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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Joshua 1:10–15. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Joshua, being settled in the government, immediately applies himself to business; not to take state or to take his pleasure, but to further the work of God among, the people over whom God had set him. As he that desires the office of a minister (Ti1 3:1), so he that desires the office of a magistrate, desires a work, a good work; neither is preferred to be idle.
I.He issues out orders to the people to provide for a march; and they had been so long encamped in their present post that it would be a work of some difficulty to decamp. The officers of the people that commanded under Joshua in their respective tribes and families attended him for orders, which they were to transmit to the people. Inferior magistrates are as necessary and as serviceable to the public good in their places as the supreme magistrate in his. What could Joshua have done without officers? We are therefore required to be subject, not only to the king as supreme, but to governors as to those that are sent by him, Pe1 2:13, Pe1 2:14. By these officers,
1.Joshua gives public notice that they were to pass over Jordan within three days. These orders, I suppose, were not given till after the return of the spies that were sent to bring an account of Jericho, though the story of that affair follows, ch.
2.And perhaps that was such an instance of his jealousy, and excessive caution, as made it necessary that he should be so often bidden as he was to be strong and of a good courage. Observe with what assurance Joshua says to the people, because God had said it to him, You shall pass over Jordan, and shall possess the land. We greatly honour the truth of God. 2. He gives them directions to prepare victuals, not to prepare transport vessels. He that bore Egypt upon eagle's wings would in like manner bear them into Canaan, to bring them to himself, Exo 19:4. But those that were desirous to have other victuals besides the manna, which had not yet ceased, must prepare it and have it ready against the time appointed. Perhaps, though the manna did not quite cease till they came into Canaan (Jos 5:12), yet since they had come into a land inhabited (Exo 16:35), where they might be furnished in part with other provisions, it did not fall so plentifully, nor did they gather so much as when they had it first given to them in the wilderness, but decreased gradually, and therefore they are ordered to provide other victuals, in which perhaps was included all other things necessary to their march. And some of the Jewish writer, considering that having manna they needed not to provide other victuals, understand it figuratively, that they must repent of their sins, and make their peace with God, and resolve to live a new life, that they might be ready to receive this great favour. See Exo 19:10, Exo 19:11.
II.He reminds the two tribes and a half of the obligations they were under to go over Jordan with their brethren, though they left their possessions and families on this side. Interest would make the other tribes glad to go over Jordan, but in these it was an act of self-denial, and against the grain; therefore it was needful to produce the agreement which Moses had made with them, when he gave them their possession before their brethren (Jos 1:13): Remember the word which Moses commanded you. Some of them perhaps were ready to think now that Moses was dead, who they thought was too hard upon them in this matter, they might find some excuse or other to release themselves from this engagement, or might prevail with Joshua to dispense with them; but he holds them to it, and lets them know that, though Moses was dead, his commands and their promises were still in full force. He reminds them,
1.Of the advantages they had received in being first settled: "The Lord your God hath given you rest. He has given your minds rest; you know what you have to trust to, and are not as the rest of the tribes waiting the issue of the war first and then of the lot. He has also given your families rest, your wives and children, whose settlement is your satisfaction. He has given you rest by giving you this land, this good land, of which you are in full and quiet possession." Note, When God by his providence has given us rest we ought to consider how we may honour him with the advantages of it, and what service we may do to our brethren who are unsettled, or not so well settled as we are When God had given David rest (Sa2 7:1), see how restless he was till he had found out a habitation for the ark, Psa 132:4, Psa 132:5. When God has given us rest, we must take heed of slothfulness and of settling upon our lees.
2.He reminds them of their agreement to help their brethren in the wars of Canaan till God had in like manner given them rest, Jos 1:14, Jos 1:15. This was,
(1.)Reasonable in itself. So closely were all the tribes incorporated that they must needs look upon themselves as members one of another.
(2.)It was enjoined them by Moses, the servant of the Lord; he commanded them to do this, and Joshua his successor would see his commands observed.
(3.)It was the only expedient they had to save themselves from the guilt of a great sin in settling on that side Jordan, a sin which would one time or other find them out, Num 32:23.
(4.)It was the condition of the grant Moses had made them of the land they were possessed of, so that they could not be sure of a good title to, or a comfortable enjoyment of, the land of their possession, as it is here called (Jos 1:15), if they did not fulfil the condition.
(5.)They themselves had covenanted and agreed thereunto (Num 32:25): Thy servants will do as my Lord commandeth. Thus we all lie under manifold obligations to strengthen the hands one of another, and not to seek our own welfare only, but one another's.
