Does the Pile of Stones at Gilgal Still Exist Today?

Cornelis Huyberts / Overtocht over de Jordaan

 

 

Introduction

Throughout history, people have established monuments and memorials to commemorate significant events, ensuring that future generations would remember and reflect upon them. The Bible describes one such memorial: the twelve stones set up at Gilgal after the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites. This event, recorded in the book of Joshua, was a defining moment for the nation of Israel, symbolizing God's power, faithfulness, and promise-keeping nature. However, an intriguing question arises: Do these stones still exist today? If they were meant to be an "eternal memorial," as the Bible states, why is there no definitive evidence of their physical presence today? This article explores the biblical account, historical considerations, theological implications, and possible explanations regarding the fate of the Gilgal stones.

The Biblical Account of the Memorial Stones

The story of the memorial stones is recorded in Joshua 4. After the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years, God led them to the Jordan River, the final barrier between them and the Promised Land of Canaan. Unlike previous crossings of bodies of water, such as the Red Sea, this time, God instructed the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the Jordan. When they did, the waters stopped flowing, and the riverbed became dry, allowing the entire nation to cross safely.

Once the Israelites had crossed, God commanded Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe, take a stone from the riverbed and set it up as a memorial at their campsite in Gilgal. This act was not only a way to commemorate the miracle but also a means of teaching future generations about God's power and faithfulness. The passage reads:

"And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal." (Joshua 4:20, ESV)

Interestingly, the Bible also mentions a second set of stones. According to Joshua 4:9, Joshua himself set up another twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, at the exact spot where the priests stood while carrying the Ark of the Covenant. The passage states:

"Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant had stood; and they are there to this day." (Joshua 4:9, ESV)

Do the Stones Still Exist?

The question of whether the memorial stones still exist today remains a topic of curiosity and speculation. Since the Bible refers to them as an "eternal memorial," one might expect them to still be present. However, no definitive archaeological evidence has been found confirming the existence of these stones. There are a few possible explanations for this:

1. The Physical Decay and Loss of the Stones

Over thousands of years, natural erosion, human activity, and environmental changes could have displaced or destroyed the stones. If the stones were arranged in a simple pile, weathering, floods, and even repurposing by later inhabitants might have caused them to be lost or scattered. The stones placed in the Jordan River would have been subject to constant water flow, sediment buildup, and geological shifts, making them nearly impossible to locate today.

2. The Uncertainty of Gilgal’s Exact Location

While the Bible states that the stones were set up at Gilgal, scholars and archaeologists have debated the precise location of ancient Gilgal. Some believe it was near present-day Jericho, while others suggest multiple sites known as "Gilgal" existed in biblical times. Without a confirmed location, searching for the stones remains challenging.

3. The Symbolic and Theological Nature of the Memorial

Another perspective is that the phrase "eternal memorial" does not necessarily mean the stones were meant to physically last forever. Instead, it could imply that the memory and significance of the event were intended to endure throughout generations. Just as other biblical covenants and signs (such as the rainbow in Genesis 9) serve as lasting symbols rather than physical objects, the Gilgal stones may represent an ongoing spiritual truth rather than a permanent structure.

Why Did the Bible Emphasize an "Eternal Memorial"?

If the stones were meant to serve as a perpetual reminder, why does the Bible explicitly describe them as an "eternal memorial"? Even if they no longer exist physically, their meaning and significance persist. There are several reasons for this emphasis:

1. Teaching Future Generations

The primary purpose of the stones was to serve as a teaching tool for future generations. Joshua 4:6-7 explains that when children saw the stones and asked about their meaning, their parents were to recount the miracle of the Jordan River crossing. This oral tradition ensured that God's mighty acts would not be forgotten.

2. A Testament to God’s Power and Faithfulness

The memorial stones were not just about remembering a historical event—they were a testimony of God's faithfulness to His promises. He had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan, and the crossing of the Jordan was a fulfillment of that promise.

3. A Spiritual Legacy Rather Than a Physical One

Many biblical events and objects hold significance not because of their physical existence but because of what they represent. For example, the Ark of the Covenant, the Temple in Jerusalem, and even the cross of Christ are meaningful not merely because they existed but because of what they symbolize.

The Continuing Impact of the Memorial Stones

Even if the physical stones are no longer present, their spiritual and historical impact continues today in several ways:

1. Theological Reflections and Sermons

Christian and Jewish teachings frequently reference the Jordan River crossing as a demonstration of God’s power. The memorial stones serve as a reminder that God provides a way when there seems to be none.

2. Symbolism in Christian Baptism

The Jordan River has significant meaning in Christianity, especially because Jesus was baptized there. Just as the Israelites passed through the Jordan into their new life in the Promised Land, baptism symbolizes the believer's passage from sin into new life in Christ.

3. Biblical Archaeology and Historical Studies

The story of the memorial stones continues to inspire biblical scholars and archaeologists to search for evidence of ancient Israel’s journey through Canaan, deepening our understanding of biblical history.

Conclusion

While the physical existence of the Gilgal stones remains uncertain, their significance as an "eternal memorial" is still evident in the faith and teachings of millions of people today. The Bible emphasizes remembrance not merely through objects but through the lasting impact of God’s actions. The stones set up at Gilgal were meant to remind future generations of God's power, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of His promises. Though we may never find these stones, their story continues to inspire and teach, just as God intended.

Ultimately, the memorial stones at Gilgal serve as a timeless symbol: that God is always faithful to His people, and His mighty works should never be forgotten. Whether in physical stones or in the hearts of believers, the memory of God's miracles endures, making the stones truly an "eternal memorial."