Joshua 4:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

That all the people {H5971} of the earth {H776} might know {H3045} the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068}, that it is mighty {H2389}: that ye might fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} for ever {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From this all the peoples of the earth can know that the hand of ADONAI is strong, and you can fear ADONAI your God forever.'"

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of Jehovah, that it is mighty; that ye may fear Jehovah your God for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 4:24 serves as the profound theological capstone to the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, articulating God's dual purpose for His powerful intervention and the subsequent erection of memorial stones at Gilgal. It reveals God's universal intent for all humanity to recognize His unparalleled might and His specific desire for Israel to live in perpetual, reverent awe and obedience, thereby establishing a lasting legacy of divine power and covenant faithfulness for generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the dramatic narrative of Israel's entry into the Promised Land, following the miraculous parting of the Jordan River. Chapters 3 and 4 detail this pivotal event, emphasizing the role of the Ark of the Covenant and the priests. Just prior to verse 24, Joshua commands the twelve tribal representatives to take stones from the riverbed, where the priests stood firm, and set them up as a memorial at Gilgal. This act of remembrance, detailed in [Joshua 4:1-9](/joshua/4-1 "Joshua 4:1-9 - The Memorial Stones"), is explicitly linked to the pedagogical purpose outlined in verse 24, ensuring that future generations would inquire about the stones' meaning and be taught of God's mighty hand. The entire passage underscores God's active presence and leadership in bringing His people into their inheritance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crossing of the Jordan marked the culmination of forty years of wilderness wandering and the definitive end of the Exodus generation's journey. It was a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan. Historically, this event solidified Israel's identity as a nation under God's direct sovereignty, distinct from the pagan nations around them who worshipped various deities. Culturally, the erection of memorial stones was a common practice in the ancient Near East to commemorate significant events, treaties, or divine interventions. However, Israel's memorial was unique in its explicit didactic purpose: to teach about Yahweh's unparalleled power and His covenant faithfulness, contrasting sharply with the often-capricious gods of their neighbors. The timing, at the Jordan's flood stage, further amplified the miraculous nature of God's intervention, demonstrating His absolute control over creation.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 4:24 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. **Divine Power and Sovereignty** is paramount, as God's ability to halt the swollen Jordan River unequivocally demonstrates His absolute control over nature and His unwavering capacity to fulfill His promises, echoing the earlier miracle of the [Red Sea crossing](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"). This act serves as a **Universal Witness**, highlighting God's desire for His glory and power to be recognized not only by Israel but also by "all the people of the earth," signaling His ultimate redemptive plan for all nations. For Israel, the primary response to this display of might is **Reverent Fear and Obedience**, a deep, awe-filled respect for God that leads to faithful adherence to His covenant commands, as often emphasized throughout Deuteronomy, such as in [Deuteronomy 6:24](/deuteronomy/6-24 "Deuteronomy 6:24 - The Purpose of the Law"). Finally, the entire event powerfully reaffirms God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His reliability and commitment to bringing His people into the land He promised their forefathers, thereby establishing His enduring presence among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yad_):** This is a pervasive biblical idiom (anthropomorphism) referring to God's active power, intervention, and authority. It is not merely a physical appendage but a metaphorical representation of His direct involvement in human affairs. In this context, "the hand of the LORD" signifies His irresistible might and ability to accomplish His will, specifically demonstrated in the miraculous parting of the Jordan. It emphasizes divine agency and the tangible manifestation of God's strength.
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _chazaq_):** This word conveys strength, firmness, and power. When applied to God, as here, _chazaq_ underscores the overwhelming, undeniable, and enduring nature of His power. It implies a strength that is robust, unyielding, and capable of overcoming any obstacle, leaving no doubt about the divine origin of the Jordan miracle. This "might" is not merely impressive but foundational to God's character and His ability to fulfill His promises.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** While _yare'_ can denote terror, particularly in the face of divine judgment, in this context, when directed towards God by His people, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect that inspires obedience and worship. It is a positive, foundational response to God's holiness, majesty, and power, leading to a life of devotion and faithfulness. This "fear" is not paralyzing dread but a humble recognition of God's supreme authority and goodness, often linked to wisdom and true devotion, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD":** This opening clause reveals God's universal, outward-looking purpose for the Jordan miracle. It signifies that God's powerful acts are not exclusively for Israel's benefit but are also intended as a global witness. The phrase "all the people of the earth" indicates a desire for His fame and power to extend beyond Israel's borders, serving as a testimony to surrounding nations and future generations about the unique, incomparable might of Yahweh.
* **"that it [is] mighty":** This clause clarifies what "all the people of the earth" are to know about "the hand of the LORD"—namely, its overwhelming and undeniable strength. The Jordan miracle was a demonstration of power so immense and unequivocal that its divine origin could not be denied. It served as irrefutable evidence of God's omnipotence, establishing His supremacy over all creation and all other gods.
* **"that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever":** This second, inward-looking purpose is directed specifically at Israel. The "ye" refers to the Israelites, emphasizing that the miracle was also for their spiritual formation. The "fear" here is not terror but reverential awe, respect, and worship that leads to faithful obedience. The phrase "for ever" underscores the enduring nature of this proper response, indicating that the memory of God's mighty act should cultivate a perpetual attitude of devotion and fidelity within the covenant community across generations.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 4:24 employs several significant **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The phrase "the hand of the LORD" is a clear example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to make His active power and intervention more comprehensible. This device emphasizes God's direct agency in the miracle. The verse also functions as a **Purpose Clause**, introduced by "that" (or "in order that"), explicitly stating the divine intentions behind the Jordan crossing and the memorial stones. There are two distinct purposes: one universal ("that all the people of the earth might know") and one particular ("that ye might fear the LORD your God"). This dual purpose highlights both God's global redemptive plan and His specific covenant relationship with Israel. Furthermore, the verse is deeply **Didactic**, serving as a teaching moment for both the present generation of Israelites and all future generations, ensuring the memory and meaning of God's mighty acts are preserved and passed down. The repetition of the concept of "knowing" and "fearing" reinforces the central lessons God desires to impart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:24 stands as a theological cornerstone, linking God's historical acts of power to His overarching purposes for humanity and His covenant people. It articulates the principle that divine intervention is not merely for immediate deliverance but serves as a profound revelation of God's character and an impetus for proper human response. The miracle at the Jordan, like the parting of the Red Sea, underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. This dual emphasis—God's global witness and Israel's reverent obedience—is a recurring motif throughout redemptive history, pointing to a God who reveals Himself powerfully to all nations while simultaneously calling His chosen people into a deeper, lasting relationship of awe and worship.

