Joshua 4:24

He did this so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God."

Study Bible

He did this
This phrase refers to the miraculous event of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River on dry ground. It highlights God's direct intervention in the natural world, similar to the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14. This act serves as a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

so that all the peoples of the earth may know
The purpose of the miracle extends beyond Israel to a universal audience. It underscores God's desire for His name to be known among all nations, reflecting the Abrahamic promise in Genesis 12:3 that through Abraham's descendants, all families of the earth would be blessed. This anticipates the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations.

that the hand of the LORD is mighty
The "hand of the LORD" is a biblical metaphor for God's power and authority. This phrase emphasizes God's ability to control and alter the natural world, affirming His sovereignty. It connects to other biblical instances where God's hand is depicted as mighty, such as in Exodus 15:6 and Isaiah 41:10, reinforcing the theme of divine strength and protection.

and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.
The fear of the LORD is a central theme in the Old Testament, signifying reverence, awe, and obedience to God. This phrase serves as a reminder to the Israelites of their covenant relationship with God, encouraging them to live in a manner that honors Him. It echoes the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the LORD is described as the beginning of knowledge. This reverence is not only for the Israelites but is a model for all believers, pointing to a life of faithfulness and devotion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, who led them into the Promised Land.

2. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who crossed the Jordan River into Canaan.

3. The Jordan River
The body of water that God miraculously stopped so the Israelites could cross on dry ground.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.

5. The Peoples of the Earth
Refers to all nations, highlighting God's universal sovereignty and the witness of His mighty acts.

Teaching Points

The Power of God
Recognize that God's hand is mighty and active in the world. His power is not just historical but present and available to us today.

Fear of the LORD
Cultivate a reverent awe and respect for God. This fear is not terror but a recognition of His holiness and authority.

Witness to the Nations
Understand that God's works in our lives are a testimony to others. We are called to share His deeds and character with the world.

Faith in Action
Just as the Israelites had to step into the Jordan, we are called to step out in faith, trusting in God's promises and power.

Remembrance and Teaching
Like the stones set up as a memorial, we should remember and teach the next generation about God's faithfulness and mighty acts.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the crossing of the Jordan River demonstrate the power of God, and how can we see His power in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a healthy fear of the LORD in our daily walk with Him?

3. How can we be effective witnesses to the "peoples of the earth" about the mighty acts of God in our lives?

4. What are some "Jordan River" moments in your life where you have seen God work powerfully, and how can you use these as a testimony to others?

5. How can we ensure that the next generation knows about the mighty works of God, and what practical steps can we take to teach them?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14
The crossing of the Red Sea parallels the crossing of the Jordan, both demonstrating God's power and faithfulness.

Psalm 66:3-5
Speaks of God's awesome deeds and power, inviting all the earth to see His works.

1 Samuel 17:46
David's declaration that the whole world will know there is a God in Israel, similar to the purpose of the Jordan crossing.

Isaiah 41:20
God's acts are so that people may see and know, consider and understand that the hand of the LORD has done this.

Acts 1:8
The call for believers to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, echoing the purpose of God's mighty acts.