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英文原文
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)
渡過約旦河（主前1451年）
¹ 百姓盡都過了約旦河，耶和華就對約書亞說：
² 「你從民中要選出十二個人，每支派一人，
³ 吩咐他們說：『你們從這裡，從約旦河中，祭司腳站定的地方，取十二塊石頭帶過去，放在你們今夜要住宿的地方。』
⁴ 於是約書亞將他從以色列人中所預備的那十二個人，每支派一人，召了來。
⁵ 對他們說：「你們下約旦河中，在耶和華你們神的約櫃前，每個人按著以色列十二支派的數目，各取一塊石頭扛在肩上。
⁶ 這些石頭在你們中間要作記號。日後，你們的兒女問他們的父親說：『這些石頭是什麼意思？』
⁷ 你們就對他們說：『這是因為約旦河的水在耶和華的約櫃前斷絕；約櫃過約旦河的時候，約旦河的水就斷絕了。這些石頭要作以色列人永遠的記念。』」
⁸ 以色列人就照約書亞所吩咐的去行，按耶和華所吩咐約書亞的，照以色列人支派的數目，從約旦河中取了十二塊石頭，帶過去，到他們住宿的地方，就放在那裡。
⁹ 約書亞另把十二塊石頭立在約旦河中，在抬約櫃的祭司腳站立的地方；直到今日，那石頭還在那裡。
我們不難想像，約書亞和全體兵丁在渡約旦河時是何等忙碌。他們除了要進入敵人的地土、面對仇敵——這本身就足以使他們心緒萬千——還要帶著妻兒家眷、牲畜、帳棚和一切家當，浩浩蕩蕩地搬運過這條陌生而從未踏過的路。我們可以設想那河道不是泥濘不堪，就是滿佈石頭，對體弱者十分艱難，對膽怯者甚為可怖；下到河底與攀上岸邊的坡度都十分陡峭。因此每個人必然都滿心顧慮、雙手忙個不停，而約書亞比他們任何人更甚。然而在這一切忙亂之中，仍須設法使這神所行的奇事得以永遠記念，而且這事不可推延到較為清閒的時候。注意：無論我們為自己和家人要辦的事務有多少，都不可忽略或省略那為神的榮耀和尊榮當盡的本分，因為那才是我們最好的事業。如今，
一、神為預備這記念下令。約書亞若沒有神的指示而自行設立，或許會被視為圖謀傳揚自己的名聲與尊榮，也不會如現今這樣從後世得著如此神聖可敬的尊崇——因為這是神親自指定的。注意：神的奇事當永遠記念，當想方設法保存對這些事的記念。那些過約旦河的以色列人中，或許有的如此遲鈍，對神向他們所施的這大恩毫無感動，根本不在乎是否要記念；另一些人或許深受感動，印象深刻，認為無需再立什麼記念，因為每一個時代的每一個以色列人的心與口，都將成為這事的活生生而持久的紀念碑。但神知道他們的本相，也知道他們何等容易很快忘記神的作為，便命定了一個方法，使這事世世代代被人記念，好叫那些不能或不肯從聖史記錄中得知此事的人，可以藉著為記念而立的碑石來認識這事——本地的口耳相傳便成了這碑石的解說。這碑石也能印證這事實的證據，對後世可能質疑其真實性的人，成為常存的憑據。如今要立一座碑石。1. 約書亞作為元帥，必須對此下達指示（Jos 4:1）：當百姓盡都過了約旦河，連最軟弱、最後頭的一個也沒有落下，可見神已徹底成就了他的作為，每一個以色列人都平安進入迦南，那時神才吩咐約書亞為這碑石預備材料。博學的帕特里克主教敬虔地推測，約書亞或許曾退到某處安靜的地方，為這奇妙的恩典立即獻上感恩，神就在那時與他相遇，向他這樣說話。