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Joshua Capítulo 4
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This chapter gives a further account of the miraculous passage of Israel through Jordan. I. The provision that was made at that time to preserve the memorial of it, by twelve stones set up in Jordan (Jos 4:9) and other twelve stones taken up out of Jordan, Jos 4:1-8. II. The march of the people through Jordan's channel, the two tribes first, then all the people, and the priests that bore the ark last, Jos 4:10-14. III. The closing of the waters again upon their coming up with the ark, Jos 4:15-19. IV. The erecting of the monument in Gilgal, to preserve the remembrance of this work of wonder to posterity, Jos 4:20-24.
1-24
The Passage over the Jordan (1451 BC)
简体中文
过约旦河（主前 1451 年）
¹ 国民尽都过了约旦河，耶和华就对约书亚说： ² "你从民中要选出十二个人，每支派一人， ³ 吩咐他们说：'你们从这里，约旦河中、祭司脚站定的地方，取十二块石头带着过去，放在你们今夜住宿的地方。'" ⁴ 于是约书亚将他从以色列人中所预备的十二个人，每支派一人，召了来。 ⁵ 对他们说："你们下到耶和华你们神的约柜前头，过到约旦河中，你们各人要从以色列支派的数目相应，各自在肩上扛一块石头； ⁶ 好在你们中间作为证据。日后你们的子孙问他们的父亲说：'这些石头是什么意思？' ⁷ 你们就对他们说：'这是因为约旦河的水在耶和华的约柜前断绝。约柜过约旦河的时候，约旦河的水就断绝了。这些石头要作以色列人永远的纪念。'" ⁸ 以色列人就照约书亚所吩咐的行，按着耶和华所吩咐约书亚的，按着以色列人支派的数目，从约旦河中取了十二块石头，带着过去，到他们所住宿的地方，就放在那里。 ⁹ 约书亚另把十二块石头立在约旦河中，在抬约柜的祭司脚站立的地方；直到今日，那些石头还在那里。
我们不难想象，约书亚与众战士在过约旦河之时何等忙碌：他们不单要行军进入敌境、面对敌人——这本身已足以使人心绪万千——他们还得借着这条陌生、无人走过的路运送妻子、儿女、全家、牲畜、帐棚以及一切所有的——家当辎重，全部都得运送。我们可推想这条路要么十分泥泞，要么十分崎岖：体弱的人觉得难走，胆怯的人觉得可怕，下到河床、再从河床上来，坡度陡峭——所以每个人都必定心头满了忧虑、手中满了事务，约书亚更是比谁都忙。然而，在一切忙碌之中，他仍必须设法使这件神之奇工的纪念长存，而这番用心不可推延到较为清闲的时候。请留意：无论我们为自己和家人有多少事务要办，我们都不可疏忽或略过那为神的荣耀当作的服事——因为那才是我们最要紧的事务。如今，
I. 神下令设立这纪念。约书亚若没有神的指示而如此行，便可能被人视为图谋使自己名垂千古；也不会像如今——神亲自设立——那样，在后世眼中获得如此神圣可敬的重视。请留意：神的奇工当永远记念，并当设法保存其纪念。过约旦河的以色列人中，或许有些人如此迟钝、对神向他们所施的大恩如此无动于衷，竟毫不关心这事是否被人记念；另有些人也许深受感动，并在其心中留下深刻印象，以致认为无需再立什么纪念——每一个世代的每一个以色列人，他们的心和口本身就是活的、长存的纪念碑。但神认识他们的本体，也知道他们多么容易忘记神的作为，于是命定一个办法，使这事世世代代被人记念：那些不能或不愿从圣史记载中读到这事的人，可以借着为纪念这事而立的纪念碑得知此事；当地通行的口头传说便是其解说；它也能用以佐证这一史实的证据，并对日后可能质疑其真实性的世代，作为常存的见证。要立一座纪念碑，1. 约书亚作为元帅，当为此下达指示（书 4:1）：众民尽都过了约旦河——连那些最软弱、落在最后头的也没有一个被撇下，可见神的工作完全作成，每一个以色列人都平安进入迦南——那时神才对约书亚说话，要他预备这纪念碑的材料。博学的帕特里克主教敬虔地推测，约书亚当时大概退入某个僻静之处，为这件奇妙的恩典立即献上感恩，于是神在那里遇见他，对他如此说。或者，也许神是借着祭司以利亚撒向约书亚下达这些以及别的指示的；因为此处虽未提到他，但当约书亚借按手受任承担这一重大托付之时，神已指定以利亚撒要凭乌陵的判断为他求问，他和以色列众人要遵以利亚撒的吩咐出入（民 27:21）。2. 每支派要出一人，且是精选的人，参与预备这纪念碑的材料，使每个支派都能由本支派的人亲口讲述这事，并且每个支派都能借此为神的荣耀有所贡献（书 4:2,4）：每支派一人。 不单是利未人，每一个以色列人在自己当尽的本位上，都当向世人传扬神大能的作为（诗 145:12）。那两个半支派虽已坐拥自己的地业，却既同得这恩，便也当为这纪念效一臂之力。3. 用作纪念碑的石头，受命要从河床中间取出来（那里大概有大量大石头），并尽可能取自祭司抬着约柜所站之地（书 4:3,5）。这座纪念碑本可以最精巧、最卓越的工艺雕琢而成，但从河底取来的这些石头，更自然、更贴切地表明这件奇事。让后世借此知道：约旦河曾经退去，因为这些石头正是当时从其中取出来的。在设立记号之时，神总是拣选那最恰当、最具意义之物，而非那华美奇巧之物；因为神拣选了世上愚拙的。这十二个人过了约旦河之后，必须被打发回到约柜所立之处，蒙允准挨近约柜（这是别人不可作的）来作这服事："过到约柜前头"（书 4:5），即进入约柜面前——约柜如今立在约旦河中——从那里取出这些石头。4. 这些石头的用途在此被定为记号（书 4:6），定为纪念（书 4:7）。它们将给儿女以机会，日后问他们的父母：这些石头是怎么到这里来的？（那一带可能不是多石之地）然后父母便要把自己所受的教导告诉他们：正是在此地，神以大能将约旦河分开，使以色列人得以进入迦南——约书亚在这一层上有所发挥（书 4:22-24 等）。
