Slideshow image

In today’s reading from Joshua 22–24, the final chapters of the book, we’re given two powerful examples of witnesses set up by Israel to remind the people of their commitment to God and His faithfulness to them. The first example involves the tribes east of the Jordan, while the second was established by Joshua himself.

After the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh fulfilled their commitment to help conquer the Promised Land—which ultimately lasted seven years—they returned to their land on the east side of the Jordan River. Upon their return, they built an altar, which caused concern among their western brothers. The tribes west of the Jordan feared their eastern brothers were quickly turning away from God’s commands which in turn would threaten the security and blessing of the entire nation (the sin of Achan was still fresh). To address this concern, the western tribes sent a scouting party of ten leaders, led by Phinehas the priest, to confront them.

The eastern tribes quickly explained their intentions in Joshua 22:27,

“… [this altar] is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, that we will worship the LORD at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and fellowship offerings. Then in the future your descendants will not be able to say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD.’”

The altar was not built in rebellion to God’s commands but as a declaration that they too shared in the inheritance and worship of the one true God. This was a witness for their descendants so they wouldn’t forget their rightful place among God’s people.

The second witness was set up by Joshua at Shechem—the very place where God first promised the land to Abraham. Joshua placed a large stone under a terebinth tree to remind the people of God’s faithfulness in keeping His approximately 475-year promise. And Joshua also used the stone as a reminder of Israel’s limitations and the holiness of God:

“You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” (Joshua 24:19–20)

Joshua and the elders of his generation would soon pass away (24:28–31), but these witnesses—the altar east of the Jordan and the stone at Shechem—would endure for generations. The stones would stand as witness to the failed commitment of the people of Israel.

Takeaway: The victories and milestones in our lives are not signs of our personal achievements—they are testimonies to God’s faithfulness and grace. What “stones” have you intentionally placed in your life to remind yourself and future generations of God’s goodness? Maybe your “witness” is a Bible with notes and prayers written in the margins, a journal of God’s provision through difficult seasons, a family tradition centered on faith, or even a simple keepsake that reminds you of a pivotal moment with God. Whatever form it takes, let it be a lasting testimony that helps you, and those who come after you, to never forget God’s faithfulness. What story will your “stones of witness” tell about your commitment to God and His faithfulness to you?