 22:6 - "So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents."
Joshua 7:22 - "¶ So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it."
Joshua 15:22 - "And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,"
Joshua 4:15 - "And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,"
Joshua 4:4 - "Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:"
Joshua 10:22 - "Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave."
Joshua 18:22 - "And Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth-el,"
Rubenites buyilding alter in Joshua 22
"Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh," - Joshua 22:1
Joshua 24:22 - "And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses."
Joshua 4:17 - "Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan."
Joshua 12:22 - "The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;"
Joshua 4:20 - "And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal."
Joshua 22:4 - "And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan."
"And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah," - Joshua 15:22
Joshua 3:4
Joshua 3:4
"And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying," - Joshua 4:15
Joshua 21:22 - "And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 22:22 - "The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)"
Joshua 22:7 - "¶ Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,"
"So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents." - Joshua 22:6
Rubenites building alter of "immense size" in Joshua 22
Joshua 19:4 - "And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,"
Joshua 4:1-8
Joshua 6:22 - "But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her."
Joshua 9:22 - "¶ And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?"