Study 8: Joshua 4: 20-5:1

This study on Joshua 4:20 to 5:1 highlights the Israelites' significant transition into the promised land, marked by the setting up of twelve memorial stones at Gilgal, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the importance of remembrance in faith communities. This event, paired with the circumcision at Gilgal, signifies a spiritual renewal and recommitment to God's covenant, purifying the nation as they prepare to inherit the land promised to their ancestors. This study underscores themes of remembrance, renewal, and God's continuous fulfillment of His promises, emphasizing the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people and their renewed relationship with Him, cleansed from their past.

Sermon Outline

I.  Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:27:49)

• Introduction to the study on Joshua 4:20-5:1.

• Significance of the twelve stones and the crossing of the Jordan River.

• Discussion on the structure and division of biblical texts.

II. Personal Testimony and Reflection (00:27:50 - 00:29:09)

• Sharing a personal story relating to forgiveness and trust in God.
  

III. Witnessing Faith Through Actions (00:29:10 - 00:30:59)

• Real-life impact of the speaker's faith on others.
  

IV. Understanding God’s Power and Fear (00:31:00 - 00:33:17)

• Dual purpose of God's actions in the biblical narrative.
  

V. The Importance of Reverential Fear (00:33:18 - 00:56:48)

• Discussion on fear as respect and recognition of God’s authority.
  

VI. Closing Reflection and Call to Action (00:56:49 - 01:00:10)

• Encouragement to reflect on one's spiritual alignment with God.
  

VII. Decision Time (01:00:11 - 01:02:00)

• Invitation for personal decision-making regarding one's stance with God.

Scripture References

Joshua 4:20-24 and Joshua 5:1

• These verses describe the setting up of twelve stones at Gilgal by the Israelites as a memorial after crossing the Jordan, and the subsequent fear and defeat of the Amorite and Canaanite kings when they heard of God's miraculous actions for Israel.

Proverbs 9:10

• "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This scripture is referenced to emphasize the foundational role of reverential fear and wisdom in spiritual life.

Hebrews 12:28-29

• These verses are cited to encourage worshiping God with reverence and awe, reflecting on God as an unshakable kingdom and a consuming fire, underscoring the importance of reverential fear.

Reflection Questions

• Remembering God's Actions: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's help in a significant way in your life. How can you create a "memorial" in your heart or in your community to remember these acts of God’s faithfulness?
  

• The Meaning of Memorials: The Israelites set up twelve stones as a memorial after crossing the Jordan. What are some modern equivalents of these memorials that might help us and future generations remember the importance of faith?
  

• The Role of Reverential Fear: How does understanding the "fear of the Lord" as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) change your approach to daily decisions and spiritual life?
  

• Reverence and Worship: Considering Hebrews 12:28-29, in what ways can you cultivate a lifestyle of worship that is full of reverence and awe? How might this change the way you engage with church services and personal devotions?
  

• Spiritual Renewal: The circumcision at Gilgal was a sign of the Israelites renewing their covenant with God. What are practical steps you can take to renew your commitment to God today? How does this renewal affect your relationships and responsibilities in the church and community?

Word Study

Abar (עָבַר)

• Definition: "Abar" means "to pass over," "to cross," or "to go through." This verb is central to the description of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

• Study Focus: Analyze the significance of this term in the context of Joshua 4, where it symbolizes not only a physical crossing but also a spiritual transition into a new phase of God's promise. Consider other key biblical events where "abar" is used to denote significant transitions or covenants, such as the crossing of the Red Sea.

Brit (בְּרִית)

• Definition: "Brit" means "covenant." This concept is foundational to the Israelites' relationship with God and is emphasized again with the circumcision at Gilgal in Joshua 5.

• Study Focus: Explore the covenantal aspects in Joshua 5, where circumcision reaffirms the Israelites' commitment to the covenant made with Abraham. Delve into how "brit" is used in various contexts throughout the Bible to define relationships between God and His people, including the new covenant in the New Testament.

Ed (עֵד)

• Definition: "Ed" means "witness" or "testimony" in Hebrew. This term is crucial in understanding the memorial of stones set up at Gilgal, which served as a "witness" to future generations of God’s mighty deeds.

• Study Focus: Investigate how the concept of "Ed" is used throughout the Old Testament to signify divine encounters and agreements (such as covenants). Discuss how we can be 'witnesses' to God's actions in our lives today.
  

Exegesis Opportunities

1. The Significance of the Twelve Stones

• Exegesis Focus: Delve into the symbolic meaning of the twelve stones gathered from the Jordan River and set up at Gilgal. Explore how this act serves as a ritual of remembrance and a testimony to future generations. Analyze the broader biblical motif of using stones or physical objects as memorials (e.g., Genesis 28:18 with Jacob at Bethel) and how these serve theological and didactic purposes within the narrative of God’s people.
  

2. The Theological Implications of Crossing the Jordan

• Exegesis Focus: Examine the crossing of the Jordan River as a parallel to the crossing of the Red Sea, highlighting themes of deliverance and divine intervention. Consider the Jordan as a boundary between wilderness wanderings and entering the Promised Land, reflecting on what this transition represents in the life of Israel and its covenant relationship with God. Explore the role of Joshua as a leader in this context and his typological significance pointing to Jesus (Yeshua) as a deliverer.
  

3. Reverence and Fear of God as Demonstrated by the Reaction of Local Kings

• Exegesis Focus: Investigate the response of the Amorite and Canaanite kings upon hearing of the Israelites' miraculous crossing of the Jordan, as recorded in Joshua 5:1. This passage highlights their fear and loss of courage, which can be explored to understand the broader biblical theme of God's power inducing fear in His adversaries. Examine other biblical instances where the fear of God falls upon nations or individuals in response to His mighty acts (e.g., Exodus 15:14-16 during the Exodus). Analyze how these reactions serve not only to authenticate God’s divine actions but also to spread His fame and dread among the nations, thereby preparing the way for Israel's conquest and settlement.