Joshua 1
NASB (UPDATED TEXT): JOSHUA Jos 1:1-9 1Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying, 2” Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. 4From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. 5No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Jos 1:1 “Now it came about” This book begins with the Hebrew phrase “And it came to pass,” which shows that Joshua is continuing the history which began in the Pentateuch (Torah), although it must be stated that ancient Hebrew regularly started books with “and.”
▣ “after the death of Moses” The chosen leader is dead, but Israel's God is not! See Deuteronomy 3:4 .
▣ “the servant of the LORD” The title “Servant of the LORD” is an honorific one which is used of Abraham in Gen 26:24 ; of David in 1Ki 8:66 ; and of Joshua only after his death in Jos 24:29 . This seems to be the background for the Servant Songs of Isaiah 4:0-53 and possibly the background of Paul's famous phrase “slaves of Christ.”
SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/names_deity.html>
▣ “the LORD spoke to Joshua” Originally he was to consult the High Priest for guidance (cf. Num 27:18-23 ). YHWH is said to have spoken to Joshua like He had to Moses (cf. Jos 1:1 ; Jos 4:1 ; Jos 4:15 ; Jos 5:9 ; Jos 6:2 ). He was one of the two spies who brought a positive report and he lived through the Wilderness Wandering period (cf. Num 26:25 ). He was Moses' right-hand man from the time of the Exodus from Egypt to the crossing of the Jordan. This shows that although leaders come and go, God is the consistent power and strength of the people.
Jos 1:2 “Moses, my servant is dead” The question is often asked, “Why could Moses not enter the Promised Land after being such a faithful, effective leader?” The reason is seen in Num 20:12 ; Num 27:14 ; Deu 3:26 . One major theological truth again and again in the history books of the OT is that when God reveals to someone what to do, but they slightly change it, the result is judgment. God is no respecter of persons. When Moses publically disobeyed God, he reaped the consequences.
▣ “arise, cross” Both of these VERBS are Qal IMPERATIVES:
1. arise - BDB 87:7 , KB 108:6 , e.g., Deu 2:13 ; Deu 2:24 ; Deu 10:11 2. cross - BDB 71:6 , KB 77:8 , e.g., Jos 1:11 ; Jos 1:14 ; Jos 2:23 ; Jos 3:1 The time had come. It was time to act!
▣ “Jordan” The term “Jordan” is from a word which means “descending” (BDB 43:4 ). This river plunged almost 1,500 feet in just 8:0 miles. At this particular time of the year it was at flood stage (cf. Jos 3:15 ). It was just as much an act of faith to cross this torrent as it was to have trust in God during the Exodus.
▣ “to the land which I am giving to them” This was a significant act because of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 1:2 , which was later repeated to Isaac and Jacob and then, through Moses, to all Israel. This was the promised land, given to them by God (cf. Gen 15:12-21 ). In the OT and in Assyrian documents it is called “the land flowing with milk and honey” because of its fertility.
Jos 1:3 Notice the emphasis on God's sovereignty and His complete revelation to Moses concerning these matters. This reflects YHWH's promises to Abraham (cf. Gen 12:7 ; Gen 13:15 ; Gen 15:18 ).
There are several places where the dimensions of the Promised Land are given:
1. Num 34:1-12 2. Deu 1:6-8 ; Deu 3:12-20 ; Deu 11:24 3. Jos 1:3-4 ; Jos 13:8-12 4. Jdg 20:1 They are not all exactly the same. The only time Israel came close to these boundaries was during the kingdoms of David and Solomon.
Jos 1:4 “from the wilderness” The term”wilderness” (BDB 18:4 ) refers to “the Negev,” which is usually translated “the south” (BDB 61:6 ). It refers to the semi-arid pastureland which was uninhabited, because of lack of ground water, located between Beersheba and the desert of Sinai.
▣ “Lebanon” This is literally “white” (BDB 52:6 ), which refers to (1) the snow-capped heights of Mt. Hebron or (2) the color of its cliffs. It designates the northern reaches of the Promised Land (cf. Deu 1:7-8 ; Deu 11:24 ).
