Definition: And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 4:20. It's a really significant and dramatic passage about God’s judgment and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel was angry: After the Assyrian army conquered Israel, they were incredibly upset with God because they hadn’t been given a proper place to worship. They felt like their prayers weren't answered and their land wasn't blessed. God sent a message: God told them to bring an offering – a sacrifice – to a specific location. This was a way for them to show humility and repentance. Joshua is tasked with the task: Joshua, the leader of Israel, was given this responsibility. Twelve Stones are Used: God instructed Joshua to take twelve stones from the Jordan River – specifically, the area where the Assyrian army had built their siege weapons. These stones were specially prepared and placed in a ritual. They Pitch In (Build): The key part is that Joshua and his men built these stones. This wasn’t just a simple placement; it was a deliberate act of rebuilding and demonstrating faith. Putting It All Together – A Simple Explanation: God was sending a message of judgment, but he also offered a way for Israel to show their repentance and rebuild their relationship with him. By placing those twelve stones in the Jordan River, they were symbolically "rebuilding" their nation and showing that they had learned from their mistakes. It's like saying, “We’ve messed up, but we’re ready to start over.” Why it’s important: This event was a crucial step in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was the central place for worship and sacrifice, so the successful placement of these stones symbolized God's acceptance of Israel’s renewed commitment to him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you a bit about the historical context surrounding this event? Compare it to another biblical story or concept?