Joshua 1:2

KJV

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, [even] to the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moses {H4872} my servant {H5650} is dead {H4191}; now therefore arise {H6965}, go over {H5674} this Jordan {H3383}, thou, and all this people {H5971}, unto the land {H776} which I do give {H5414} to them, even to the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Moshe my servant is dead. So now, get up and cross over this Yarden, you and all the people, to the land I am giving to them, the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel.

American Standard Version

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 1:2 serves as a foundational declaration, marking the divine transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua and initiating the long-awaited entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land. This verse encapsulates God's direct command to Joshua, empowering him to lead the people across the Jordan River and into the land that God, in His sovereign faithfulness, was actively giving to them, thereby setting the stage for the fulfillment of ancient covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 1:2 immediately follows the opening statement of the book of Joshua, which establishes the pivotal moment after the death of Moses, God's esteemed servant. The preceding chapter in the Pentateuch, [Deuteronomy 34](/deuteronomy/34 "Deuteronomy 34 - Moses' Death and Burial"), concludes with the account of Moses' death and burial, leaving the Israelites poised on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. This verse, therefore, directly picks up the narrative thread, presenting God's direct address to Joshua, who had previously been Moses' aide and designated successor, empowered by the Spirit as recorded in [Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18 - Joshua Appointed as Leader"). It signals a new era, transitioning from the wilderness wanderings under Moses' law-giving leadership to the conquest and settlement under Joshua's military and administrative guidance, marking a crucial pivot in salvation history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had spent forty years wandering in the wilderness as a consequence of their disobedience and lack of faith, a period that saw the death of the generation that left Egypt. They were now encamped on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, facing the formidable natural barrier and the fortified cities of Canaan. The "land" referred to is Canaan, the territory promised by God to Abraham and his descendants centuries earlier, as detailed in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). Culturally, this transition involved a profound shift from a nomadic, wilderness existence to a settled, agricultural life, requiring military conquest and the establishment of a new societal structure centered on the worship of Yahweh in the land He provided. The Jordan River itself was a significant geographical and symbolic boundary, representing the final obstacle before entering their divine inheritance, a threshold demanding divine intervention and human courage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several overarching themes that permeate the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, emphasizing that the land is not taken by Israel's might but is a gift from God ("which I do give to them"), a direct fulfillment of His covenant promises to the patriarchs. Secondly, it underscores **Leadership Transition and Divine Commission**, as God Himself initiates Joshua's leadership, validating his authority and ensuring continuity of God's plan despite the change in human instruments. The declaration "Moses my servant is dead" serves as both an acknowledgment of loss and a clear mandate for new beginnings. Thirdly, the theme of **Obedience and Action** is paramount, with the imperative "arise, go over" calling for immediate and decisive action in response to God's command, demonstrating that divine promises often require human participation and faith-filled steps. The entire narrative of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua") is built upon these themes, illustrating God's active involvement in the history of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Hebrew, _‘eḇeḏ'_):** From עָבַד (_‘āḇaḏ_), meaning "to work" or "to serve," this term (עֶבֶד, _‘eḇeḏ'_) is a title of profound honor and intimacy, signifying a unique relationship of trust, obedience, and divine commission. Applied to Moses, it elevates him beyond a mere leader to one who stood in special covenant relationship with God, acting as His direct agent and mediator. The declaration of his death, therefore, is not merely a factual statement but a theological pronouncement, marking the end of an unparalleled era of divine revelation and leadership through one individual, while simultaneously affirming God's continued work through a new "servant."
* **arise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** A primitive root (ק֤וּם, _qûwm'_) meaning "to rise" or "to stand up," this imperative functions as a powerful exhortation to prepare for or initiate a significant action, signaling a departure from inactivity or a previous state. In this context, it is God's direct command to Joshua to stand up and begin the monumental task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, emphasizing the divine impetus behind their movement and the urgency for decisive action.
