Yehoshua - Perek 4: Stones in the River
Part 1: The Splitting of the River (4:1-13)
Summary
What did Yehoshua do of his own initiative and what was he instructed to do?
In this chapter, we notice Yehoshua doing many things based on his own initiative. He already set aside these twelve individuals in the last chapter before Hashem's explicit command about actually doing so. Likewise, he adds on the extra detail of moving the stones from the riverbank into the riverbed, which Hashem did not ask. When sharing Hashem’s instructions with the men who set up the stones, he adds the reasoning as to why these stones are a monument. These changes all appear to be positive, but one needs to analyze this pattern closely. Will there be times when iniative can be negative? We will follow through on this characteristic and trace Yehoshua's proactivity.
Part 2: The People’s recognition of Yehoshua and the Kohanim’s exit from the Water (4:14-24)
Summary
How exactly did the kohanim cross the Jordan?
Rashi derives that when the kohanim crossed the river they did not do so in an ordinary fashion. It does not say that they were “overim,” - they crossed. Rather it records, "vaya'alu," - they ascended. This use of language seems to say the way it occurred was that they stepped into the river, and as they did so, the river split. After the nation of Israel crossed, they then took a step backwards. Rashi fills in the necessary information as to how they got across. In his words, "ha'aron hu noseh es nosav," the ark miraculously flew from the East to the West bank and transported them across the river once they had finished facilitating the miracle itself.
Where do these iconic stones end up?
In chapter 10, we will gHa’ain greater insight as to where these stones really ended up. From what we have seen so far, the stones seem to end up in Gilgal. However, they could still end up somewhere else, and there may well be another episode which will link to this episode. Let us keep these stones in mind as we proceed through the upcoming chapters.
Summary
- While the river flow remains stopped, Hashem continues to give instructions to Yehoshua.
- Yehoshua is commanded to have twelve people remove twelve stones from the riverbed and place them in the location where they will be sleeping that night in the mainland of Israel.
- Yehoshua gives the men the instructions and also the reason for the monument, explaining that it will stand to remind their children of the incredible miracle which took place on this day.
- They follow their instructions. Yehoshua then takes twelve stones from the riverbank and places them in the riverbed.
- The children Gad and Reuven and half of tribe Menashe send 40,000 soldiers to accompany the Israelites, their families remain behind.
What did Yehoshua do of his own initiative and what was he instructed to do?
In this chapter, we notice Yehoshua doing many things based on his own initiative. He already set aside these twelve individuals in the last chapter before Hashem's explicit command about actually doing so. Likewise, he adds on the extra detail of moving the stones from the riverbank into the riverbed, which Hashem did not ask. When sharing Hashem’s instructions with the men who set up the stones, he adds the reasoning as to why these stones are a monument. These changes all appear to be positive, but one needs to analyze this pattern closely. Will there be times when iniative can be negative? We will follow through on this characteristic and trace Yehoshua's proactivity.
Part 2: The People’s recognition of Yehoshua and the Kohanim’s exit from the Water (4:14-24)
Summary
- At this time, all of Israel realize that Yehoshua is the leader in place of Moshe. This is parallel to the recognition Moshe received after he facilitated splitting the sea.
- The kohanim who are holding the ark emerge from the river, and the water returns to its usual place.
- The twelve stones taken from the river are placed in Gilgal, a little east of Jericho on the west side of the Yarden in order that in the future, people should know that Hashem took them across the river.
How exactly did the kohanim cross the Jordan?
Rashi derives that when the kohanim crossed the river they did not do so in an ordinary fashion. It does not say that they were “overim,” - they crossed. Rather it records, "vaya'alu," - they ascended. This use of language seems to say the way it occurred was that they stepped into the river, and as they did so, the river split. After the nation of Israel crossed, they then took a step backwards. Rashi fills in the necessary information as to how they got across. In his words, "ha'aron hu noseh es nosav," the ark miraculously flew from the East to the West bank and transported them across the river once they had finished facilitating the miracle itself.
Where do these iconic stones end up?
In chapter 10, we will gHa’ain greater insight as to where these stones really ended up. From what we have seen so far, the stones seem to end up in Gilgal. However, they could still end up somewhere else, and there may well be another episode which will link to this episode. Let us keep these stones in mind as we proceed through the upcoming chapters.