II. 照着这些吩咐，这事便作成了。1. 十二块石头从约旦河中取出，在百姓眼前抬到他们当夜扎营之处（书 4:8）。他们所取的石头大概都是各人所能尽力搬动的，并尽可能大小形状相近。但他们是否立即抬到那地方，还是留下来随从约柜，与那庄严的行列同步，以增添约柜凯旋进入迦南的荣美，则不确知。借着这些受命取出的石头，神仿佛把这美地的正式占有交付了他们：这全都是他们的了，让他们进去承受吧；所以这十二个人所作的，便算作以色列众人所作的（书 4:8），因为他们是各自支派的代表。我们可借此留意：当我们的主耶稣——我们的约书亚——既已胜过死亡的锋芒、使那条约旦河干涸，为一切信者开了天国的大门，他便照着以色列支派的数目设立了十二使徒，借福音的纪念，将这事传到远方并及于后世。2. 另有十二块石头（大概比前一批大得多，因为我们没有读到每人扛一块），被立在约旦河中（书 4:9），堆成高高的石堆或石柱，使河水低之时其顶可见，水清之时可见于水中，至少水流经过其上所发的响动或翻腾可以察觉，船夫也要像躲避礁石一般避开它。无论以何种方式，它大概都能被人辨识，足以标明约柜所立的确切位置，并作为吉甲旱地上那座纪念碑的副本，用以印证其见证、保全其传说。记号既已加倍，这事必是确实的。
¹⁰ 抬约柜的祭司站在约旦河中，直到耶和华所吩咐约书亚吩咐百姓的一切事都办完了，正如摩西所吩咐约书亚的；百姓便急忙过去了。 ¹¹ 众民尽都过了河，耶和华的约柜和祭司就在百姓眼前过去。 ¹² 流便子孙、迦得子孙、玛拿西半支派的人，都照摩西所吩咐他们的，在以色列人前头带着兵器过去； ¹³ 约有四万人预备打仗的，在耶和华面前过去，到耶利哥的平原，上阵交锋。 ¹⁴ 当那日，耶和华在以色列众人眼前使约书亚尊大；百姓在他活着的的日子，敬畏他，像从前敬畏摩西一样。 ¹⁵ 耶和华对约书亚说： ¹⁶ "你吩咐抬法柜的祭司，叫他们从约旦河里上来。" ¹⁷ 约书亚就吩咐祭司说："你们从约旦河里上来。" ¹⁸ 抬耶和华约柜的祭司从约旦河中上来，祭司的脚掌一抬到旱地，约旦河的水就流回原处，像先前一样涨过两岸。 ¹⁹ 正月初十日，百姓从约旦河里上来，就在吉甲，在耶利哥东边安营。
受感的史家似乎对自己所记的主题十分喜爱，不舍得放下，因此记述极为详尽；他尤其留意约书亚如何紧紧遵行神所赐的命令，毫无一事出于己意而行，直到作成耶和华所吩咐他的一切（书 4:10）——这同时也是摩西所吩咐的。我们并未读到摩西曾就此事给约书亚什么具体的命令：这事对约书亚来说完全是新的。所以这话当理解为摩西给他的总括性指示——要顺从神的引导，要把他从主所领受的传给百姓，并要把握一切机会提醒他们对神当尽的本分，作为对神恩惠的最好回报。如今已去世的摩西从前对他所说的话，他此刻记在心里，并照样而行。我们若把所领受的好教训存在心里，到了需要之时便随时可用，实在有益。
I. 百姓便急忙过去了（书 4:10）。有人将这话理解为指那扛石头的十二个人，但更可能指的是全体百姓；因为虽然他们的过河已在书 4:1 说过，此处重复乃是为加上这一情节：他们是急忙过去的——或因约书亚借官长吩咐他们快快过去，因为这一天的工夫必须作完，他们不可留下一蹄一足在后；或因他们自己心中迫切。1. 有人急忙过去，是因为他们不能信靠神。他们因良心有亏、对神的大能与良善缺乏把握，便惧怕河水再回到他们身上。2. 有人急忙过去，是因为他们不愿试探神使奇事延续超过必需的时间，也不愿因不必要的耽延，使抬约柜的祭司过分延长他们的忍耐。3. 有人急忙过去，是因为他们渴望进入迦南，要借此表明他们对那美地的渴慕何等深切。4. 那些想得最少的人，也因别人如此而急忙过去。信的人不抢在神的旨意之前，却赶紧跟上神的旨意（赛 28:16）。
II. 那两个半支派作先锋（书 4:12,13）。这正是他们当初在约旦河东岸得地为业时所应许的（民 32:27）。约书亚不久前也曾提醒他们所许的愿（书 1:12-15）。那些最先得地业的人，理当最先迎击艰难；尤其因为他们不像其他支派那样带着家眷的累赘，且都是精选的勇士，善战可用。有这样一支强兵为前导，实在是神美好的安排，也能勉励其余的人。那两个半支派也无从抱怨：危险的岗位正是尊荣的岗位。
III. 众百姓都平安到达对岸之后，抬约柜的祭司才从约旦河里上来。这事有人以为理所当然；自己的理智也会告诉他们，此时已不再需要约柜立在那里——然而他们一步也不动，直等到约书亚下令让他们上来；而约书亚也不下令，直到神指示他如此行（书 4:15-17）。他们如此顺服约书亚，约书亚如此顺服神，正是他们的可称赞之处，正如他们能在如此美好的引导之下，是他们的福分。无论神何时使他的祭司或百姓陷入何等卑微的境地，他们当耐心等候，直到借着他的护理召他们从其中出来——正如这里的祭司蒙召从约旦河中上来；并且在他们的逆境深处，只要仍带着神同在的凭据——就是约柜——就不可厌倦等候。
IV. 祭司与约柜一从约旦河里上来，那原本堆成垒的河水便顺着本性、循着常流，渐渐往下流淌，不久便重新充满河道（书 4:18）。这就更明显地表明，这次河水的止住并非出于任何隐秘的自然因，而完全出于神同在的大能，并为着以色列的缘故；因为以色列的事一办理完毕，神同在的记号一撤去，水便立时恢复流淌。所以若有人问：约旦河啊，你为何退去？ 答案必是：完全是为顺服以色列的神，并恩待神的以色列。所以没有一个像耶书仑的神；以色列啊，你是有福的！谁像你这民呢？ 有人在此借喻留意到：约柜和抬约柜的祭司一从某处被挪去，闸门便被拉开，保障便已离开，不久便有审判的洪水涌至。失去教会的人不久必归于灭亡。约柜一被夺去，荣耀便已离开。
V. 经上特别记下这一切赋予约书亚的尊荣（书 4:14）：当那日，耶和华使约书亚尊大——一方面借着他与神自己所享的相交（神在各样场合对他说话，乐意被他求问），另一方面借着他被坚立在祭司与百姓之上的权柄。尊重神的人，神必重看他；神要使一个人尊大时——正如他先前说他要使约书亚尊大（书 3:7）——他必作得彻底。然而约书亚之被尊大，并不单为他自己的缘故，更是要使他能更好地服事以色列；因为百姓因此敬畏他，正如他们从前敬畏摩西一样。请在此看见：要使下属尊重、使他们肃然起敬顺服听从，最稳妥、最好的方法，不是虚张声势、威吓胁迫、强硬压服，而是借着圣洁与爱心，并一切显明自己常常顾念他们的福祉、并顾念神的旨意与尊荣的凭据。那些能显明神与他们同在、并将神摆在自己面前的人，是最受人敬畏的，也是最有效受人敬畏的。成圣的人是真正被尊大的人，配受加倍敬重。天上的宠儿当以敬畏之心看待。
VI. 经上记下了这件大事的时间（书 4:19）：是正月初十日，距他们出埃及恰好四十年，只差五天。神曾在怒中起誓说他们要在旷野飘流四十年；但要凑足这四十，我们必须把头一年也算在内——那一年已经过去，是他们在出埃及的拯救中得胜的一年；而这末后一年，在约旦河东岸也是得胜的一年——所以这四十年并非全是忧愁之年；末了他在四十年期满之前五天领他们进入迦南，为要表明神多么不愿刑罚，多么急于施恩，并且为选民的缘故，苦难的日子必减少了（太 24:22）。神如此安排，使他们恰在一年一度逾越节前四天进入迦南，正是预备节期开始的那天（出 12:3），因为他要他们进入迦南的喜悦借着那宗教节期得着分别为圣，并在那时提醒他们出埃及的拯救，使两相比较，使神得着荣耀——他是他们福乐的阿拉法，也是俄梅戛。
