יהושע, פרק ד׳, פסוק י״ט

The exact moment the Israelites enter the Promised Land is marked by a specific time and place, carrying profound spiritual weight. Arriving on the tenth day of the first month, the month of Nisan, brings the historical journey of the Exodus full circle. On this exact date years earlier, the people began preparing for their redemption in Egypt by selecting the Passover lamb. Now, on that very same day, they take their first steps into the new land, even before engaging in any military action [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Recording this precise date serves an additional purpose: it proves the reality of the miracle and silences those who might deny it. The date confirms that the crossing took place during the season when the Jordan River overflows its banks, dismissing any claims that the people crossed during a natural dry spell or experienced a routine tidal shift. The exact timing of the waters stopping the moment the priests stepped in proves this was a clear miracle performed by the hand of God [מלבי״ם]. Consequently, attempts to explain the event through natural phenomena are firmly rejected, as God completely controls nature and can alter it at His will without any limitations [אברבנאל].

Following the crossing, the nation camped at Gilgal, an area situated between the city of Jericho and the Jordan River [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Reaching this encampment involved another hidden miracle. The distance from the river to Gilgal was vast, spanning over sixty mil. For the entire nation, including women and children, to cross the water and travel that immense distance all in a single day was only possible through divine intervention [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

Gilgal served as the first place of rest, and it was here that the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River were erected. While other nations build grand monuments to celebrate their military might, these stones were set up as a tower with two distinct goals: to instill fear in the surrounding Canaanite nations and to deeply root faith and reverence for God within the Israelites for all generations [אברבנאל]. Placing these memorial stones permanently in Gilgal also reflects the temporary holiness of the location. It appears the Tabernacle was set up there for a time, much like other sacred objects placed before God. This is further supported by the fact that the people offered the Passover sacrifice in Gilgal just four days later, an act that strictly requires the presence of the Tabernacle [רלב״ג].