Joshua 4:24
That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.
Joshua 4:24 (KJV)
Context
The book of Joshua records the Israelites’ entry into the Promised Land under Joshua after Moses’ death. In Joshua 4, the people have just crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, just as their parents crossed the Red Sea. God commanded Joshua to set up twelve stones from the river as a memorial. This verse closes the chapter by stating the purpose of the miracle: that all nations may know God’s mighty hand, and that Israel may fear Him forever.
Meaning
The verse gives two clear reasons for the miracle. First, it was a public sign to “all the people of the earth” that the hand of the Lord is mighty. The crossing was not a private event; it showed surrounding nations that Israel’s God is powerful and sovereign over nature. Second, it was for Israel itself, so that they would “fear the Lord your God for ever.” This fear is not terror but deep reverence, awe, and respect for God’s power, authority, and holiness. It leads to obedience and a lifelong relationship with Him.
The twelve stones served as a lasting reminder. When future generations asked what they meant, parents would tell the story of the Jordan crossing. This memorial helped the memory of God’s power stay alive, both for Israel and for any outsider who saw it. The stones were a visible testimony that God can do what is marvelous and beyond the power of nature.
Biblical connections
The crossing of the Jordan echoes the Red Sea crossing in Exodus 14, where God also parted waters to deliver His people. Both events show that God can do what is beyond human power. The purpose is the same: that people may know He is God and fear Him. This pattern continues throughout Scripture, where God’s mighty acts lead to worship and obedience.
Application
God’s mighty works are not only for our benefit but also as a witness to others. When we see God’s power in our lives, we should recognize it and trust Him more. Our response should be to proclaim His greatness, so that others may know Him through our testimony.
Recognize God’s mighty hand: He can do the impossible in our circumstances, just as He parted the Jordan.
Proclaim God’s greatness: Our lives should reflect His power and goodness, pointing others to Him.
Cultivate reverent fear: Live in awe of God, obey His commands, and seek to please Him.
Share the knowledge of His mighty hand: Testify to His faithfulness, as the Israelites did with the memorial stones.
Reflection
The miracle at the Jordan was not an end in itself. It was a sign meant to lead people to know God and to live in reverent relationship with Him. This purpose is timeless. God’s mighty acts in our lives are also meant to draw us closer to Him and to make Him known to others. As we remember His works, we grow in reverence and in our witness to the world. The fear of the Lord is not terror but reverent awe and worship, leading to lifelong obedience. This purpose is timeless: God’s mighty works are meant to lead people to know Him and to live in reverent relationship with Him.
