Joshua 1:17

According 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.

According as we hearkened {H8085} unto Moses {H4872} in all things, so will we hearken {H8085} unto thee: only the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} be with thee, as he was with Moses {H4872}.

Just as we listened to everything Moshe said, so will we listen to you. Only may ADONAI your God be with you as he was with Moshe.

Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses.

According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only Jehovah thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

Commentary

Joshua 1:17 captures the pivotal moment of leadership transition from Moses to Joshua, highlighting the Israelites' commitment and their core understanding of what makes a leader truly effective: God's presence.

Context

Following the death of Moses, God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-9). This verse is part of the people's resounding affirmation of their allegiance to Joshua, specifically from the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, whose loyalty was crucial for the upcoming conquest. Their declaration echoes God's own words of assurance to Joshua in Joshua 1:5, where He promised, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee." The people's response here demonstrates their willingness to follow, but crucially, it also expresses their deep understanding that Joshua's success, like Moses', depended entirely on divine backing.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Loyalty: The Israelites pledge unwavering obedience to Joshua, mirroring their past commitment to Moses. This collective affirmation was vital for maintaining unity and morale as they prepared for the challenging task of conquering Canaan.
  • The Prerequisite of Divine Presence: The phrase "only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses" underscores a profound theological truth: true spiritual leadership and success in God's work are contingent upon His active presence and empowerment. It's a prayer, a condition, and an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. This theme is central to the entire narrative of Israel's journey, emphasizing that victory comes not by human might, but by divine power (compare with Zechariah 4:6).
  • Leadership Succession and Continuity: This verse beautifully illustrates a smooth and divinely ordained transfer of authority. The people recognize Joshua as Moses' legitimate successor, ensuring continuity in God's plan for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hearkened unto" comes from the Hebrew root shama (שָׁמַג), which means more than just to hear; it implies active listening, understanding, and crucially, obeying. This is the same root used throughout the Old Testament to describe Israel's response to God's commands. Their pledge to "hearken" to Joshua meant they committed to fully comply with his leadership, understanding that his directives would be from God.

Practical Application

Joshua 1:17 offers timeless lessons for both leaders and followers today:

  • For Leaders: It reinforces the paramount importance of seeking God's presence and guidance in all endeavors. Without God's backing, human efforts are ultimately insufficient.
  • For Followers: It highlights the significance of supporting and obeying righteous leadership, especially when that leadership is clearly anointed and guided by God. Their loyalty was not blind but based on the expectation of God's continued presence with Joshua. This mutual trust and reliance on God's presence create a strong foundation for any community or organization. The promise of God's presence, as seen with Moses (Exodus 33:14) and now with Joshua, is a source of courage and assurance for all who walk by faith.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 1:5

    There 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.

  • 1 Kings 1:37

    As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David.

  • Joshua 1:9

    Have 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.

  • Psalms 118:25

    Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

  • Psalms 118:26

    Blessed [be] he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

  • Psalms 20:4

    Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:20

    And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
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