The answer is: 12

Josh 4:2-9 - One for each of the 12 tribes.

When the Israelites passed through the Jordan River, they didn’t just hurry past; they took time to honor their journey. Twelve stones were pulled from the riverbed, a reminder that this was no ordinary crossing. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying their unity and shared history. But here's the gem: these stones weren't just any stones; they became a part of their legend and identity, a way to remember a moment when God led them into the Promised Land.

A tangible object can stir our memory in profound ways, and this practice wasn’t confined to one riverbed or one people. Ancient cultures sometimes marked significant events with physical reminders—think of the hanging stones of Stonehenge or the pyramids of Egypt. For Israel, those twelve stones by the Jordan were meant to spark conversations for generations to come. An epitaph to courage and faith was set to stand against the elements.

Isn’t it intriguing how those stones stood for millennia? Water flowed around them, seasons changed, and yet these stones remained. The act of memorializing this miracle is echoed in our daily lives—all those little reminders that help us recall where we’ve been and how far we've come. Maybe it's a trinket, a picture, or a cherished book; it’s these reminders that keep the essence of our experiences alive. What stories do your mementos tell?