Both the Red Sea and the Jordan display the Lord’s dreadful and breathtaking supremacy (Exodus 13:19; Deuteronomy 5:15; Deuteronomy 7:8; see also Deuteronomy 4:10; Jeremiah 31:11). Israel is meant to fear the Lord, to hold him in the highest respect as a result of his power and actions on their behalf.1 This fear is characterized by obedience to God’s decrees and commandments, appropriate moral conduct in all circumstances, and a reverent response to God’s acts of redemption. Fear is thus the proper human response to the Lord’s grace.
24 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.”