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Summary
Joshua 1:13 stands as a critical injunction from Joshua to the Transjordanian tribes, serving as a potent reminder of their solemn oath made to Moses. As the Israelites prepare to cross into the Promised Land, this verse powerfully underscores the unwavering continuity of divine commands, the steadfast nature of God's promise of both rest and land, and the indispensable principle of corporate responsibility within the covenant community, thereby fostering unity and obedience for the impending conquest of Canaan.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed at the commencement of the book of Joshua, immediately following the profound transition marked by the death of Moses and God's powerful commissioning of Joshua as Israel's new leader. Joshua 1 meticulously sets the theological and strategic stage for the momentous conquest of Canaan, emphasizing God's explicit promise of unfailing success and the absolute necessity of unwavering obedience to His divine Law. Verses 10-11 detail Joshua's direct command to the officers, instructing them to prepare the entire populace for the imminent crossing of the Jordan River within three days. Crucially, verses 12-18 specifically address the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, recalling their prior, binding agreement to actively assist their brethren in subduing the land west of the Jordan before they would permanently settle in their own allotted inheritance east of the river. Therefore, Joshua 1:13 functions as a direct, authoritative appeal to this established covenant, ensuring tribal solidarity, mutual support, and collective adherence to the divinely ordained plan for the entire nation of Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical backdrop for Joshua 1:13 is a pivotal moment: the culmination of forty years of arduous wilderness wandering, with the nation of Israel now poised at the very threshold of entering the land promised by God to their patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had previously petitioned for and received their inheritance on the fertile east side of the Jordan River, a region particularly suitable for their extensive livestock, as comprehensively detailed in Numbers 32. This agreement, formally ratified by Moses himself, stipulated a clear condition: these tribes were obligated to send their armed men across the Jordan to fight alongside the other Israelite tribes until the entire land of Canaan was subdued and a state of "rest" was secured for all of Israel. Joshua's poignant reminder in this verse powerfully highlights the profound cultural significance of oaths, covenants, and solemn agreements within ancient Israelite society, especially those made before God and within the tribal confederation. Such covenants ensured mutual support, collective action, and the unified fulfillment of national and divine objectives.
Key Themes
Joshua 1:13 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes that are central not only to the book of Joshua but also to the broader Old Testament narrative of God's redemptive plan. The imperative to "Remember the word" profoundly emphasizes the enduring authority of God's revealed will and the vital, active role of historical memory in Israel's ongoing faith journey, a theme resonating deeply with the admonitions found in Deuteronomy 6:12. The explicit declaration, "The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land," points directly to the unwavering and faithful fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises concerning the land of Canaan, promises first articulated to Abraham in Genesis 12:7. This promised "rest" signifies far more than mere physical repose; it denotes a divinely granted state of security, profound peace, and settled dwelling, free from the threat of enemies, a concept further developed in passages like Deuteronomy 12:10. Lastly, the verse powerfully underscores the principle of corporate responsibility and national unity, demonstrating unequivocally that individual tribal blessings (such as the Transjordanian inheritance) do not absolve one from shared burdens and the collective pursuit of God's overarching purposes for the entire community of Israel.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The imperative "Remember" (זָכַר, zâkar') is a deeply significant concept in the Old Testament. It extends far beyond simple mental recall, signifying an active, intentional, and often performative engagement with past events, divine commands, and covenant obligations. It is a call to internalize, honor, and actively respond to what has been commanded, thereby ensuring the continuity of faith, obedience, and covenant fidelity across generations. In this context, it serves as a powerful summons to uphold a prior, solemn commitment.
The term "word" (דָבָר, dâbâr') is remarkably comprehensive, encompassing more than just a spoken utterance. As derived from its root, it refers to a "matter" or "thing" spoken of, extending to include decrees, affairs, acts, advice, and divine mandates. When referring to Moses' command, it signifies a formal, authoritative instruction with profound legal and covenantal weight, representing the very essence of God's revealed will and specific directives.
The verb "rest" (נוּחַ, nûwach') in this verse (appearing as "hath given you rest") signifies "to settle down," "to be quiet," or "to cause to rest." It encapsulates the idea of cessation from wandering and conflict, leading to a state of security and stability. Theologically, it points to the divinely provided peace and settled dwelling in the Promised Land, a state of well-being achieved through God's power and Israel's obedience, implying a secure and unthreatened existence.
Verse Breakdown
"Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you,"
Joshua commences with a direct, authoritative imperative, compelling the Transjordanian tribes to actively recall a specific, binding agreement. By invoking "Moses the servant of the LORD," Joshua not only legitimizes his own leadership but also profoundly underscores the divine origin and enduring authority of the command, linking it directly to God's established covenant relationship with Israel and the sacred nature of the original oath.
"saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land."
This clause serves as a powerful reiteration of the core divine promise and the foundational basis for the Transjordanian tribes' prior agreement. It emphatically highlights God's sovereign and gracious action ("hath given") in providing both the "rest" (encompassing security, peace, and a settled dwelling) and the "land" (their specific inheritance east of the Jordan). This serves as a potent reminder that their current blessing and prosperity are a direct result of God's faithfulness, thereby establishing the paramount nature of their reciprocal obligation to assist their brethren in the conquest.
