The Histories · Old Testament
Joshua 1
Joshua prepares to lead across the Jordan
General context
After Moses dies, the Lord tells Joshua to lead Israel across the Jordan into the promised land. The repeated call to courage is joined to God's promise of presence and the command to keep the law given through Moses. Joshua responds by ordering preparations and reminding the Reubenites, Gadites and half-tribe of Manasseh to help the other Israelites. The chapter closes with a pledge of obedience that includes a death penalty for rebellion. These commands and assurances address Joshua's leadership of Israel in this account.
Cited passages: Joshua 1:1, Joshua 1:2, Joshua 1:5, Joshua 1:7, Joshua 1:8, Joshua 1:9, Joshua 1:11, Joshua 1:12, Joshua 1:14, Joshua 1:16, Joshua 1:18
Joshua 1 (KJV)
1Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,
2Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
3Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
4From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
5There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
10Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
11Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it.
12And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
13Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, The Lord your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.
14Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;
15Until the Lord have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the Lord your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
16And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.
17According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.
18Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.
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Historical context
The narrative is set after Moses' death and before Israel crosses the Jordan. Joshua, who had served Moses, tells the people to prepare provisions for a crossing within three days. Some Israelites already have land east of the Jordan: the Reubenites, Gadites and half-tribe of Manasseh. Their families and livestock are to remain there while their fighting men cross to help the other tribes until they also receive land and rest. This setting explains why leadership, obedience and responsibility for others appear together.
Cited passages: Joshua 1:1, Joshua 1:2, Joshua 1:11, Joshua 1:12, Joshua 1:13, Joshua 1:14, Joshua 1:15
Literary context
The chapter moves through three voices: the Lord commissions Joshua, Joshua gives orders, and those addressed answer him. The instruction to be strong and courageous appears in God's speech in verses 6, 7 and 9, then returns in the final response in verse 18. References to Moses connect Joshua's new responsibility with the earlier leadership. Commands about the law and preparations for crossing give concrete shape to the repeated language of courage.
Cited passages: Joshua 1:1, Joshua 1:6, Joshua 1:7, Joshua 1:8, Joshua 1:9, Joshua 1:10, Joshua 1:11, Joshua 1:16, Joshua 1:17, Joshua 1:18
For reflection
What does Joshua's preparation show about the relationship between courage and obedience in this chapter?
People in this chapter
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