THE TWELVE TRIBES Joshua 4:1-24 OF ISRAEL Sidon Around 1200-1050 B.C. (according to the Book of Joshua) 0 (km) 100 Chapter describes the 0 (mi) 60 Ijon ARAMEANS entrance of Israel into Canaan, Tyre Dan focusing on the memorial Kedesh stones from the Jordan. The ASHER Mediterranean Hazor Israelites build a memorial for Chinnereth Sea NAPHTALI Ashteroth succeeding generations to Achshaph Hamath BASAN Helkath Mount Tabor remember the work of God to Jokneam ISSACHAR Edrei deliver them into the promise. Dor ZEBULUNJaphia Camon Megiddo Jezreel Ramoth-Gilead This memorial stone will be Taanach Bethshean MANASSEH one of many that Tirzah commemorate God’s mighty Shamir Zaphon Shechem Mahanaim acts. Pirathon Gathrimmon Aphek Shiloh River Jordan Joppa EPHRAIM GAD AMMON The specific location of Gilgal DAN Bethel Jazer Bethoron Gilgal Rabbath Ammon Eltekeh Gezer Ai Gibeon continues to be debated. The Jericho Gibbethon BENJAMIN Heshbon Mephaath Ashdod Ekron Jerusalem Bezer 1960s and 1970s saw a Mount Nebo Gath Bethlehem Ashkelon Jarmuth resurgence in archaeological REUBEN Lachish JUDAH efforts to identify Gilgal. In Jahaza Gaza Hebron PHILISTIA Debir 1990 and 20089, Adam Zertel Eshtemoa Gerar Dead Sea of the University of Haifa Beersheba Arad MOAB conducted a survey of the SIMEON region and uncovered five Kirhareseth enormous enclosures in the AMALEK Zoar Jordan Valley. These Wilderness of EDOM Zin Tamar Zalmona enclosures appear to have Bozrah been built for communal Kadesh Punon gatherings at ceremonies and date to the early Iron Age. A site near Moshav Argaman may be the first camp of the Israelites. Boyce Bennett, 1967-1968, did a study of the area and suggested that Gilgal was a campsite and outdoor sanctuary and not necessarily inhabited. If this is the case, it would be difficult to identify today. 1. Read Genesis 28:18; 31:45; 35:14, 20; Exodus 13:3-6, 1 Samuel 7:12, and 1 Corinthians 11:26 to learn about other memorial events. How do these events of remembrance help the people? What are some memorial events that take place in the life of our country and how do they help us? 2. What is remembered “officially” and regularly in your immediate or extended family? What rite or rituals are used as a memory aid? 8 3. What fear of yours has been cooled by remembering something? What was it exactly you remembered? 4. Recall some unmistakable instances of God’s grace to you in the past. How can remembering these moments help calm present or future fears of yours? 5. Read the word of this song “Remember” by Lost and Found. How are these events still helpful for Christians? Do not be afraid Remember bread from heaven. For the love of God is displayed Remember water from stone. In this place, at this hour, Remember spring and new leaven, By God’s grace and God’s power And the promise of a permanent home. Remember Eden’s creation. Remember the answer to evil. Remember the sign in the sky. Everlasting love outpoured. Remember the Father of Nations. God is our God, and we are God’s people. Gift of God upon Sinai. God will remember our sin no more. Read 3:17-4:10 6. In 3:12 twelve men were identified, and in 4:2 their task is made known. The Lord spoke to Joshua, Joshua speaks to the people, and the people act. This is the pattern that is expected throughout the book. Who/how does the Lord speak to us today? 7. The word Gilgal means wheel or circle, and this leads many to believe that the twelve stones were placed in a circle. 4:9 and 4:20 show that there are two memorial stone groups. Where do the twelve men get the stones from and where are they set up? How would the shape of a circle help support unity amidst the twelve tribes? 8. What does the phrase “in haste” in 4:10 indicate about the way the people crossed the Jordan? 9. There are twelve tribes, but 4:12 makes specific mention of Reuben, Gad, and the half- tribe of Manasseh. About one-third of the people in these tribes crosses over in front of the people. The remaining two-thirds remain behind in the Transjordan. The territories 9 of Israel’s tribes cover two general areas: Canaan and the plains of Moab. Read Joshua 13:7-8. Why do these tribes split up like this? 10. 4:21 shows the catechetical character of events for future generations which will equip them to believe in God. “What do these stones mean?” is a question from children to fathers that shows the children are familiar with the stones. How would have the fathers kept their children familiar with the stones and kept them curious? How do we keep our children today familiar with the church and keep them curious? 11. 4:24 indicates that the teaching that happens in the families will be for the benefit of more people than just the family. Who benefits from a family that knows God? 10 .