Joshua 1:2

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.

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}.

"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.

โ€œMoses 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.

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

Commentary on Joshua 1:2 (KJV)

Joshua 1:2 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, signifying the transition from the era of Moses' leadership to that of Joshua, and the imminent fulfillment of God's ancient promises regarding the land. This verse directly follows God's address to Joshua after Moses' death, setting the stage for the conquest of Canaan.

Context

The book of Joshua begins immediately after the death of Moses, Israel's long-time leader and lawgiver, as recorded at the end of Deuteronomy (see Deuteronomy 34:5). The Israelites are encamped on the east side of the Jordan River, poised to enter the land God had promised to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joshua, who had been Moses' assistant and was filled with the Spirit (Numbers 27:18), is now commissioned by God Himself to lead the people across the river and into the promised inheritance. This verse is God's direct command to Joshua to begin that monumental task.

Key Themes

  • Divine Commission: God directly addresses Joshua, giving him the explicit command to lead the people. This highlights that Joshua's authority comes from God, not just from inheriting Moses' role.
  • Leadership Transition: The verse clearly states, "Moses my servant is dead." This acknowledges the end of one era and the beginning of another, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan despite the change in human leadership.
  • Entering the Inheritance: The core instruction is to "go over this Jordan, ... unto the land which I do give to them." This focuses on the long-awaited entry into Canaan, the physical fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land (see Genesis 12:7).
  • God's Gift: The phrase "which I do give to them" underscores that the possession of the land is not by Israel's might, but by God's sovereign grace and faithfulness to His word.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "arise, go over" (ืงึคื•ึผื ืขึฒื‘ึนืจึ™, qum โ€˜ฤƒแธ‡ลr) is a strong imperative, a direct command to action. "Arise" often implies preparing oneself or beginning a significant task. "Go over" specifically refers to crossing the Jordan River, the physical barrier separating the wilderness from the promised land. The declaration "Moses my servant is dead" uses the term "servant" (ืขึถื‘ึถื“, โ€˜eแธ‡eแธ), a title of high honor used for Moses, signifying his unique relationship and service to God, which now transitions, but God's work continues.

Related Scriptures

This verse echoes God's earlier promises of the land to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:18). It looks forward to the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17) and the subsequent conquest detailed throughout the book of Joshua. The theme of entering God's rest in the land is later used in the New Testament as a metaphor for spiritual rest found in Christ (Hebrews 4:8-9).

Practical Application

Joshua 1:2 offers powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's purposes continue even when leaders change or circumstances shift. It calls us to step out in faith ("arise, go over") when God gives a clear command, trusting in His promise to be with us and to give us what He has prepared. It highlights that the "promised land" of God's blessings and purposes is entered not by passive waiting, but by active obedience, empowered by His grace. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to His word, even when facing obstacles like the "Jordan" in our own lives.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 3:28 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 27:21 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    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.