* [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "Exodus 7:5 - Egyptians Will Know God's Power")
* [Deuteronomy 10:12](/deuteronomy/10-12 "Deuteronomy 10:12 - What the LORD Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:24 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's powerful acts in history, and indeed in our personal lives, are not random occurrences but are imbued with divine purpose. We are called to be both recipients of God's grace and witnesses to His power. Just as the memorial stones at Gilgal served as a tangible reminder, we too should cultivate practices of remembrance—recalling God's faithfulness in our past, sharing our testimonies, and teaching future generations about His unchanging character. Our lives, transformed by His mighty hand, should serve as a living testament to His power, drawing others to acknowledge Him. Furthermore, the call to "fear the LORD your God for ever" is a perpetual summons to live in reverent awe, acknowledging His sovereignty in every aspect of our existence, allowing this awe to shape our obedience and deepen our worship, ensuring our faith is not fleeting but enduring.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past mighty acts, both in biblical history and in your personal life, strengthen your faith today?**
* **In what ways can your life and actions serve as a "witness" to "all the people of the earth" about the mighty hand of the LORD?**
* **What does "fearing the LORD your God for ever" practically look like in your daily walk, and how does it differ from mere terror?**
* **How can we ensure that the next generation truly "knows the hand of the LORD" and lives in reverent obedience?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the hand of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: "The hand of the LORD" is a powerful anthropomorphism, a figure of speech that attributes a human characteristic (a hand) to God. In Joshua 4:24, it signifies God's active, irresistible power and direct intervention. It emphasizes that the miraculous parting of the Jordan River was not a natural phenomenon or a coincidence, but a deliberate and mighty act of God. This idiom is used throughout the Old Testament to denote God's strength, authority, and ability to accomplish His will, whether in judgment or salvation, as seen in [Exodus 9:3](/exodus/9-3 "Exodus 9:3 - The Hand of the LORD on Livestock") or [1 Samuel 5:6](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6 - The Hand of the LORD Against Ashdod").

**Why was it important for "all the people of the earth" to know God's power?**

Answer: This highlights God's universal redemptive purpose. While Israel was His chosen covenant people, God's ultimate plan extended beyond them. The miracles performed for Israel, such as the Jordan crossing, served as a testimony to surrounding pagan nations, demonstrating that Yahweh was the one true God, superior to all their idols. This universal witness prepared the way for the eventual revelation of God's salvation to all peoples through Christ, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles").

**What does it mean to "fear the LORD your God for ever," and how is it related to God's mighty acts?**

Answer: To "fear the LORD" in this context means to hold Him in profound reverence, awe, and respect, rather than mere terror. It is a response of humble submission and worship to His holiness, power, and goodness. God's mighty acts, like the Jordan miracle, are intended to cultivate this reverential fear, leading to faithful obedience and devotion. The phrase "for ever" emphasizes that this attitude should be perpetual, a foundational and enduring characteristic of Israel's relationship with God, passed down through generations. This concept is central to the covenant relationship and is often linked to wisdom and true life, as articulated in [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 4:24, with its dual purpose of revealing God's mighty hand to all the earth and cultivating reverent fear in His people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "hand of the LORD" that parted the Jordan foreshadows the even greater power of God displayed in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through Christ, God's power is revealed not merely in controlling nature, but in conquering sin and death itself, offering eternal life to "all the people of the earth" who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Jesus is the ultimate "sign" and "memorial," embodying God's presence among humanity, just as the Ark of the Covenant stood in the Jordan. His sacrifice on the cross is the supreme demonstration of God's mighty hand, not just to deliver from physical enemies but from spiritual bondage ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Therefore, the call to "fear the LORD your God for ever" is transformed and deepened in the New Covenant; it becomes a call to worship and obey Jesus, the Son of God, who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever has seen me has seen the Father")). Our response to Christ's saving work is one of awe-filled reverence and faithful obedience, a perpetual worship of the One through whom God's mighty hand has accomplished the greatest salvation for all humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 106:8

Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

Psalms 89:13

Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, [and] high is thy right hand.

1 Kings 8:42

(For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house;

1 Kings 8:43

Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

1 Chronicles 29:12

Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.

2 Kings 19:19

Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD God, [even] thou only.

Exodus 15:16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.