Joshua 4 24

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.

Joshua 4:24 nkjv

that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever."

Joshua 4:24 niv

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

Joshua 4:24 esv

so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever."

Joshua 4:24 nlt

He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the LORD's hand is powerful, and so you might fear the LORD your God forever."

Joshua 4 verses

Joshua 4 24 Meaning

Joshua 4:24 explains the twofold purpose of the miraculous Jordan River crossing: first, that all peoples of the earth might witness and recognize the incomparable power of the LORD's hand in active intervention; and second, that Israel might fear, honor, and continually revere the LORD their God, leading to perpetual obedience and worship. The event serves as a universal declaration of God's sovereignty and a foundational command for His covenant people.

Joshua 4 24 Context

Joshua chapter 4 narrates the immediate aftermath of Israel's miraculous crossing of the Jordan River into the promised land. Following the stopping of the waters, twelve men, one from each tribe, take a stone from the riverbed where the priests' feet stood, establishing a memorial at Gilgal. These stones serve as a tangible reminder for future generations of God's mighty deed. The events echo the Red Sea crossing, underscoring God's consistent faithfulness and power to His people. Verse 24 is the culminating statement delivered by Joshua regarding the why behind this significant historical event and the stone memorial, tying it to God's broader redemptive plan for both Israel and the nations. It explains that the miracle's purpose extends beyond just getting Israel across, encompassing a revelation of God to all humanity and fostering an enduring, reverent fear within His people.

Joshua 4 24 Word analysis

• that all the peoples (כָּל עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ - kol ‘amme ha’aretz):
  • All the peoples: Refers to non-Israelite nations, signifying a universal audience for God's mighty act. This implies a missional purpose to God's actions, where Israel's experiences serve as a witness to the wider world. This polemics against the idea of merely tribal deities; YHWH is God over all nations.
  • This anticipates a theme found throughout Scripture: God's redemptive plan involves all humanity, not exclusively Israel (e.g., Ps 22:27, Isa 2:2-4, Zec 8:20-23, Rom 15:9-12).
• of the earth (הָאָרֶץ - ha’aretz):
  • Denotes the entire habitable globe, emphasizing the global scope of God's desire for self-revelation. It is not limited to Canaan or neighboring regions but intended for universal knowledge.
• may know (לָדַעַת - lada’at):
  • From the root יָדַע (yada), meaning "to know." This is not just intellectual awareness but experiential, personal, and profound understanding, leading to recognition and acknowledgment.
  • It implies that through observation of God's acts, nations will come to perceive His true nature and power. This contrasts with the futile knowledge or worship of false gods.
• that the hand (כִּי יַד - ki yad):
  • Hand (יַד - yad): A common anthropomorphic expression for God's active power, strength, might, and agency. It conveys direct intervention and effective control.
  • the hand of the LORD: A specific theological phrase denoting God's active presence and demonstration of His unique power in human history (e.g., Ex 9:3, Jdg 2:15, 1 Sam 5:6, Ez 1:3).
• of the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH):
  • The sacred covenant name of God, indicating His self-existent, faithful, and personal nature. This highlights that the power originates not from any generic deity but from the specific, covenant-making God of Israel.
  • His mighty acts confirm His identity as the one true God over all creation and all other claims to deity.
• is mighty (חֲזָקָה - chazaqah):
  • From the root חָזַק (chazaq), meaning "to be strong, firm, mighty." It describes immense, unchallengeable strength and refers to God's powerful deeds in history.
  • This reinforces the undeniable demonstration of His omnipotence at the Jordan crossing, as seen previously in the Red Sea.
• that you (אַתֶּם - 'attem):
  • Refers specifically to the nation of Israel, drawing a direct responsibility from the divine act. The purpose has both a universal (all peoples) and a particular (Israel) dimension.
• may fear (לְיִרְאָה - leyirah):
  • From the root יָרֵא (yare), which means "to fear, to revere, to stand in awe of." This fear is not primarily terror but profound reverence, respectful obedience, worship, and loyalty born from an understanding of God's power and holiness.
  • It signifies a proper and holy response to the revealed God, leading to faithfulness and adherence to His covenant. This is the cornerstone of wisdom and right living in the Old Testament.
• the LORD (אֶת־יְהוָה - 'et-YHWH):
  • Again, YHWH, reinforcing that this reverent fear is directed solely towards the covenant God, not towards any other deities or powers.
• your God (אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - 'eloheykem):
  • Emphasizes the exclusive covenant relationship between God and Israel. He is their God, uniquely. This underscores the demand for exclusive devotion and underscores their privileged position and responsibility.
• forever (כָּל־הַיָּמִים - kol-hayyamim):
  • Literally "all the days," meaning continually, perpetually, for all generations. This highlights the enduring nature of the spiritual impact desired by God.
  • The command to fear God is not for a momentary response but a lasting posture for Israel and their descendants. This links the Jordan miracle to the generational transmission of faith.

Words-group analysis:

• "that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty": This clause reveals God's universal redemptive intent. The miracle served as a global testimony, challenging pagan worldview that gods were confined to specific lands or people. It proclaimed YHWH's universal sovereignty and unparalleled power, aiming for humanity to recognize His singular might.
• "that you may fear the LORD your God forever": This clause states God's specific purpose for Israel. The miraculous crossing was also a catalyst for strengthening Israel's faith and reverence. The experiential knowledge of God's power was meant to instill an enduring, obedient awe within His covenant people, securing their loyalty for generations to come. This ensures Israel remains distinct and faithful to their unique relationship with YHWH.

Joshua 4 24 Bonus section

The event at the Jordan River serves as a vital pedagogical moment for both Israel and the gentile nations. For Israel, it wasn't just a continuation of the Exodus deliverance; it was a reaffirmation that the same God who parted the Red Sea was actively with them in their new venture, reinforcing trust and combatting forgetfulness. The deliberate command to gather stones and erect a memorial emphasizes the importance of physical tangible reminders for transmitting spiritual truth to succeeding generations. This foreshadows the ongoing necessity of memorializing God's works. For the "peoples of the earth," this public display of divine power at Israel's entry into their promised land served as a foundational testimony that God is indeed working among humanity and reveals Himself powerfully to accomplish His purposes. The verse hints at a "missional" aspect embedded in Israel's calling long before New Testament explicitly outlined it—God's works through His chosen people are meant to reverberate globally, bringing Him glory and recognition among those who do not yet know Him.

Joshua 4 24 Commentary

Joshua 4:24 articulates the divine rationale behind the dramatic Jordan River crossing, transcending a mere logistical hurdle to the Promised Land. The verse presents a dual purpose for God's grand display of power: universal witness and covenantal devotion. First, it asserts that the event was staged for the entire world—"all the peoples of the earth"—to experientially know "that the hand of the LORD is mighty." This underscores God's global sovereignty and serves as a direct challenge to the polytheistic and territorial deities prevalent in the ancient Near East, establishing YHWH as the preeminent, singular power above all creation and nations. It reveals His intent to be known universally, a truth reiterated throughout prophetic literature regarding the ingathering of nations. Second, and equally vital, the miracle's purpose was for Israel themselves—"that you may fear the LORD your God forever." This "fear" is not terror but profound reverence, humble submission, and enduring loyalty that leads to worship and obedience. God desired to solidify His unique covenant relationship with Israel, ensuring that the wonder of His acts would cultivate an everlasting, active reverence within them and their future generations. The stone memorial at Gilgal would stand as a permanent didactic tool, reinforcing these twin objectives across time. Thus, the Jordan crossing was a foundational moment, demonstrating God's global renown and Israel's call to faithful witness and perpetual awe.