The Stone and the Oak: Renewing Our Covenant



When Joshua gathered Israel at Shechem, he placed a stone under an oak tree as a lasting witness to their covenant with God (Joshua 24:26–27). 

The stone would “hear” their promises, and the oak would stand as a living reminder of God’s enduring presence.

The stone symbolized permanence: a solid witness to the people’s vow to serve the Lord. Yet, over time, Israel faltered. The very stone that was meant to remind them of faithfulness became a silent testimony to their failure.

In the New Covenant, this symbol finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Living Stone and Cornerstone of our faith (1 Peter 2:4–6). He does not merely witness our commitment; He upholds it. Through His grace, our hearts of stone are made alive by His Spirit.

The oak tree, deeply rooted and enduring, stood near God’s sanctuary:  a sign of strength and life. In Christ, that image blossoms fully: He is the Tree of Life (Revelation 2:7), offering eternal communion with God. The Cross, often called “the tree,” now stands where heaven and earth meet, where covenant and grace embrace.

Today, as we remember Joshua’s oak and stone, we look to the Cross and Christ — our living reminder that God’s promises never fail. Let every heart rooted in Him remain steadfast, bearing witness to His unchanging faithfulness.

 “The Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey.” — Joshua 24:24


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