Joshua 1:13

KJV

Remember 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142} the word {H1697} which Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} you, saying {H559}, The LORD {H3068} your God {H430} hath given you rest {H5117}, and hath given {H5414} you this land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Remember what Moshe the servant of ADONAI ordered you: 'ADONAI your God has let you rest and will give you this land.'

Berean Standard Bible

“Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’

American Standard Version

Remember the word which Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded you, saying, Jehovah your God giveth you rest, and will give you this land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 1:13 serves as a pivotal reminder from Joshua to the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) of their solemn commitment made to Moses. As the Israelites stand poised to enter the Promised Land, this verse underscores the continuity of divine commands, the unwavering nature of God's promise of rest and land, and the indispensable principle of corporate responsibility within the community of faith, ensuring unity and obedience in the conquest ahead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of the book of Joshua, immediately following the death of Moses and God's commissioning of Joshua as the new leader of Israel. Joshua 1 sets the stage for the conquest of Canaan, emphasizing God's promise of success and the necessity of obedience to the Law. Verses 10-11 describe Joshua's command to the officers to prepare the people for crossing the Jordan in three days. Verses 12-18 specifically address the Transjordanian tribes, reminding them of their prior agreement to assist their brethren in conquering the land west of the Jordan before settling permanently in their own inheritance. Joshua 1:13, therefore, functions as a direct appeal to this covenant, ensuring tribal solidarity and adherence to the divine plan for the entire nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the transition period following forty years of wilderness wandering, with Israel now on the verge of entering the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had requested and received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, a fertile region suitable for their large flocks, as detailed in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Request of Reuben and Gad"). This agreement, ratified by Moses, stipulated that these tribes would send their armed men across the Jordan to fight alongside the other tribes until the entire land of Canaan was subdued and "rest" was secured for all Israel. Joshua's reminder in this verse highlights the cultural importance of oaths and covenants, particularly those made before God and within the tribal confederation, ensuring mutual support and collective fulfillment of national objectives.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 1:13 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. The imperative to "Remember the word" emphasizes the enduring authority of God's revealed will and the vital role of historical memory in Israel's faith journey, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 6:12](/deuteronomy/6-12 "Deuteronomy 6:12 - Do Not Forget the LORD"). The explicit declaration, "The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land," points directly to the unwavering fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan, first made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). This "rest" signifies not merely physical repose but a divinely granted state of security, peace, and settled dwelling, free from enemies, a concept further developed in [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "God Gives Rest from Enemies"). Lastly, the verse underscores the principle of corporate responsibility and unity, demonstrating that individual blessings (like the Transjordanian inheritance) do not exempt one from shared burdens and the collective pursuit of God's purposes for the entire community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zakhar'_):** The imperative "Remember" (זָכַר, _zakhar_) is a foundational concept in the Old Testament, not merely implying mental recall but an active, intentional engagement with past events, divine commands, and covenant obligations. It denotes a call to internalize and act upon what has been commanded, ensuring continuity of faith and obedience across generations. In this context, it is a powerful summons to honor a prior, solemn commitment.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tzavah'_):** The word "commanded" (צָוָה, _tzavah_) signifies a formal, authoritative instruction, often with legal or covenantal weight. When attributed to Moses, "the servant of the LORD," it underscores that these are not merely human directives but divine mandates communicated through God's chosen intermediary. This emphasizes the binding nature of the agreement made by the Transjordanian tribes.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _menuchah'_):** The term "rest" (מְנוּחָה, _menuchah_) is rich in theological meaning. It refers to more than just cessation from physical labor or wandering. It encompasses a profound sense of security, peace, and settledness in a divinely provided dwelling place, free from conflict and threat. It is the promised state of well-being and stability that God intended for His people in the land, achieved through His power and their obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you,"**: Joshua begins with a direct, authoritative imperative, calling the Transjordanian tribes to active recall of a specific, binding agreement. By invoking "Moses the servant of the LORD," Joshua legitimizes his own leadership and underscores the divine origin and enduring authority of the command, linking it directly to God's established covenant relationship with Israel.
* **"saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land."**: This clause reiterates the core promise and the basis of the Transjordanian tribes' prior agreement. It highlights God's sovereign action ("hath given") in providing both the "rest" (security, peace, settled dwelling) and the "land" (their inheritance east of the Jordan). This serves as a powerful reminder that their current blessing is a direct result of God's faithfulness, and therefore, their reciprocal obligation to assist their brethren is paramount.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 1:13 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Address** and **Imperative Mood**, as Joshua directly commands the tribes to "Remember," creating an immediate and forceful call to action. The phrase "Moses the servant of the LORD" functions as a form of **Appeal to Authority**, leveraging the revered status of Moses and the divine origin of his commands to reinforce the legitimacy and weight of Joshua's current directive. There is also a subtle **Repetition** of the verb "given" ("hath given you rest, and hath given you this land"), which emphasizes God's active and complete provision, underscoring His faithfulness as the ultimate source of their blessings. Furthermore, the verse contains an **Allusion** to the previous covenant agreement detailed in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Request of Reuben and Gad") and [Deuteronomy 3:18-20](/deuteronomy/3-18 "Deuteronomy 3:18-20 - Moses' Command to the Transjordan Tribes"), relying on the audience's knowledge of this shared history and binding commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 1:13 is a theological cornerstone, linking the past faithfulness of God and Israel's covenant obligations to their future success. It articulates the profound truth that divine promises of blessing (rest and land) are intrinsically tied to human remembrance and obedience. The "rest" promised by God is not merely a physical cessation of conflict but a spiritual state of security and well-being, a foretaste of the ultimate rest found in God's presence. The verse also highlights the corporate nature of God's covenant with Israel; individual tribes' blessings were not isolated but part of a larger, unified national destiny, demanding mutual support and shared responsibility in fulfilling God's purposes. This principle of collective action for a common, divinely ordained goal resonates throughout biblical history.

