Large standing stones were often set up in ancient times as markers to memorialize significant events of people.1 Such stones had already been set up and established by Israel to commemorate the crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 4:1–9) as well as to commemorate the earlier covenant renewal ceremony (Joshua 8:30–32). The new stone will be another reminder to Israel that they have committed themselves to obeying the Lord and serving him only.
27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD that he spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.”