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." He did thisThe LORD stopped the Jordan River so that Israel crossed on dry ground, just as He had divided the Red Sea for the generation that left Egypt. The memorial stones at Gilgal preserved the testimony that Israel entered the promised land by God’s power, not by human strength. The crossing confirmed that the God who redeemed His people from slavery was faithful to bring them into their inheritance. Deu 11:7 For it is your own eyes that have seen every great work… so that all the peoples of the earth may know Israel’s entrance into Canaan was meant to make the LORD known among the nations. God’s mighty works displayed His uniqueness and advanced His promise that blessing would reach all families of the earth through Abraham’s descendants. The Lord’s dealings with Israel were never merely private; they bore witness to His saving purpose for the whole world. 1Ki 8:60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know the LORD… that the hand of the LORD is mighty, God governs rivers, nations, battles, and history according to His will. The Jordan crossing demonstrated the same mighty hand that judged Egypt, delivered Israel, and sustained His people in the wilderness. No obstacle could prevent the LORD from fulfilling His covenant promises. Deu 26:8 Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand… and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.” Israel was to remember God’s deliverance with reverent obedience. Fear of the LORD involves awe before His holiness, trust in His faithfulness, and a life shaped by submission to His commands. The stones of remembrance called each generation to worship the God who had brought them into the land. Deu 14:23 And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe 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 GodRecognize 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 14The 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. People Gad, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, ReubenPlaces Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River, Red SeaTopics Always, Continually, Fear, Forever, Mighty, Peoples, Powerful, Reverenced, StrongDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 4:24 7949 mission, of Israel 5029 knowledge, of God Library Stones Crying Out'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. 11. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Jordan Memorial Stone 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid' Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City. The Holy War, Joshua Links Joshua 4:24 NIVJoshua 4:24 NLT Joshua 4:24 ESV Joshua 4:24 NASB Joshua 4:24 KJV Joshua 4:24 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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