又或許，神是藉著以利亞撒祭司把這些和其他指示賜給約書亞的；因為雖然此處沒有提到他，然而當約書亞被按手設立承擔這重任時，神曾指定以利亞撒要憑烏陵的判斷為他求問，約書亞和以色列全會眾都要遵他的話出入（Nu 27:21）。2. 每個支派出一人，而且是精選之人，要被差派去預備這碑石的材料，好使每個支派都有自己的同胞把這事傳述給他們，也使每個支派都能藉此為神的榮耀有所貢獻（Jos 4:2,4）：每支派一人。不是單靠利未人，而是每一個以色列人都要在自己的位置上，向世人述說神的大作為（詩145:12）。那兩個支派雖已安頓在自己的產業中，卻因同享這恩典，也當為記念這事出一臂之力。3. 為這記念當立的石頭，被吩咐要從河道中間取出（那裡大概有許多大石頭），且要盡可能靠近祭司抬著約櫃所站之處（Jos 4:3,5）。這座有意設立的碑石，本配以最精巧、最卓絕的技藝細心雕琢，然而從河底取出的石頭，卻更能自然地、更貼切地標示這神蹟。藉此讓後世知道約旦河曾被截斷，因為這些石頭正是那時從河中取出的。在設立記號時，神總是選擇最恰當、最具意義的方式，而非華麗或奇巧的；因為神揀選了世上愚拙的事。這十二個人過了約旦河之後，必須被打發回到約櫃所站之處，被允許就近約櫃（這是別人所不能的）來服事：「你們在約櫃前面過去（Jos 4:5），就是進到約櫃面前，約櫃如今立在約旦河中間，從那裡取出這些石頭。」4. 這些石頭的用途在此被定為作記號（Jos 4:6）、作記念（Jos 4:7）。這些石頭將給兒女機會，在日後問他們的父母：這些石頭怎麼會在這裡？（附近的地或許並不多石），那時父母就會照他們自己所受的教導告訴兒女，在這地方約旦河曾被神的全能截斷，為要給以色列人開路進入迦南——約書亞對此有更詳盡的闡述（Jos 4:22-24等）。
二、他們照這吩咐行了。1. 從約旦河中取了十二塊石頭，在百姓眼前搬到當夜他們紮營的地方（Jos 4:8）。他們所取的，大概是各人所能扛動的最大的石頭，且盡可能大小形狀相近。至於他們是否立刻把石頭帶到目的地，還是留下來跟著約櫃，與那莊嚴的隊伍同步前行，以隆重地進入迦南，則不能確定。藉著他們受命取出的這些石頭，神可說是把這美地的管業憑據交給了他們：這全是他們的了，他們可以進去得為業；因此這十二個人所行的，就被算為以色列人行的（Jos 4:8），因為他們代表各自的支派。我們可以由此聯想到，當主耶穌——我們的約書亞——勝過了死亡的劇痛，使那約旦河乾涸，為一切信者開了天國之門後，他便照著以色列支派的數目設立十二使徒，藉著福音的記念，將這事的知識傳到遠方和後世。2. 另有十二塊石頭（可能比前一批大得多，因為沒有記載說每塊都是一人所能扛的），被立在約旦河中間（Jos 4:9），堆疊成一根高柱，在河水低落時柱頂可露出水面，或在河水清澈時可在水中看見，至少水從其上流過時激起的動盪與聲響可以察覺，船夫會像避開礁石那樣避開它。這碑石或許以某種方式可以辨識，好標明約櫃所站的確切地點，並作為吉甲那座在旱地上所立碑石的重複見證，以印證其見證、保存其傳統。記號既已重複，這事便確定無疑了。
¹⁰ 抬約櫃的祭司站在約旦河中，直到耶和華吩咐約書亞對百姓所說的一切話，就是摩西所吩咐約書亞的，都完了。百姓便急速過去了。
¹¹ 眾百姓盡都過了河，耶和華的約櫃和祭司就在百姓眼前過去。
¹² 流便人、迦得人、瑪拿西半支派的人，都照摩西所吩咐他們的，帶著兵器在以色列人前面過去了。
¹³ 約有四萬人，都預備好了打仗，在耶和華面前過去，到耶利哥的平原，上陣打仗。
