Joshua — Chapter 4

Lapide: \"That it may be a sign\" — the twelve stones are a trophy and monument of the victory of God over the Jordan; they signify that the twelve tribes were enrolled by God as heirs of the Promised Land. The stones also stand against ingratitude, for God rigorously demands remembrance of His benefits and punishes ingrates.

Lapide: S. Augustinus (Serm. 106 De Temp.) on the twelve stones in the middle of Jordan = the twelve Patriarchs; twelve stones in Gilgal = twelve Apostles (Rupertus). S. John the Baptist (Matt. 3:9): \"God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham\" — these very stones were figure of the nations buried in the waves of ignorance, to be raised by Christ and John through Baptism.

Lapide: The Hebrews crossed Jordan on the tenth day of the first month Nisan, completing exactly forty years of wandering in the desert save five days. Chronology: the world year 2494; the Exodus year 40 complete.

Lapide: \"That all the peoples of the earth might know the strong hand of the Lord\" — for by \"fear\" Scripture signifies all religion and worship; the Old Law was the law of fear, the New is the law of love.