²⁰ 约书亚把他们从约旦河里取来的那十二块石头，立在吉甲。 ²¹ 他对以色列人说："日后你们的子孙问他们的父亲说：'这些石头是什么意思？' ²² 你们就告诉你们的儿女说：'以色列人是从干地上过这约旦河的。 ²³ 因为耶和华你们的神在你们前面使约旦河的水干了，等你们过去，正如耶和华你们的神在我们前面使红海干了，等我们过去一样； ²⁴ 好使地上万民都知道耶和华的手大有能力，也使你们永远敬畏耶和华你们的神。'"
那些放在吉甲的十二块石头（书 4:8），在此被立起来——或一块一块叠上去，但仍能清楚数算；或一块一块成行排列；因为它们固定之后，并不称为一堆石头，而称为这些石头。
I. 此处理所当然地假设，后世的人会查问这些石头的意义，因为认定它们是纪念：你们的儿女要问他们的父亲（除了问父亲还能问谁呢？）这些石头是什么意思？ 请留意：要在年老时成为智慧人，年轻时就必须勤学好问。我们的主耶稣虽然自己里面有着知识的丰盛，却借着自己的榜样教导孩童与少年人要留心听、要发问（路 2:46）。也许当约翰在伯大巴尼（意为 "渡口之家"，正是百姓过河之处）施洗之时，他正指着这些石头说（太 3:9）：神能从这些石头中（这些石头原是由十二支派所立的）给亚伯拉罕兴起子孙来。 石头既是奇事的纪念，孩童的发问便成了发挥其教训的机会；但我们的救主说（路 19:40）：若是这些儿女闭口不说，这些石头必要立刻呼叫起来；因为无论以何种方式，主必在他奇妙的作为中得着荣耀。
II. 父母在此受指导，当如何回答这发问（书 4:22）："你们要告诉你们的儿女——你们自己从记载的话语和你们父辈所领受的。" 请留意：父母有责任及早使儿女熟悉神的话语与作为，使他们从小受到当走的路的训练。
1. 他们要告诉儿女：约旦河曾在以色列人面前退去，他们从干地上走过去，而这正是他们过河的确切位置。他们看见约旦河如今的水流又深又急，但神的大能曾使它止住——即使河水涨过两岸之时——"而且这是为你们行的——你们虽然生活在许久之后。" 请留意：神对我们列祖所施的怜悯，也是对我们所施的怜悯；我们当把握一切机会，重新记念神在古时为我们的列祖所行的大事。如此标明的地方，对他们便是一个备忘：以色列人是过这约旦河来的。本地人对之有记忆，对他也有所裨益；那地方的景象会提醒他们在那里所发生的事；不但当地的居民，连外乡人和旅客看见这些石头，也可受到教训。许多人因看见这些石头，便去翻阅圣经，在那里读到这件奇事的历史；也许还有人虽住得远，在读过历史之后，也会出于好奇前来观看这些石头。
2. 他们要借这机会告诉儿女四十年前红海干涸的事：正如耶和华你们的神从前使红海干了一样。 请留意：（1.）把后来的怜悯与先前的怜悯相比，能大大彰显后来的怜悯；因为借着比较，便显明神昨日、今日、一直到永远都是一样的。（2.）后来的怜悯当使我们记起先前的怜悯，并重新激发我们的感恩。
3. 他们当引导儿女善用这些奇妙的作为——这些作为的知识既如此慎重地传给他们（书 4:24）。（1.）神的大能因此得着高举。全地的人都可被说服，或可能被说服——耶和华的手大有能力，没有什么是神难成的事；任何权能，连自然本身的权能，也不能阻挡神所要成就的事。神百姓所得的拯救，对万民都是教训，也是不要与全能者相争的公正警告。（2.）神的百姓因此受激励、受勉励，恒守对他的事奉——"好使你们敬畏耶和华你们的神"，并因而尽你们对他的本分，"直到永远"——或作所有日子（旁注）——"每一天，你们一生的日子，以及你们的子孙世世代代。" 这奇事的纪念当有效地拦阻他们不去敬拜别神，并约束他们恒守、丰溢地事奉自己的神。请留意：父母在给儿女的一切教训与指点之中，当以此为主要目的——教导他们、激励他们永远敬畏神。敬虔的认真是最佳的学问。
Original em inglês
The Passage over the Jordan (1451 BC)
¹ And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
² Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,
³ And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
⁴ Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:
⁵ And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:
⁶ That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
⁷ Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
⁸ And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.
⁹ And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.
We may well imagine how busy Joshua and all the men of war were while they were passing over Jordan, when besides their own marching into an enemy's country, and in the face of the enemy, which could not but occasion them many thoughts of heart, they had their wives, and children, and families, their cattle, and tents, and all their effects, bag and baggage, to convey by this strange and untrodden path, which we must suppose either very muddy or very stony, troublesome to the weak and frightful to the timorous, the descent to the bottom of the river and the ascent out of it steep, so that every man must needs have his head