¹⁴ 當那日，耶和華使約書亞在以色列眾人眼前尊大。在他一生的日子，百姓敬畏他，像從前敬畏摩西一樣。
¹⁵ 耶和華對約書亞說：
¹⁶ 「你吩咐抬法櫃的祭司，從約旦河裡上來。」
¹⁷ 約書亞就吩咐祭司說：「你們從約旦河裡上來。」
¹⁸ 抬耶和華約櫃的祭司從約旦河中上來，祭司的腳掌剛一踏上旱地，約旦河的水就流到原處，像先前一樣漲過兩岸。
¹⁹ 正月初十日，百姓從約旦河裡上來，就在吉甲，在耶利哥的東邊安營。
受感的史家在此似乎對自己的題材甚為喜悅，不忍捨去，因此敘述得格外詳盡，尤其著重觀察約書亞如何緊緊遵行神所賜的命令，凡事不憑己意而行，直到完成了耶和華所吩咐他的一切（Jos 4:10），這也被稱為摩西所吩咐的。我們沒有讀到摩西曾就這事給約書亞什麼特別的吩咐：這事對約書亞而言完全是新的。因此，這必是指摩西曾給他的一般性指示——要順從神的引導，要把他從耶和華所領受的傳給百姓，並要抓住一切機會提醒他們對神當盡的本分，以此作為對神恩待他們的最好回報。如今已去世的摩西曾對他說的這話，他此時記在心上，並照著行了。當我們需要用到所領受的好教訓時，那些教訓能隨時浮現，這對我們是大有益處的。
一、百姓便急速過去了（Jos 4:10）。有人將此理解為那十二個抬石頭的人，但看來更可能是指全體百姓；因為雖然先前已記述了他們過河的事（Jos 4:1），此處卻為加上一個細節而重複提及，那就是他們是急速過去的——或許是因為約書亞藉著官長吩咐他們要快，因為這必須在一天之內完成，他們不可留下一蹄；又或許是他們自己心切而加快腳步。1. 有人急速，是因為他們不能信靠神。他們害怕河水會重新漫過他們，因為良心有愧，又對神的大能與良善心存疑惑。2. 另一些人急速，是因為他們不願試探神，使神蹟延續得比必要的更久，也不願因不必要的耽延，使抬約櫃的祭司的忍耐過度受試煉。3. 還有人急速，是因為他們渴望進入迦南，以此表明他們何等渴慕那美地。4. 那些最少思考的人，也因別人急速而急速。信的人不會搶先於神的旨意，卻會趕快跟上神的旨意（賽28:16）。
二、那兩個半支派走在前頭（Jos 4:12,13）。這是他們在約旦河那邊得地業時所應許的（Nu 32:27）。約書亞最近也曾提醒他們這應許（Jos 1:12-15）。先得安頓的人理當率先面對艱難，尤其因為他們不像其他支派那樣有家眷的拖累，而且他們全是精選的勇士，裝備齊全，隨時可用。有這樣一支強大的先鋒部隊是神美好的安排，必能鼓勵其餘的人。那兩個支派也沒有可抱怨的：危險的崗位就是光榮的崗位。
三、當全體百姓都安然到達對岸之後，抬約櫃的祭司才從約旦河裡上來。這事看似理所當然，他們自己的理智也會告訴他們此時已無需再留在那裡；然而他們在約書亞下令之前一步也不動，而約書亞在神指示他之前，也不下令使他們離開約旦河（Jos 4:15-17）。他們如此聽從約書亞，約書亞如此聽從神，這正是他們的讚美，他們有這樣良好的帶領也是他們的福氣。無論神何時將他的祭司或百姓帶到何等卑微的境地，都當耐心等候，直到神藉著他的護理召他們從其中出來，正如祭司在此被召從約旦河中上來一樣；只要他們在患難的深處仍有神同在的憑據——就是約櫃——就不可厭煩等候。
