Joshua 1 Study Notes

1:9 This is the third command to be strong and courageous. Moses also commanded the people twice not to be afraid or discouraged (Dt 1:21; 31:8).

1:10 Joshua assumed leadership of the people. These officers were equivalent to “foremen” in Egypt (Ex 5:6-19). The title was used for judges and those with other responsibilities (Dt 1:15-18; 20:5-9). They formed a secular or civil counterpart to the priests.

1:11 The expression go through uses the key words cross over from v. 2. Thus passing through the camp serves as further preparation for crossing the Jordan. The provisions and the three days recall the previous generation’s crossing of the Red Sea where the people had no time for preparation and took unleavened bread (Ex 12-15). This time there will be sufficient time to prepare. The three days may also anticipate the length of time that the spies stayed west of the Jordan River (Jos 2:22).

1:12-18 This latter section seems out of place in the first chapter. Why are the two and one-half tribes singled out for this attention? Joshua needed to be recognized as the leader by all Israel, not just part of it, if he was to fulfill God’s plan (v. 2). Reuben, Gad, and the eastern part of Manasseh had already received their land allotment from Moses. They had no incentive to follow Joshua across the Jordan River and risk their lives, unlike their fellow tribes who had yet to take possession of their land. Joshua must persuade these two and one-half tribes to follow him, or Israel would be divided and the mission compromised.

1:13-15 Joshua quoted Moses’s word from Dt 3:18-20. The Lord gave these tribes their land east of the Jordan River on the condition that they would follow their fellow tribes across the Jordan River and fight with them. Joshua emphasized the theme of rest and how, by crossing over ahead of your brothers, these warriors would be in a position to help them. These points emphasized the goal of rest for the land and people (11:23; 14:15) and the importance of all Israel working together to achieve the common goal.

1:16-18 This entire statement takes the form of an oath in which promises are made and a curse is invoked upon any who do not carry out their promises.

1:16-17 The affirmation includes three phrases that include the words everything . . . everywhere, emphasizing the totality of obedience. The blessing they offered recognized that Joshua had indeed succeeded Moses.

1:18 Rebels is used of Israel’s rebellion at Kadesh-barnea (Dt 1:26; 9:23), of the nation’s history (9:7,24; 31:27), and of the rebellious son (21:18-21). All these end in death, as here. The expression will be put to death was a legal formula for capital punishment, as found in Ex 21:12 and throughout the law.