full of care and his hands full of business, and Joshua more than any of them. And yet, in the midst of all his hurry, care must be taken to perpetuate the memorial of this wondrous work of God, and this care might not be adjourned to a time of greater leisure. Note, How much soever we have to do of business for ourselves and our families, we must not neglect nor omit what we have to do for the glory of God and the serving of his honour, for that is our best business. Now,
I. God gave orders for the preparing of this memorial. Had Joshua done it without divine direction, it might have looked like a design to perpetuate his own name and honour, nor would it have commanded so sacred and venerable a regard from posterity as now, when god himself appointed it. Note, God's works of wonder ought to be kept in everlasting remembrance, and means devise for the preserving of the memorial of them. Some of the Israelites that passed over Jordan perhaps were so stupid, and so little affected with this great favour of God to them, that they felt no concern to have it remembered; while others, it may be, were so much affected with it, and had such deep impressions made upon them by it, that they thought there needed no memorial of it to be erected, the heart and tongue of every Israelite in every age would be a living lasting monument of it. But God, knowing their frame, and how apt they had been soon to forget his works, ordered an expedient for the keeping of this in remembrance to all generations, that those who could not, or would not, read the record of it in the sacred history, might come to the knowledge of it by the monument set up in remembrance of it, of which the common tradition of the country would be an explication; it would likewise serve to corroborate the proof of the matter of fact, and would remain a standing evidence of it to those who in after-ages might question the truth of it. A monument is to be erected, and, 1. Joshua, as chief captain, must five direction about it (Jos 4:1): When all the people had clean passed over Jordan, not even the feeble, that were the hindmost of them, left behind, so that God had done his work completely, and every Israelite got safe into Canaan, then God spoke unto Joshua to provide materials for this monument. It is the pious conjecture of the learned bishop Patrick that Joshua had gone into some place of retirement to return thanks immediately for this wonderful mercy, and then God met him, and spoke thus to him. Or, perhaps, it was by Eleazar the priest that God gave these and other instructions to Joshua; for, though he is not mentioned here, yet, when Joshua was ordained by the imposition of hands to this great trust, God appointed that Eleazar should ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim, and at his word Joshua and all the children of Israel must go out and come in, Nu 27:21. 