On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that Joshua's authority was divinely validated, not just by his actions, but by the people's fear of him, mirroring their reverence for Moses. This "fear" isn't about terror, but a deep, awe-filled respect for God's chosen leader, signifying the solid establishment of his God-given role.
On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As the entire nation of Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground, a monumental miracle is unfolding under Joshua's leadership. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stand firm in the riverbed until everyone passes, then Joshua commands them to emerge, a feat that dramatically solidifies his authority. This public display of divine power, orchestrated by Joshua and affirming God's promises, establishes him as Israel's new, revered leader in the eyes of all the people.
Joshua just led Israel through a miracle, but his authority wasn't automatically secure. What made the difference?
The miraculous crossing of the Jordan River wasn't just an amazing feat for the people; it was a public coronation for Joshua.
God's Stamp of Approval
God had promised Joshua, 'As I was with Moses, so I will be with you' (Joshua 1:5). The Jordan crossing was the ultimate demonstration of that promise. By orchestrating this monumental event, God directly validated Joshua's leadership in the eyes of all Israel.
More Than a Military Leader
This wasn't just about military success. The text highlights that Joshua directed the priests, showing his authority extended even to sacred duties. This public display made him 'great and honorable in their esteem,' securing their reverence and obedience, much like Moses before him.
Joshua's authority was immense, but it didn't come from his own power. Where did its true strength lie?
Joshua's authority was deeply intertwined with his humble obedience to God's commands, a pattern set by Moses.
Following God's Blueprint
Calvin points out that Joshua acted 'according to all that Moses commanded Joshua,' but more importantly, he was carefully following God's specific instructions for the moment. The priests stood firm in the Jordan until God commanded Joshua was done. This shows that Joshua's leadership was characterized by meticulous adherence to divine direction.
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A Legacy of Trust
Joshua's respect mirrored that given to Moses. This wasn't just about being feared; it was about a 'reverend esteem' and obedience that stemmed from recognizing God's presence through their leader. The people's trust in Joshua was built on his demonstrated faithfulness to God's word.
Understand the original words
gadal · Hebrew Verb
The act of making someone great, raising their status, or bestowing honor and authority upon them, often as a sign of divine appointment.
yare · Hebrew Verb
A profound sense of reverence, fear, or trembling, often produced by encountering the manifest power or holiness of God or His chosen representative.
This event marks a critical transition where Joshua, having successfully led the people across the Jordan through a divine miracle, fully inherits the people's awe and obedience, mirroring the authority Moses held for so long.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Jericho
The Israelites, under Joshua's command, miraculously conquer the fortified city of Jericho, a pivotal event in their invasion of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
The Battle of Ai and the Sin of Achan
Following Jericho, a defeat at Ai is attributed to a sin within the camp, highlighting the need for obedience and God's presence.
c. 1406 BC
Covenant Renewal at Mount Ebal
Joshua leads the Israelites in a solemn ceremony to renew their covenant with God and obey His commands at Mount Ebal.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
The Miraculous Crossing of the Jordan River
The Jordan River parts as the Ark of the Covenant is carried across, allowing the entire Israelite nation to enter the Promised Land dry-shod.
c. 1406 BC
Establishment of Gilgal
The Israelites set up a memorial of twelve stones taken from the Jordan at Gilgal, symbolizing God's faithfulness and Joshua's leadership.
c. 1406 BC
Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal
Following the crossing, the generation that had not been circumcised in the wilderness is circumcised, and the Passover is celebrated, signifying a new beginning.
This passage highlights the people's awe and belief in God after the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, setting a precedent for how divine intervention builds faith in leadership, similar to how Joshua's leadership was validated.
Numbers 27:19-20Here, Moses is instructed to lay some of his honor on Joshua, a divine endorsement that foreshadows the public recognition and authority Joshua would receive from the Lord, as seen in Joshua 4:14.
Joshua 1:16-18The tribes of Reuben and Gad pledge their allegiance to Joshua, promising to follow him as they followed Moses, demonstrating a willingness to submit to his leadership that is publicly affirmed by the Jordan crossing event.
Deuteronomy 34:9This verse directly states that Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses laid his hands on him, emphasizing the transfer of divine enablement and authority that underpins his respected position.
calvinJoshua 4:10-18: "For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over."
- For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.…
clarkeJoshua 4:14: "On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life."
The Lord magnified Joshua - See the note on Joshua 3:7 .
The verse emphasizes that Joshua's authority was divinely validated, not just by his actions, but by the people's fear of him, mirroring their reverence for Moses. This "fear" isn't about terror, but a deep, awe-filled respect for God's chosen leader, signifying the solid establishment of his God-given role.
As the entire nation of Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground, a monumental miracle is unfolding under Joshua's leadership. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stand firm in the riverbed until everyone passes, then Joshua commands them to emerge, a feat that dramatically solidifies his authority. This public display of divine power, orchestrated by Joshua and affirming God's promises, establishes him as Israel's new, revered leader in the eyes of all the people.
As the entire nation of Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground, a monumental miracle is unfolding under Joshua's leadership. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stand firm in the riverbed until everyone passes, then Joshua commands them to emerge, a feat that dramatically solidifies his authority. This public display of divine power, orchestrated by Joshua and affirming God's promises, establishes him as Israel's new, revered leader in the eyes of all the people.
"On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life." — The verse emphasizes that Joshua's authority was divinely validated, not just by his actions, but by the people's fear of him, mirroring their reverence for Moses. This "fear" isn't about terror, b…
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Last reviewed October 2026