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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a dual purpose for God's mighty acts: not only for Israel to know and fear Him, but for "all the peoples of the earth" to witness His power, even if unwillingly. This highlights that God's revelation isn't meant to be exclusive, but a powerful testimony to His sovereignty for all to see.
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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After miraculously crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites set up twelve stones as a memorial, ensuring future generations would remember God's powerful intervention. Joshua then addressed the people, emphasizing that this monument served two crucial purposes: to declare God's mighty hand to all nations and, more importantly, to instill a lasting fear and reverence for God within Israel itself.
Why would God want the whole world, even those who don't believe, to know about His mighty acts?
Joshua 4:24 states a twofold purpose for the miraculous crossing of the Jordan: that "all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty." This wasn't just for Israel; it was a global announcement.
A Witness to the Nations
God intended these signs to serve as a testimony to surrounding nations, demonstrating His supreme power and sovereignty. Even those who opposed Israel were meant to witness and acknowledge the might of the God of Israel, whether willingly or unwillingly. This shows that God's plans are not confined to one people but have implications for all humanity.
Beyond the Immediate Audience
Commentators suggest this also had a prophetic aspect, looking forward to future generations and even the end of time. The spread of Scripture, carrying the account of these miracles, continues to declare God's power to people across the globe today.
The stones at the Jordan were a physical reminder. What spiritual lesson were they meant to cement in the hearts of God's people?
The second part of Joshua 4:24 focuses on the internal impact on Israel: "that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”
More Than Just Awe
This "fear" isn't about being terrified, but about a profound reverence, awe, and deep respect for God. It's an understanding of His holiness, His power, and His faithfulness that leads to a desire to obey and honor Him.
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The Power of Memory
The twelve stones were a tangible symbol designed to spark conversations and remind future generations of God's past faithfulness. This consistent remembrance was intended to foster a continuous, unbroken relationship with God, marked by a lasting reverence and devotion. It's about allowing God's past actions to shape our present and future obedience.
Understand the original words
yare · Hebrew Verb
A profound attitude of reverence, awe, and submission toward God that characterizes a believer's life; it involves trusting in His holiness and obeying His commands.
yad · Hebrew Noun
The instrument of God's active power and intervention in history to deliver His people, judge His enemies, and accomplish His purposes.
chazaq · Hebrew Adjective
Possessing great strength, power, or authority; often used to describe God’s ability to act decisively in creation and redemption.
am · Hebrew Noun
A distinct group of people defined by a common ancestry or history; in Scripture, this often refers to the nations outside the covenant family of Israel.
The crossing of the Jordan wasn't just a physical crossing into a new land; it was a powerful, visible demonstration of God's might meant to awe both His people and the surrounding nations, ensuring His fame spread and His people lived in lasting reverence for Him.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God dramatically rescues the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, parting the Red Sea for them to cross on dry ground.
c. 1446 BC
Wilderness Wandering
The Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years due to their disobedience, a period marked by divine provision and judgment.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Appointed Leader
Following Moses' death, Joshua is commissioned by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Jordan River Crossing
The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant step into the Jordan, causing its waters to stop flowing upstream, allowing the entire nation to cross into Canaan on dry ground.
c. 1406 BC
Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal
The Israelites are circumcised and celebrate the Passover after crossing the Jordan, signifying a new covenant and remembrance of God's faithfulness.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
The Israelites, empowered by God's mighty acts, begin their military campaigns to take possession of the land of Canaan, starting with the fall of Jericho.
This passage echoes the purpose of God's mighty acts, stating that His name would be declared throughout all the earth, highlighting a divine intention for His power to be known universally.
Psalm 98:2This psalm celebrates God's salvation and righteousness, proclaiming that He has revealed His victory to the nations, similar to how the crossing of the Jordan was meant to be a public display of God's might.
Deuteronomy 32:3Moses' song speaks of proclaiming the name of the LORD and declaring His greatness, a theme that aligns with Joshua's instruction to remember God's mighty hand that all peoples might know Him.
1 Kings 8:42-43Solomon's prayer for the dedication of the temple acknowledges that God's works are known to foreigners, so that all the peoples of the earth may know His name and fear Him, mirroring the intent behind the Jordan crossing monument.
Isaiah 40:10This prophetic verse declares that the Lord GOD will come with might, and His arm rules for Him, emphasizing His powerful reign that will be made known, a concept directly supported by the visible demonstration of God's hand at the Jordan.
calvinJoshua 4:19-24: "And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho."
- And the people came up, etc Why the day on which they entered the land, and first encamped in it, is marked, we shall see in next chapter. But the name of Gilgal is given to the first station by anticipation, for this new name was afterwards given to it by Joshua on the renewal of circumcision; its etymology will be explained in its own place. Mo…
gillJoshua 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."
That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty,.... Even almighty, and can do that which is marvellous and surprising, and above the power of nature to effect; things unsearchable and past finding out, which cannot be expressed, or conceived how and by what means they are brought about; this the very Heathens woul…
This verse reveals a dual purpose for God's mighty acts: not only for Israel to know and fear Him, but for "all the peoples of the earth" to witness His power, even if unwillingly. This highlights that God's revelation isn't meant to be exclusive, but a powerful testimony to His sovereignty for all to see.
After miraculously crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites set up twelve stones as a memorial, ensuring future generations would remember God's powerful intervention. Joshua then addressed the people, emphasizing that this monument served two crucial purposes: to declare God's mighty hand to all nations and, more importantly, to instill a lasting fear and reverence for God within Israel itself.
After miraculously crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites set up twelve stones as a memorial, ensuring future generations would remember God's powerful intervention. Joshua then addressed the people, emphasizing that this monument served two crucial purposes: to declare God's mighty hand to all nations and, more importantly, to instill a lasting fear and reverence for God within Israel itself.
"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.”" — This verse reveals a dual purpose for God's mighty acts: not only for Israel to know and fear Him, but for "all the peoples of the earth" to witness His power, even if unwillingly. This highlights th…
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Last reviewed October 2026