2. One man out of each tribe, and he a chosen man, must be employed to prepare materials for this monument, that each tribe might have the story told them by one of themselves, and each tribe might contribute something to the glory of God thereby (Jos 4:2,4): Out of every tribe a man. Not the Levites only, but every Israelite must, in his place, help to make known to the sons of men God's mighty acts, Ps 145:12. The two tribes, though seated already in their possession, yet, sharing in the mercy, must lend a hand to the memorial of it. 3. The stones that must be set up for this memorial are ordered to be taken out of the midst of the channel (where, probably, there lay abundance of great stones), and as near as might be from the very place where the priests stood with the ark, Jos 4:3,5. This intended monument deserved to be made of stones curiously cut with the finest and most exquisite art, but these stones out of the bottom of the river were more natural and more apt indications of the miracle. let posterity know by this that Jordan was driven back, for these very stones were then fetched out of it. In the institution of signs, God always chose that which was most proper and significant, rather than that which is pompous or curious; for God hath chosen the foolish things of the world. These twelve men, after they got over Jordan, must be sent back to the place where the ark stood, being permitted to come near it (which others might not) for this service: "Pass over before the ark (Jos 4:5), that is, into the presence of the ark, which now stands in the midst of Jordan, and thence fetch these stones." 4. The use of these stones is here appointed for a sign (Jos 4:6), a memorial, Jos 4:7. They would give occasion to the children to ask their parents in time to come, How came these stones hither? (probably the land about not being stony), and then the parents would inform them, as they themselves had been informed, that in this place Jordan was divided by the almighty power of God, to give Israel passage into Canaan, as Joshua enlarges on this head, Jos 4:22-24, etc.
II. According to these orders the thing was done. 1. Twelve stones were taken up out of the midst of Jordan, and carried in the sight of the people to the place where they had their head-quarters that night, Jos 4:8. It is probable that the stones they took were as big as they could well carry, and as near as might be of a size and shape. But whether they went away with them immediately to the place, of whether they staid to attend the ark, and kept pace with the solemn procession of that, to grace its triumphant entry in to Canaan, is not certain. By these stones which they were ordered to take up God did, as it were, give them livery and seisin of this good land; it is all their own, let them enter and take possession; therefore what these twelve did the children of