* [Numbers 32:20-22](/numbers/32-20 "Numbers 32:20-22 - Moses' Agreement with Reuben and Gad")
* [Deuteronomy 3:18-20](/deuteronomy/3-18 "Numbers 32:20-22 - Moses' Command to the Transjordan Tribes")
* [Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-9 - The True Sabbath Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 1:13 offers timeless lessons for believers today, emphasizing the enduring call to remember God's word, honor our commitments, and participate actively in the corporate body of Christ. Just as Israel was called to remember Moses' commands and God's promises of land and rest, we are continually called to remember God's faithfulness and His promises revealed in His inspired Word. This active remembrance strengthens our faith, provides assurance in challenging times, and fuels our obedience. The example of the Transjordanian tribes reminds us that our individual blessings and circumstances do not exempt us from our responsibilities within the community of faith. We are called to fulfill our commitments, especially those made before God and to fellow believers, and to labor alongside others in God's ongoing work, whether it's spreading the Gospel, supporting the church, or serving the needy. Our participation is essential for the collective flourishing and mission of the church, demonstrating the vital principle of unity and corporate responsibility in achieving God's purposes on earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "words" or promises of God do I need to actively "remember" and act upon in my life today?**
* **Where might I be enjoying a "rest" or blessing from God that calls me to greater participation in the work of the broader Christian community?**
* **How does my commitment to God's commands influence my willingness to serve and support other believers, even when it requires personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific "word which Moses... commanded" that Joshua is referring to?**

Answer: Joshua is referring to the agreement made between Moses and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, as detailed in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Request of Reuben and Gad") and reiterated in [Deuteronomy 3:18-20](/deuteronomy/3-18 "Deuteronomy 3:18-20 - Moses' Command to the Transjordan Tribes"). These tribes had requested and received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. In return, they promised to send their armed men to fight alongside the other Israelite tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan, until all Israel had received their inheritance and found "rest." Joshua's reminder holds them to this solemn, divinely sanctioned covenant.

**What is the significance of the "rest" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "rest" (Hebrew: _menuchah_) in Joshua 1:13 signifies more than just physical repose or cessation from wandering. It refers to a divinely granted state of security, peace, and settled dwelling within the Promised Land, free from the threat of enemies. It is the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into a place of stability and blessing after their wilderness journey and conquest. This concept of "rest" is a recurring theme in Scripture, pointing ultimately to the spiritual and eternal rest that God provides for His people, as explored in [Hebrews 4](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The True Sabbath Rest").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 1:13, with its emphasis on remembering divine commands, the promise of "rest" and "land," and corporate responsibility, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Joshua led Israel into a physical land and a temporal rest, Christ, the greater Joshua, leads His people into a spiritual and eternal inheritance. The "rest" promised in Joshua is a shadow of the true, perfect rest found in Christ, who invites all who labor and are heavy laden to find rest for their souls in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "land" of promise foreshadows the heavenly inheritance and the new creation that believers receive through Christ's atoning work ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope, a Heavenly Inheritance")). Just as the Transjordanian tribes were called to remember Moses' word and participate in the conquest for the benefit of all Israel, believers today are called to remember the "word" of Christ, His commands and promises, and to participate in His ongoing mission, bringing the good news of His kingdom to the world ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Our corporate responsibility as the body of Christ is to labor together, united in Him, until all God's promises are fully realized in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 32:20

And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,

Numbers 32:28

¶ So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:

Deuteronomy 3:18

And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all [that are] meet for the war.

Deuteronomy 3:20

Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and [until] they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and [then] shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.

Joshua 22:1

¶ Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

Joshua 22:4

And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, [and] unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.