Josh. 4 God commands them to carry twelve stones for a memorial out of Jordan; Joshua orders it; the people perform, Josh. 4:1–8. Twelve other stones set up for a memorial in the midst of Jordan, Josh. 4:9. The people pass over: the order they observe, Josh. 4:10–13. God magnifies Joshua, Josh.

This was commanded before, Josh. 3:12, and is here repeated with enlargement, as being now to be put in execution.

For the greater evidence and certainty, and the more effectual spreading of the report of this marvellous work among all the tribes.

Out of the midst of Jordan; See POOLE “Josh. 3:17”. There ye shall lodge this night, i.e. in Gilgal, as is expressed below, Josh. 4:19–20.

Prepared, i.e. appointed or chosen for that work, and commanded them to be ready for it.

Pass over before the ark, i.e. go back again to the place where the ark stands.

A sign; a monument or memorial of this day’s work.

Before the ark; as it were at the sight and approach of the ark, to give it and the Israelites a safe passage.

In the midst of Jordan; properly so called; as Josh. 3:17. Quest. How could these stones be a monument of this work, when they were not seen, but generally covered with the waters of Jordan? Answ. These stones are not the same with those which a man could carry upon his shoulders, Josh.

To speak unto the people, i.e. to command the people to do. According to all that Moses commanded Joshua; which he did not particularly, but in the general, because he commanded Joshua to observe and do all that God had commanded him by Moses, and all that he should command him any other way.

The people looking on, and beholding this wonderful work of God with attention and admiration.

Either, 1. Before the ark, by which they, as well as the rest, passed when they went over Jordan. Or, 2. In the presence of God, who diligently observed whether they would keep their promise and covenant made with their brethren, or not.

For being now in the middle, and lowest, and deepest place of the river, (of which See POOLE “Josh. 3:17”,) they are most properly said to ascend or go up to the land; which word is thrice used ill this and the two next following verses.

The priests staid contentedly in the river, till God by Joshua called them out.

The waters came down from their heaps, and returned with all convenient speed into their proper channel, according to their natural and usual course.

The first month, to wit, of Nisan, which wanted but five days of forty years from the time of their coming out of Egypt, which was on the fifteenth day of this month; so punctual is God in the performing of his word, whether promised or threatened.

Which most probably were placed severally and in order, like so many little pillars, which was most proper to keep remembrance of this miraculous benefit vouchsafed to this people.

Before us, i.e. myself and Caleb, and all of us here present; for this benefit, though done to their fathers, is justly and rightly said to be done to themselves, because they were then in their parents’ loins; and their very being, and all their happiness, depended upon that deliverance.