Israel are said to do (Jos 4:8), because they were the representatives of their respective tribes. In allusion to this, we may observe that when the Lord Jesus, our Joshua, having overcome the sharpness of death and dried up that Jordan, had opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers, he appointed his twelve apostles according to the number of the tribes of Israel, by the memorial of the gospel to transmit the knowledge of this to remote places and future ages. 2. Other twelve stones (probably much larger than the other, for we read not that they were each of them one man's load) were set up in the midst of Jordan (Jos 4:9), piled up so high in a heap or pillar as that the top of it might be seen above the water when the river was low, or seen in the water when it was clear, or at least the noise of commotion of the water passing over it would be observable, and the bargemen would avoid it, as they do a rock. Some way or other, it is likely, it was discernible, so as to notify the very place where the ark stood, and to serve for a duplicate to the other monument, which was to set up on dry land in Gilgal, for the confirming of its testimony and the preserving of its tradition. The sign being doubled, no doubt the thing was certain.
¹⁰ For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.
¹¹ And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people.
¹² And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them:
¹³ About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
¹⁴ On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
¹⁵ And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,
¹⁶ Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.
¹⁷ Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan.
¹⁸ And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
¹⁹ And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
The inspired historian seems to be so well pleased with his subject here that he is loth to quit it, and is therefore very particular in his narrative, especially in observing how closely Joshua pursued the orders God gave him, and that he did nothing without divine direction, finishing all that the Lord had commanded him (Jos 4:10), which is also said to be what Moses commanded. We read not of any particular commands that Moses gave to Joshua about this matter: the thing was altogether new to him. It must therefore be understood of the general instructions Moses had given him to follow the divine direction, to deliver that to the people which he received of the Lord, and to take all occasions to remind them of their duty to God, as the best return for his favours to them. This which Moses, who was now dead and gone, had said to him, he had in mind at this time, and did accordingly. It is well for us to have the good instructions that have been given us ready to us when we have occasion for them.