四、祭司與約櫃一從約旦河中上來，那原本堆聚如堆的河水便順其本性、照其常流漸漸流下，很快又充滿了河道（Jos 4:18）。這更顯明河水的截斷並非出於什麼隱祕的自然原因，純粹是因神同在的大能，也是為他以色列人的緣故；因為當以色列人的事辦妥，神同在的憑據被挪去，河水便立即恢復向前奔流。所以若問：*約旦河啊，你為何倒流？答案必是：純粹是為順服以色列的神，也是出於對神的以色列民的恩慈。因此沒有能比耶書崙的神的；以色列啊，你是有福的！誰像你這蒙耶和華拯救的百姓呢？*有人就此以寓意觀察到：當約櫃和抬約櫃的祭司從任何地方被挪去，水閘便被提起，防禦便已失去，審判的洪流不久必至。失去教會的人很快便要傾覆。約櫃既被擄去，榮耀便已離去。
五、經上也記下了這一切加在約書亞身上的尊榮（Jos 4:14）：當那日，耶和華使約書亞尊大——既藉著允許他與自己相交，在各樣事上向他說話、隨時預備接受他的求問，也藉著在祭司與百姓之上堅立他的權柄。尊重神的，神必重看他；當神要使一個人尊大——正如他曾說他要使約書亞尊大一樣（Jos 3:7）——他必成就得徹底。然而神使約書亞尊大，不單是為約書亞的緣故，更是要使他更有能力服事以色列人；因此百姓便像敬畏摩西一樣敬畏他。請看，要使下屬尊重、贏得他們的敬畏與順從，最好最穩妥的方法是什麼：不是藉著張牙舞爪、威嚇恐嚇、頤指氣使，而是藉著聖潔與愛心，以及一切表明自己時刻顧念他們的福祉、並顧念神的旨意與尊榮的記號。那些使人看出神與他們同在、並在神面前行事的人，最能以最好的方式、達到最好的目的被人敬畏。分別為聖的人才是真正被尊大的，才配受加倍的敬重。天所寵愛的人，當以敬畏之心看待。
六、這件大事的時間也被記錄下來（Jos 4:19）：那是正月初十日，正是他們出埃及後四十年的時候，只差五天。神曾在怒中起誓，他們要在曠野飄流四十年；但要湊足這四十，我們必須把頭一年也算進去——那一年已經過去了，原是為出埃及得拯救而歡呼勝利的一年；也要把這最後一年算進去——那是在約旦河對岸同樣歡呼勝利的一年。所以這四十年並非全是悲苦之年；最後他在四十年期滿之前五天便領他們進入迦南，為要顯明神施行懲罰並無樂趣，他施恩何等迅速，並且為選民的緣故，苦難的日子必減少（太24:22）。神安排他們在逾越節這一年一度的隆重節期之前四天進入迦南，正是開始預備的那一日（出12:3），因為他要用那個信仰的節期來點綴並聖化他們進入迦南的時刻，也要他們那時被提醒出埃及的拯救，好叫他們把兩相比較時，神得著榮耀，被認定為他們福樂的初與終。
²⁰ 他們從約旦河中取出來的那十二塊石頭，約書亞就立在吉甲。
²¹ 他對以色列人說：「日後你們的兒女問他們的父親說：『這些石頭是什麼意思？』
²² 你們就告訴你們的兒女說：『以色列人曾走乾地過了這約旦河。
²³ 因為耶和華你們的神在你們前面使約旦河的水乾了，等你們過去，正如耶和華你們的神從前在我們前面使紅海乾了，等我們過去一樣。
²⁴ 好使地上萬民都知道耶和華的手大有能力，也使你們永遠敬畏耶和華你們的神。』」
那十二塊先前放在吉甲（Jos 4:8）的石頭，此處被立起來——或是一塊疊在一塊之上，卻仍可清楚數算；或是一塊挨著一塊排成行列；因為它們固定之後，不稱為一堆石頭，而是這些石頭。
一、此處假定後世的人會查問這些石頭的意義，以為這些石頭是為記念而設：你們的兒女要問他們的父親（他們還能問誰呢？）這些石頭是什麼意思？注意：要在年老時有智慧，就必須在年幼時好問。我們的主耶穌雖然自己裡面有知識的豐盛，卻以身作則，教導孩童和年輕人要聽、要問（路2:46）。或許當約翰在約旦河的伯大尼（就是「過渡之處」，百姓過河的地方）施洗時，他正指著這些石頭說（太3:9）：神能從這些石頭（這些石頭原是十二支派所立的）給亞伯拉罕興起子孫來。這些石頭既是神蹟的記念，孩童的發問便給了人發揮這神蹟意義的機會；然而我們的救主說（路19:40）：若是這些兒女閉口不言，這些石頭必要立刻呼叫起來；因為無論如何，主必在他的奇事中得著榮耀。