▣ “as far as the great river, the river Euphrates” This refers not to the mouth of the Euphrates (BDB 83:2 ), but to the headwaters, which are northeast of the Sea of Galilee.
▣ “all the land of the Hittites” The exact location of this area is uncertain. It may refer to northern Syria. In the Bible there are three different groups of Hittites. The largest and most famous one was in central Turkey (Anatolia). There was a group by this name that also lived within Palestine. This same basic description is found in Deu 11:24 . Hittite names of these were found in written documents during the reigns of David and Solomon. See Special Topic: Pre-Israelite Inhabitants of Palestine <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/palestine_pre-israelite_inhabitants.html>.
▣ “as far as the great sea” This refers to the Mediterranean, often called “the upper sea” and, therefore, is a designation for the west.
Jos 1:5 NASB “No man will be able to stand before you”
NRSV “No one shall be able to stand against you”
TEV “No one will be able to defeat you”
NJB “No one will be able to resist you”
Because of Deu 7:24 ; Deu 11:25 , this phrase has military overtones. Joshua passed this word of encouragement on to his army (cf. Jos 10:8 ). The “you” is SINGULAR here and refers to Joshua. In Jos 1:4 it was PLURAL and referred to all the people.
▣ “just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you” What a tremendous promise! This is the same type of phrase used when God called Moses (cf. Gen 26:3 ; Gen 31:3 ; Exo 3:12 ; Deu 31:6 ; Deu 31:8 ; Jos 3:7 ; Jdg 6:16 ; 1Ki 11:38 ). The promise was YHWH's personal presence!
▣ “I will not fail you nor forsake you” The Hebrew word “fail” (DBD 95:1 , KB 127:6 , Hiphil IMPERFECT) implies “weakness” and the Hebrew word “forsake” (BDB 73:6 , KB 80:6 , Qal IMPERFECT) implies “non abandonment.” This reflects Deu 31:6-7 . These were covenant terms which imply that YHWH would be with Joshua (cf. Jos 1:9 ), even though problems would arise. God's presence and promises are His greatest gifts!
Jos 1:6 “Be strong and courageous” This was Moses' message to Joshua (cf. Deu 31:7-8 ; Deu 31:23 ). This is God's command to Joshua (BDB 30:4 , KB 30:2 , Qal IMPERATIVE and BDB 5:4 , KB 6:5 , Qal IMPERATIVE, cf. Jos 1:6-7 ; Jos 1:9 ; Jos 1:18 ). This is Joshua's message to the people (cf. Jos 10:25 , same grammatical form). Notice the covenantal need for continuing human response.
▣ “the land which I swore to their fathers to give to them” The promise was given to Abraham in Gen 12:7 ; to Isaac in Gen 26:3 ; to Jacob in Gen 28:13 ; and to all Israel in Exo 6:8 .
Jos 1:7 “be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you” The phrase “Be careful to do” is made up of two Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCTS (BDB 103:6 , KB 158:1 and BDB 79:3 , KB 88:9 ). This is a repeated theme throughout this period of Israel's history. There is the covenant relationship between God and Israel which had stipulations on both sides (cf. Deu 5:32-33 ; Deu 6:1-4 ; Deu 6:17 ; Deu 6:24-25 ).
God's covenant(s) are both conditional and unconditional. Some covenant promises are based solely on God, e.g., (1) Noah, cf. Gen 8:20-21 ; Gen 9:8-17 ; (2) Abraham, cf. Gen 15:12-21 . God will redeem mankind (cf. Gen 3:15 ), but individuals are united to Him by personal faith and obedience (conditional covenant, cf. Genesis 1:2 ). The literary form of the conditional covenant is usually “if they. . .I will. . .” (cf. Deu 28:1-2 ; Deu 28:9 ; Deu 28:13 ; Deu 28:15 ).
In my opinion the theological tension of the sovereignty of God versus the free will of humanity can best be explained in these covenantal categories.