I. The people hasted and passed over, Jos 4:10. Some understand this of the twelve men that carried the stones, but it seems rather to be meant of the body of the people; for, though an account was given of their passing over (Jos 4:1), yet here it is repeated for the sake of this circumstance, which was to be added, that they passed over in haste, either because Joshua by their officers ordered them to make haste, for it was to be but one day's work and they must not leave a hoof behind, or perhaps it was their own inclination that hastened them. 1. Some hasted because they were not able to trust God. They were afraid the waters should return upon them, being conscious of guilt, and diffident of the divine power and goodness. 2. Others because they were not willing to tempt God to continue the miracle longer than needs must, nor would they put the patience of the priests that bore the ark too much to the stretch by unnecessary delay. 3. Others because they were eager to be in Canaan, and would thus show how much they longed after that pleasant land. 4. Those that considered least, yet hasted because others did. He that believeth doth not make haste to anticipate God's counsels, but he makes haste to attend them, Isa 28:16.
II. The two tribes and a half led the van, Jos 4:12,13. So they had promised when they had their lot given them on that side Jordan, Nu 32:27. And Joshua had lately reminded them of their promise, Jos 1:12-15. It was fit that those who had the first settlement should be the first in the encounter of difficulties, the rather because they had not the incumbrance of families with them as the other tribes had, and they were all chose men, and fit for service, ready armed. It was a good providence that they had so strong a body to lead them on, and would be an encouragement to the rest. And the two tribes had no reason to complain: the post of danger is the post of honour.
III. When all the people had got clear to the other side, the priests with the ark came up out of Jordan. This, one would think, should have been done of course; their own reason would tell them that now there was no more occasion for them, and yet they did not stir a step till Joshua ordered them to move, and Joshua did not order them out of Jordan till God directed him to do so, Jos 4:15-17. So observant were they of Joshua, and he of God, which was their praise, as it was their happiness to be under such good direction. How low a condition soever God may at any time bring his priests or people to, let them patiently wait, till by his providence he shall call them up out of it, as the priests here were called to come up out of Jordan, and let them not be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, in the depth of their adversity.
IV. As soon as ever the priests and the ark had come up out of Jordan, the waters of the river, which had stood on a heap, gradually flowed down according to their nature and usual course, and soon filled the channel again, Jos 4:18. This makes it yet more evident that the stop which had now been given to the river was not from any secret natural cause, but purely from the power of God's presence, and for the sake of his Israel; for when Israel's turn was served, and the token of God's presence was removed, immediately the water went forward again; so that if it be asked, What ailed thee, O Jordan! that thou wast driven back? It must be answered, It was purely in obedience to the God of Israel, and in kindness to the Israel of God. There is therefore none like unto the God of Jeshurun; happy also art thou, O Israel! who is like unto thee, O people? Some observe here, by way of allusion, that when the ark, and the priests that bore it, are removed from any place, the flood-gates are drawn up, the defence has departed, and an inundation of judgments is to be expected shortly. Those that are unchurched will soon be undone. The glory has departed if the ark is taken.
V. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua by all this (Jos 4:14): On that day the Lord magnified Joshua, both by the fellowship he admitted him to with himself, speaking to him upon all occasions and being ready to be consulted by him, and by the authority he confirmed him in over both priests and people. Those that honour God he will honour, and when he will magnify a man, as he had said he would magnify Joshua (Jos 3:7), he will do it effectually. Yet it was not for Joshua's sake only that he was thus magnified, but to put him in a capacity of doing so much the more service to Israel, for hereupon they feared him as they feared Moses. See here what is the best and surest way to command the respect of inferiors, and to gain their reverence and observance, not by blustering and threatening, and carrying it with a high hand, but by holiness and love, and all possible indications of a constant regard to their welfare, and to God's will and honour. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it to appear that God is with them, and that they set him before them. Those that are sanctified are truly magnified, and are worthy of double honour. Favourites of heaven should be looked on with awe.