二、父母在此受指示，當如何回答這查問（Jos 4:22）：「你們要告訴你們的兒女」，把你們從神的話語和從你們列祖所學到的告訴他們。注意：父母的本分是及早讓兒女認識神的言語和作為，好叫他們從小受教，走當行的道。
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他們要讓兒女知道，約旦河曾在以色列人面前倒流，他們從乾地上走了過去，而且這正是他們過河的地點。他們看見約旦河如今的水流又深又急，但神的大能使它止住了，甚至是在河水漲過兩岸的時候——「而且這是為你們，為你們這些活在那麼久之後的人。」注意：神對我們列祖的憐憫，就是對我們的憐憫；我們當抓住一切機會，重新記念神在古時為我們列祖所行的大事。如此標記的地點，對他們是個提醒：以色列人曾走過這約旦河。一個地方的記憶對他們會很有用，看見那地方就想起在那裡所行的事；不僅那地的居民，連過客旅人看見這些石頭也會得著教訓。許多人看見石頭，便會去翻聖經，在那裡讀到這奇事的歷史；也或許有人讀了歷史之後，雖然住在遠方，卻好奇地要去看看那些石頭。
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他們要趁此機會告訴兒女四十年前紅海乾涸的事：*正如耶和華你們的神從前在紅海所行的。*注意：（一）把後來的恩典與先前的恩典相比較，能大大彰顯後來恩典的偉大，因為一比較便顯出神昨日、今日、直到永遠是一樣的。（二）後來的恩典當使人記起先前的恩典，並更新我們對此的感恩。
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他們要引導兒女善用這些奇事——這些奇事的知識既如此鄭重地傳給了他們（Jos 4:24）。（一）神的大能因此被彰顯。全世界都已被或可被說服：耶和華的手大有能力，沒有什麼是神做不到的；任何力量，連自然之力本身，也不能攔阻神所要成就的事。神對他百姓的拯救，是對萬民的教訓，也是不可與全能者相爭的明白警告。（二）神的百姓因此被激勵、被鼓勵恆久事奉他——「好使你們永遠敬畏耶和華你們的神」，因而盡你們對他的本分，並且永遠如此（旁註：所有日子），「每一天，你們一生的日子，以及你們的後裔世世代代。」這奇妙作為的記念，當有效地攔阻他們敬拜別神，並約束他們堅守並勤於事奉自己的神。注意：父母在教導兒女、向他們講述一切時，當以此為首要目標——教導並引導他們永遠敬畏神。敬虔的信仰是最好的學問。
英文原文
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.
本章進一步記述以色列人奇蹟般渡過約旦河的經過。一、當時為保留此事的記念而作的安排：在約旦河中立起十二塊石頭（Jos 4:9），又從約旦河中取走十二塊石頭（Jos 4:1-8）。二、百姓從約旦河河道中行過，兩個半支派在先，隨後是全體百姓，最後是抬約櫃的祭司（Jos 4:10-14）。三、他們帶著約櫃上來之後，河水重新合攏（Jos 4:15-19）。四、在吉甲立起紀念碑，為要向後世保存這奇事作為的記念（Jos 4:20-24）。