▣ “do not turn from it to the right or the left” The VERB (BDB 69:3 , KB 74:7 , Qal IMPERFECT) is used in a JUSSIVE sense. This phrase (cf. Deu 5:32 ; Deu 17:11 ; Deu 17:20 ; Deu 28:14 ; Jos 23:6 ; 2Ki 22:2 ; 2Ch 34:2 ; Pro 4:27 ) reflects the Hebrew words for “sin,” which were always a deviation from the standard (i.e., God Himself). The Hebrew term “righteousness” is literally “a measuring reed.” All the terms for sin in Hebrew, and to some extent, followed by the terms for sin in Greek, mean “a deviation from the standard” or “crookedness” or “perverseness” or “falling short.” God Himself is the standard!
SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/righteousness.html>
▣ “so that you may have success wherever you go” Physical prosperity was the covenantal promise (cf. Jos 1:8 ; Deuteronomy 2:7-28 ). God wanted to bless His people and thereby bring the world to Himself. See Special Topic below. God purposed blessing (cf. Deu 29:9 ), but fallen mankind was incapable of obedience, reaping only judgment (cf. Deu 28:29 ).
SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH's ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/YHWHs_plan.html>
Jos 1:8 “this book of the law shall not depart from your mouth” There are three emphases made in Jos 1:8 about covenant responsibility:
1. talk about it continually (cf. Deu 6:6-9 )
2. meditate (BDB 21:1 , KB 23:7 , Qal PERFECT, cf. Psa 1:2 ; Psa 77:12 ; Psa 143:5 ) on it always
3. perform it continually (the same phrase, “be careful to do,” from Jos 1:7 is repeated, cf. Deu 6:6-9 ; Psa 1:2 ; Psa 119:97 )
▣ “for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” The covenant blessings and cursings of Deuteronomy 2:7-29 make it plain that God wants to attract the world to Himself by blessing Israel! God's goal was prosperity, but the consequences of disobedience resulted in judgment. The world never saw the blessings of YHWH.
Jos 1:9 This includes both the positive aspect “to be strong and courageous” (cf. Jos 1:6-7 ; Jos 1:9 ; Jos 1:18 ) and the negative aspect “to not tremble or be dismayed” (both of these VERBS are negated QAL IMPERFECTS used in a JUSSIVE sense, [1] BDB 79:1 , KB 88:8 and [2] BDB 36:9 , KB 36:5 , cf. Deu 20:3 ; Deu 31:6 ). The reason for this is that the LORD is going to go with them—the greatest promise is the presence of God (cf. Exo 3:12 ).
NASB (UPDATED TEXT): Jos 1:10-11 10”Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you, to possess it.'“
Jos 1:10 “the officers of the people” These were official scribes or military officers (BDB 100:9 , cf. Jos 23:2 ; Jos 24:1 ). They are mentioned as helpers of the elders in Num 11:16 . They were Joshua's way of communicating to the large number of Israelites.
Jos 1:11 This verse has three IMPERATIVES, two to the officers and one through them to the people:
1. the officers
a. “pass through the camp,” BDB 71:6 , KB 77:8 , Qal IMPERATIVE
b. “command the people,” BDB 84:5 , KB 101:0 , Piel IMPERATIVE
2. the people: “prepare provisions,” BDB 46:5 , KB 46:4 , Hiphil IMPERATIVE
▣ “prepare provisions for yourselves” This refers to food (cf. Jos 9:11 ; Gen 42:25 ; Gen 45:21 ; Exo 12:39 ; Jdg 7:8 ; Jdg 20:10 ; 1Sa 22:10 ).
▣ “three days” This seems to be the period required for ritual purification (cf. Exo 19:10-11 ) as well as time for preparation of food and for travel. It referred to the remainder of the day on which it was spoken and all of the next day and part of the succeeding day (cf. Jos 3:2 ).
