19 And the people have come up out of the Jordan on the tenth of the first month, and encamp in Gilgal, in the extremity east of Jericho;
20 and these twelve stones, which they have taken out of the Jordan, hath Joshua raised up in Gilgal. 21 And he speaketh unto the sons of Israel, saying, 'When your sons ask their fathers hereafter, saying, What 'are' these stones? 22 then ye have caused your sons to know, saying, On dry land Israel passed over this Jordan; 23 because Jehovah your God dried up the waters of the Jordan at your presence, till your passing over, as Jehovah your God did to the Red Sea which He dried up at our presence till our passing over; 24 so that all the people of the land do know the hand of Jehovah that it 'is' strong, so that ye have reverenced Jehovah your God all the days.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 4:19-24
Commentary on Joshua 4:10-19
(Read Joshua 4:10-19)
The priests with the ark did not stir till ordered to move. Let none be weary of waiting, while they have the tokens of God's presence with them, even the ark of the covenant, though it be in the depths of adversity. Notice is taken of the honour put upon Joshua. Those are feared in the best manner, and to the best purpose, who make it appear that God is with them, and that they set him before them.
Commentary on Joshua 4:20-24
(Read Joshua 4:20-24)
It is the duty of parents to tell their children betimes of the words and works of God, that they may be trained up in the way they should go. In all the instruction parents give their children, they should teach them to fear God. Serious godliness is the best learning. Are we not called, as much as the Israelites, to praise the loving-kindness of our God? Shall we not raise a pillar to our God, who has brought us through dangers and distresses in so wonderful a way? For hitherto the Lord hath helped us, as much as he did his saints of old. How great the stupidity and ingratitude of men, who perceive not His hand, and will not acknowledge his goodness, in their frequent deliverances!