VI. An account is kept of the time of this great event (Jos 4:19): it was on the tenth day of the first month, just forty years since they came out of Egypt, wanting five days. God had said in his wrath that they should wander forty years in the wilderness, but, to make up that forty, we must take in the first year, which was then past, and had been a year of triumph in their deliverance out of Egypt, and this last, which had been a year of triumph likewise on the other side Jordan, so that all the forty were not years of sorrow; and at last he brought them into Canaan five days before the forty years were ended, to show how little pleasure God takes in punishing, how swift he is to show mercy, and that for the elects' sake the days of trouble are shortened, Mt 24:22. God ordered it so that they should enter Canaan four days before the annual solemnity of the passover, and on the very day when the preparation for it was to begin (Ex 12:3), because he would have their entrance into Canaan graced and sanctified with that religious feast, and would have them then to be reminded of their deliverance out of Egypt, that, comparing them together, God might be glorified as the Alpha and Omega of their bliss.
²⁰ And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.
²¹ And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?
²² Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.
²³ For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:
²⁴ That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.
The twelve stones which were laid down in Gilgal (Jos 4:8) are here set up either one upon another, yet so as that they might be distinctly counted, or one by another in rows; for after they were fixed they are not call a heap of stones, but these stones.
I. It is here taken for granted that posterity would enquire into the meaning of them, supposing them intended for a memorial: Your children shall ask their fathers (for who else should they ask?) What mean these stones? Notes, Those that will be wise when they are old must be inquisitive when they are young. Our Lord Jesus, though he had in himself the fulness of knowledge, has by his example taught children and young people to hear and ask questions, Lu 2:46. Perhaps when John was baptizing in Jordan at Bethabara (the house of passage, where the people passed over) he pointed at these very stones, while saying (Mt 3:9) God is able of these stones (which were at first set up by the twelve tribes) to raise up children unto Abraham. The stones being the memorial of the miracle, the children's question gave occasion for the improvement of it; but our Saviour says (Lu 10:40), If the children should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out; for one way or other the Lord will be glorified in his works of wonder.
II. The parents are here directed what answer to give to this enquiry (Jos 4:22): "You shall let your children know that which you have yourselves learned from the written word and from your fathers." Note, It is the duty of parents to acquaint their children betimes with the word and works of God, that they may be trained up in the way they should go.
1. They must let their children know that Jordan was driven back before Israel, who went through it upon dry land, and that this was the very place where they passed over. They saw how deep and strong a stream Jordan now was, but the divine power put a stop to it, even when it overflowed all its banks—"and this for you, that live so long after." Note, God's mercies to our ancestors were mercies to us; and we should take all occasions to revive the remembrance of the great things God did for our fathers in the days of old. The place thus marked would be a memorandum to them: Israel came over this Jordan. A local memory would be of use to them, and the sight of the place remind them of that which was done there; and not only the inhabitants of that country, but strangers and travellers, would look upon these stones and receive instruction. Many, upon the sight of the stones, would go to their Bibles, and there read the history of this wondrous work; and some perhaps, upon reading the history, though living at a distance, would have the curiosity to go and see the stones.
2. They must take that occasion to tell their children of the drying up of the Red Sea forty years before: As the Lord your God did to the Red Sea. Note. (1.) It greatly magnifies later mercies to compare them with former mercies, for, by making the comparison, it appears that god is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. (2.) Later mercies should bring to remembrance former mercies, and revive our thankfulness for them.
3. They must put them in the way of making a good use of these works of wonder, the knowledge whereof was thus carefully transmitted to them, Jos 4:24. (1.) The power of God was hereby magnified. All the world was or might be convinced that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that nothing is too hard for God to do; nor can any power, no, not that of nature itself, obstruct what God will effect. The deliverances of God's people are instructions to all people, and fair warnings not to contend with Omnipotence. (2.) The people of God were engaged and encouraged to persevere in his service "That you might fear the Lord your God, and consequently do your duty to him, and this for ever," or all days (margin), "every day, all the days of your lives, and your seed throughout your generations." The remembrance of this wonderful work should effectually restrain them from the worship of other gods, and constrain them to abide and abound in the service of their own God. Note, In all the instructions and informations parents give their children, they should have this chiefly in their eye, to teach and engage them to fear God for ever. Serious godliness is the best learning.
本章进一步记述以色列人过约旦河这一神迹的经过。I. 当时为记念此事而作的安排：在约旦河中立起十二块石头（书4:9），另从约旦河中取出十二块石头，书4:1-8。II. 百姓从约旦河河道中行过——先是两个半支派，随后是全体百姓，最后是抬约柜的祭司，书4:10-14。III. 等到他们带着约柜上来之后，河水又重新合拢，书4:15-19。IV. 在吉甲立起纪念碑，好让这奇妙的作为世代相传、永被记念，书4:20-24。