The twelve stones were meant to be a reminder to the people of Israel and especially the future generations of what the Lord had done to bring them into the land of Canaan. These stones were not an altar for sacrifice. They were a testimony for remembering.1 They also represented the unity of the people. The use of standing stones for various memorial purposes was a common practice among people of the ancient Near East.2
3 and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’”