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** A primitive root (נֹתֵ֣ן, _nâthan'_) meaning "to give," this verb is used here in the Hebrew present participle, emphasizing the ongoing, active, and sovereign nature of God's bestowal. It underscores that the possession of Canaan is fundamentally a divine gift, rooted in God's faithfulness and grace, rather than a conquest achieved by Israel's own strength or merit. This grammatical structure highlights that God is actively in the process of giving the land, making His promise a present reality for the Israelites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moses my servant is dead":** This opening clause serves as a definitive statement, marking the end of Moses' unparalleled leadership and the wilderness generation. It is a divine acknowledgment of a significant transition, setting the stage for God's new directive. It confirms the narrative continuity from [Deuteronomy 34](/deuteronomy/34 "Deuteronomy 34 - Moses' Death") and highlights that God's plan proceeds irrespective of human leadership changes.
* **"now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people":** This is God's direct, urgent command to Joshua. "Now therefore" indicates a logical consequence of Moses' death—the time for action has come. The double imperative "arise, go over" demands immediate and decisive movement. The inclusion of "thou, and all this people" emphasizes Joshua's comprehensive leadership responsibility over the entire nation, signifying a collective journey and a shared destiny. The "Jordan" is specified as the immediate physical barrier to be crossed.
* **"unto the land which I do give to them, [even] to the children of Israel":** This clause defines the destination and, crucially, the divine source of the inheritance. The land is not to be conquered by Israel's might alone, but is a gift from God, actively being given by Him. The phrase "which I do give" underscores God's sovereign initiative and faithfulness to His covenant promises. The concluding "even to the children of Israel" specifies the intended recipients, reinforcing the corporate nature of this divine blessing and its fulfillment for the entire covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 1:2 is rich with **Transition**, serving as a clear demarcation point between the Mosaic era and the period of conquest under Joshua. The explicit declaration "Moses my servant is dead" functions as a **Prose Marker** signaling this shift. The verse also employs **Divine Command** or **Imperative Language** ("arise, go over"), which conveys God's absolute authority and the urgency of the task. This direct address from God to Joshua establishes Joshua's **Divine Commission**, validating his leadership. Furthermore, the phrase "land which I do give to them" utilizes an **Emphatic Pronoun** ("I") and a **Present Participle** ("giving") to underscore God's active, ongoing, and sovereign role in bestowing the land, highlighting His **Faithfulness** to His covenant promises. The Jordan River itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing a significant barrier that must be overcome through divine empowerment to enter the promised inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 1:2 is a profound theological statement, anchoring the entire narrative of the conquest in God's unchanging character and covenant faithfulness. It teaches that God's purposes are not contingent on any single human leader; though Moses, God's unique servant, has passed, God's redemptive plan for His people continues seamlessly. The emphasis on God "giving" the land underscores divine grace and sovereignty—the inheritance is a gift, not an earned reward, though it requires obedient action to possess. This sets a precedent for understanding salvation and spiritual blessings as divine gifts received through faith and obedience. The transition from wilderness wandering to promised land also prefigures a deeper spiritual truth: God always leads His people into a place of rest and fulfillment, though the journey may involve challenges and require courageous faith.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Moses' Death and Burial")
* [Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8 "The True Rest in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 1:2 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating transitions and facing new challenges. It reminds us that God's overarching purposes endure, even when familiar leaders depart or circumstances drastically change. Just as God commissioned Joshua, He continues to call and equip His people for new assignments, often requiring us to "arise" from our comfort zones and "go over" the "Jordans"—the daunting obstacles or significant transitions—in our own lives. This verse encourages active obedience and courageous faith, not passive waiting. The promise that God "gives" the land assures us that our spiritual inheritance and the fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives are rooted in His faithfulness, not our own strength. We are called to step out in trust, knowing that the divine power that opened the Red Sea and would later part the Jordan is at work on our behalf, enabling us to possess the spiritual blessings and fulfill the callings He has prepared for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jordans" (significant obstacles or transitions) might God be calling you to "go over" in your life right now?**
* **How does the assurance that God "gives" the land impact your understanding of spiritual blessings and challenges today?**
* **In what ways can you actively respond to God's "arise, go over" command in your current circumstances, trusting in His presence and provision?**

