יהושע, פרק ד׳, פסוק ה׳

As the Israelites complete their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, a select group of representatives is sent back into the dry riverbed to gather memorial stones. Because the entire nation, including these chosen men, has already reached the safety of the far bank, they must actively turn around and re-enter the river [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Joshua, who crossed last to instill confidence in the people, now directs these twelve pre-selected men to walk back into the Jordan and advance directly toward the priests holding the Ark [רש״י, רד״ק]. They are instructed to walk to the far side of the Ark and gather the stones from right beneath the priests' feet [מלבי״ם].

Stepping back onto the river floor while a massive wall of water remains suspended nearby is a terrifying prospect. To calm their fears, Joshua directs them to walk directly in front of the Ark of God. This serves as a reassuring reminder that just as God's presence initially stopped the flowing water, His power will continue to hold the river back and keep them safe. Joshua further reassures them that the task will be quick, requiring them only to lift the stones [מצודת ציון] rather than to dig for them [אלשיך]. While the original divine instruction was simply to gather twelve stones, which could have been interpreted as a group effort to carry massive boulders on poles, Joshua clarifies the method. Each man is required to lift and carry a single stone on his own shoulder [מלבי״ם].

The collection of exactly twelve stones is deeply symbolic, representing the entire nation united together [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. At the same time, the specific number highlights that each tribe maintains its own unique and complete identity within the greater whole [מלבי״ם]. The men chosen for this task are not selected at random. While the rest of the nation arrived at the Jordan only after it was already dry, these representatives personally witnessed the initial splitting of the waters before the Ark. By physically lifting the stones from the riverbed themselves, they permanently cement the reality of the miracle deep within their own hearts [אלשיך].