One representative from each tribe was to collect a stone and these were to be collected together. These stones were to be of significant size (for they had to carry them on their shoulders). The purpose was that they were to save as a reminder for themselves and for future generations. They were a memorial of what the Lord had done, how He had brought them into the land. Remember that Deuteronomy contained several warnings against the Israelites forgetting that it was only because of the Lord's goodness that they had come in to the land. We need markers in our life to signify what the Lord has done.
The priest had to stay in the middle of the Jordan until everyone had passed through. The fact that this was a second river crossing was significant. It showed to the people that Joshua was continuing in the line of Moses and had the same blessing from God on his life.
When everyone was through the priests came out of the river with the ark.
The memorial stones were a sign to the Israelites, but also to all other people, a reminder of what the Lord had done. The people of the Lord are to fear God, and the rest of the people are to see that He is powerful.
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