### FAQ

**Why is Moses' death explicitly stated at the very beginning of the book of Joshua?**

Answer: The explicit declaration "Moses my servant is dead" at the outset of [Joshua 1:2](/joshua/1-2 "Joshua 1:2 - God Commissions Joshua") serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides immediate **narrative continuity** from the end of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/34 "Deuteronomy 34 - Moses' Death"), confirming the transition of leadership. Secondly, it highlights God's **sovereignty over human leadership**; while Moses was indispensable for his era, God's plan is not dependent on any single individual, ensuring that His purposes will continue. Thirdly, it sets a **clear demarcation point**, signifying the end of the wilderness generation's journey and the beginning of the conquest era, emphasizing that a new phase of God's redemptive history is commencing. It underscores that God is the ultimate leader, consistently guiding His people through different human instruments.

**What is the symbolic significance of "this Jordan" in the context of the Israelites' journey?**

Answer: "This Jordan" (הַיַּרְדֵּן הַזֶּה, _hayyardēn hazzeh_) refers to the Jordan River, which served as a significant geographical barrier separating the wilderness from the Promised Land. Symbolically, it represents the **final obstacle** that the Israelites had to overcome to enter their divine inheritance. Crossing the Jordan was not merely a physical act but a profound act of **faith and obedience**, mirroring the Red Sea crossing generations earlier. It signified leaving behind the wilderness life and entering into the blessings and responsibilities of the covenant land. In a broader sense, it can symbolize the challenges or thresholds we must cross, empowered by God, to step into new seasons or fulfill divine callings. The miraculous crossing detailed in [Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan") further emphasizes its symbolic weight.

**How does the phrase "which I do give to them" emphasize God's role in the conquest of Canaan?**

Answer: The phrase "which I do give to them" (אֲשֶׁ֤ר אָֽנֹכִי֙ נֹתֵ֣ן לָהֶ֔ם, _’ăšer ’ānōḵî nōṯēn lāhem_) is crucial because it highlights that the possession of the land is fundamentally a **divine gift**, not an achievement based on Israel's military prowess or merit. The use of the emphatic "I" (אָֽנֹכִי֙) and the present participle "giving" (נֹתֵ֣ן) underscores God's active, ongoing, and sovereign initiative in bestowing the land. This theological emphasis reminds both Joshua and the Israelites that their success would be a result of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, not their own strength. It sets the stage for the narrative of conquest, where God repeatedly intervenes on Israel's behalf, demonstrating that the land is truly His to give, as seen in passages like [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") and [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God Gives Israel Rest").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 1:2, while deeply rooted in the historical reality of ancient Israel, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, whose very name, "Jesus" (Yeshua), is the Greek equivalent of "Joshua" (Yehoshua), meaning "Yahweh saves." Just as Joshua led Israel into the physical promised land, Jesus leads His people into a greater, spiritual inheritance and rest. The death of Moses, the lawgiver, and the subsequent leadership of Joshua, who leads the people into the land of promise, foreshadows the transition from the Old Covenant of Law to the New Covenant of Grace through Christ. The Law, given through Moses, could not ultimately bring God's people into true rest or the fullness of their inheritance; that required a new leader and a new way. Jesus, the ultimate "Joshua," perfectly fulfills this role. He is the one who leads us across the spiritual "Jordan" of sin and death, bringing us into the true "rest" that the earthly Canaan could only imperfectly symbolize, as beautifully articulated in [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8-10 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest in Christ"). Through His finished work on the cross, Jesus has "given" us a spiritual land, an eternal inheritance that is not earned by works of the law but received by grace through faith ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). He is the one who saves His people from their sins ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Saves His People")) and grants them access to the Father and an abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). Thus, Joshua 1:2 not only marks a historical transition but also points forward to the ultimate Leader who brings us into the promised spiritual reality of God's kingdom.

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

Deuteronomy 3:28

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

Deuteronomy 31:7

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

Numbers 27:16

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

Numbers 27:21

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

Isaiah 42:1

¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Joshua 1:1

¶ Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

Joshua 1:11

Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.