Joshua 4 tells how Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground and how twelve memorial stones were set up to mark the day. This page gives you ready questions and leader’s notes for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Each set of questions moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes everyday faith.
Joshua 4 at a Glance
The chapter opens with God instructing Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, to carry stones out of the middle of the Jordan. Those stones are then placed at the campsite in Gilgal, and Joshua explains their purpose to the people. The chapter closes with the reason behind it all: the waters were held back so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is mighty.
Along the way the narrative shows the priests standing firm in the riverbed while the whole nation passes over, then the waters returning when they step onto dry land. Use the questions below in order, or pick the ones that fit your group’s time and focus.
Observation Questions
Begin here so the group anchors every conversation in what the text actually says. Ask people to answer from the passage itself before offering any interpretation. Allow a few minutes of silence for each question so quieter members can speak.
Joshua 4:1-3
1 When all the nation had completely crossed over the Jordan, the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying, 2 “Take twelve men out of the people, a man out of every tribe, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take from out of the middle of the Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, twelve stones, and carry them over with you, and lay them down in the place where you’ll camp tonight.’”
(WEB)
Reading the opening instructions aloud sets the scene and reminds the group that the crossing was prompted by God’s direct command. It is a good place to start so everyone hears the chapter’s first words together.
Joshua 4:6-7
6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask in the future, saying, ‘What do you mean by these stones?’ 7 then you shall tell them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the LORD’s covenant. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.’”
(WEB)
These verses state the purpose of the stones in the words of the instruction itself. Hearing them read aloud helps the group understand what the children are meant to ask and how parents are to answer.
Joshua 4:18
When the priests who bore the ark of the LORD’s covenant had come up out of the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet had been lifted up to the dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place, and went over all its banks, as before.
(WEB)
This verse marks the decisive moment when the waters return, so reading it slowly lets the room feel the turning point. It also connects the timing of the miracle to the obedience of the priests.
Joshua 4:21-24
21 He spoke to the children of Israel, saying, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 Then you 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 the Jordan from before you, until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up from before us, until we had crossed over; 24 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD’s hand is mighty; that you may fear the LORD your God forever.’”
(WEB)
The chapter’s main teaching on memory and mission is found here, so it works well as a closing reading before discussion. Reading it aloud helps the group hear both the family and the global purpose of the stones.
Joshua 4:14
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.
(WEB)
This short verse names the public confirmation of Joshua’s leadership and gives the group a chance to reflect on how God honors his servants. It is brief enough to repeat for emphasis after a discussion.
Memory Verse for Joshua 4
Joshua 4:24
That all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD’s hand is mighty; that you may fear the LORD your God forever.’”
(WEB)
This verse gathers the chapter’s central purpose into one sentence: that all the peoples may know the Lord’s hand is mighty and that Israel may fear him forever. Memorizing it gives the group a short phrase to recall whenever they remember God’s work in their own lives.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you led your people through the waters and gave them stones to remember what you had done. Help us to build our own memorials of your faithfulness, and help us to tell our children and friends about the ways you have carried us. Give us the courage to stand firm for others when the way is hard, and the humility to trust your timing. May the peoples around us see your hand at work in our lives, and may we fear and love you all our days. Amen.