▣ “to go in to possess. . .to possess it” There are three Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCTS:
1. go in, BDB 9:7 , KB 112:2 . possess, BDB 43:9 , KB 441:3 . possess, BDB 43:9 , KB 44:1 The VERB “possess” is used of the Promised Land several times:
1. Leviticus , 3 times
2. Numbers , 14 times
3. Deuteronomy, 71 times
4. Joshua, 27 times
5. Judges, 25 times
The immediate focus of the Abrahamic covenant for Israel was the land of promise! Gen 15:12-21 is about to become a reality!
NASB (UPDATED TEXT): Jos 1:12-15 12To the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, 'The LORD your God gives you rest and will give you this land.' 14Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them, 15until the LORD gives your brothers rest, as He gives you, and they also possess the land which the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to your own land, and possess that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.
Jos 1:12 “the Reubenites the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh” These three tribes wanted land on the eastern side of the Jordan because it was good pastureland (cf. Numbers 3:2 ). However, Moses commanded them to go to war with their brothers and claim the Promised Land (cf. Deu 3:18-20 ) before going home to their land allocation. They even had to go first into battle.
▣ “half-tribe of Manasseh” This term may have two possible origins: (1) because Joseph's two children, Manasseh and Ephraim, inherited land equally, it may refer to Joseph having the right of double inheritance as the firstborn did; or (2) more likely, Manasseh had land on both eastern and western sides of the Jordan and so he is called the half-tribe, while Ephraim is never called a half-tribe.
Jos 1:13 “the LORD your God gives you rest” This was referred to in Deu 3:18-20 . The term “rest” (BDB 62:8 , KB 67:9 ) is used in the sense of
1. a resting place
a. Exo 33:14 b. Deu 3:20 c. Jos 1:13 ; Jos 1:15 ; Jos 22:4 d. 1Ch 23:25 e. Isa 63:14 2. freedom from enemies
a. Deu 12:10 ; Deu 25:19 b. Jos 23:1 c. 2Sa 7:1 ; 2Sa 7:11 d. 1Ch 22:9 Jos 1:14 NASB “in battle array”
NKJV “armed”
NRSV “the warnings”
TEV “armed for battle”
NJB “in battle formation”
This (BDB 33:2 ) seems to come from the Arabic root which means “in a group of five” and possibly refers to the marching order of the army (cf. Jos 4:12 ; Exo 13:18 ; Num 32:17 ; Jdg 7:11 ). The order would be (1) the advanced guard; (2) the main body; (3 and 4) two flanks and (5) a rear guard. This is similar to the marching order of the Egyptians (Rameses II) which shows the historicity of these accounts. Moses was trained at Pharaoh's court. The tribes whose families were safe and settled had to go into battle first (i.e., #1).
▣ “valiant warriors” This term is used several times in Joshua to describe the soldiers (cf. Jos 6:2 ; Jos 8:3 ; Jos 10:7 ; Jdg 6:12 ; Jdg 11:1 ).
NASB (UPDATED TEXT): Jos 1:16-18 16They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.” 17Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you; only may the LORD your God be with you as He was with Moses. 18Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.
Jos 1:16 “they” This refers to the three tribes that settled on the eastern side of the Jordan, Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (the half tribe).
▣ “all that you have commanded us we will do” This paragraph is a confirmation of the tribes' understanding that YHWH was speaking through Joshua. It is like a covenant renewal.
Jos 1:17 This is an affirmation and prayer (cf. Jos 1:5 ; Jos 1:9 ).
Jos 1:18 Obedience was the key to covenant fidelity and military victory. The consequences of disobedience were terminal!
▣ “only be strong and courageous” God reaffirms His charge to Joshua (cf. Jos 1:5 ; Jos 1:7 ; Jos 1:9 ; Jos 1:18 ) through these three tribes' affirmation.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Why could Moses not enter the Promised Land?
2. What is the significance of the term “servant”?
3. Why was the Promised Land so important to the Jewish people?
4. Did Israel ever fully possess the limits of the Promised Land?
5. Is the covenant conditional? What does this imply?