Literary Devices
Joshua 1:13 masterfully employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is Direct Address combined with the Imperative Mood, as Joshua directly commands the tribes to "Remember," creating an immediate, personal, and forceful call to action that demands attention and compliance. The phrase "Moses the servant of the LORD" functions as a powerful Appeal to Authority, leveraging the revered status of Moses and, more importantly, the divine origin of his commands, to reinforce the legitimacy, weight, and binding nature of Joshua's current directive. There is also a subtle yet significant Repetition of the verb "given" ("hath given you rest, and hath given you this land"), which emphatically underscores God's active, complete, and faithful provision, highlighting Him as the ultimate source of their blessings and the guarantor of their future. Furthermore, the verse contains a clear Allusion to the previous covenant agreement meticulously detailed in Numbers 32 and further reiterated in Deuteronomy 3:18-20, relying on the audience's inherent knowledge of this shared history and binding commitment to impress upon them their present responsibility.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joshua 1:13 stands as a profound theological cornerstone, seamlessly linking the past faithfulness of God and Israel's covenant obligations to their future success and well-being. It articulates the profound and enduring truth that divine promises of blessing (specifically, rest and land) are inextricably tied to human remembrance and active obedience. The "rest" promised by God is not merely a physical cessation of conflict or wandering but a deep, spiritual state of security, peace, and well-being, serving as a tangible foretaste of the ultimate rest found in God's abiding presence. The verse also powerfully highlights the corporate nature of God's covenant with Israel; individual tribes' blessings were never isolated but were always part of a larger, unified national destiny, demanding mutual support, shared sacrifice, and collective responsibility in fulfilling God's grand purposes. This principle of collective action for a common, divinely ordained goal resonates throughout the entirety of biblical history and remains a vital lesson for God's people.
Reflection and Application
Joshua 1:13 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the enduring call to actively remember God's word, honor our commitments, and participate wholeheartedly in the corporate body of Christ. Just as ancient Israel was called to remember Moses' commands and God's promises of land and rest, we are continually called to remember God's unwavering faithfulness and His life-giving promises as revealed in His inspired Word. This active, intentional remembrance strengthens our faith, provides an unshakeable assurance in challenging times, and fuels our joyful obedience. The compelling example of the Transjordanian tribes reminds us that our individual blessings, gifts, and unique circumstances do not exempt us from our responsibilities within the broader community of faith. We are called to faithfully fulfill our commitments, especially those made before God and to fellow believers, and to labor diligently alongside others in God's ongoing work, whether it involves spreading the Gospel, supporting the local church, or serving the needy in our communities. Our active and unified participation is absolutely essential for the collective flourishing and successful mission of the church, powerfully demonstrating the vital principle of unity and corporate responsibility in achieving God's redemptive purposes on earth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the specific "word which Moses... commanded" that Joshua is referring to?
Joshua is referring to the solemn and binding agreement made between Moses and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This agreement is comprehensively detailed in Numbers 32 and further reiterated by Moses in Deuteronomy 3:18-20. These tribes had requested and subsequently received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, a fertile region suitable for their large flocks. In return for this granted land, they had solemnly 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 a secure "rest." Joshua's reminder in this verse serves to hold them accountable to this divinely sanctioned and crucial covenant.
What is the significance of the "rest" mentioned in this verse?
The "rest" (Hebrew: nûwach in its verbal form, implying a state of settledness and peace) in Joshua 1:13 signifies far more than mere physical repose or the cessation of their forty years of wilderness wandering. It refers to a divinely granted state of profound security, lasting peace, and settled dwelling within the Promised Land, free from the constant threat of enemies and the burdens of nomadic life. It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into a place of stability, blessing, and covenant faithfulness after their arduous journey and the subsequent conquest. This concept of "rest" is a recurring and deeply significant theme throughout Scripture, pointing ultimately to the spiritual and eternal rest that God provides for His people, a theme richly explored in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews 4.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joshua 1:13, with its profound emphasis on remembering divine commands, the promise of "rest" and "land," and the imperative of corporate responsibility, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Joshua, as a type, led ancient Israel into a physical land and a temporal, earthly rest, Christ, the greater Joshua, leads His redeemed people into a spiritual and eternal inheritance. The "rest" promised and partially realized in Joshua's conquest is but a foreshadowing, a beautiful shadow, of the true, perfect, and everlasting rest found exclusively in Christ, who graciously invites all who labor and are heavy laden to come to Him and find rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28-30). Similarly, the "land" of promise in Canaan foreshadows the heavenly inheritance and the new creation that believers receive through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection power (1 Peter 1:3-5). Just as the Transjordanian tribes were called to remember Moses' word and actively participate in the conquest for the collective benefit of all Israel, believers today are called to remember the "word" of Christ—His commands, His teachings, and His unfailing promises—and to participate wholeheartedly in His ongoing mission, proclaiming the good news of His kingdom to the entire world (Matthew 28:18-20). Our corporate responsibility as the unified body of Christ is to labor together, bound by love and united in Him, until all God's redemptive promises are fully realized in the glorious new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4).