Joshua 1:15

Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as [he hath given] you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.

Until the LORD {H3068} have given {H5117} your brethren {H251} rest {H5117}, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed {H3423} the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} giveth {H5414} them: then ye shall return {H7725} unto the land {H776} of your possession {H3425}, and enjoy {H3423} it, which Moses {H4872} the LORD'S {H3068} servant {H5650} gave {H5414} you on this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} toward the sunrising {H4217}{H8121}.

until ADONAI allows your brothers to rest, as he has allowed you; and they too have taken possession of the land ADONAI your God is giving them. At that point, you will return to the land which is yours and possess it, the land Moshe the servant of ADONAI gave you in 'Ever-HaYarden to the east, toward the sunrise."

until the LORD gives them rest as He has done for you, and your brothers also possess the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you may return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the east side of the Jordan.”

until Jehovah have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which Jehovah your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and possess it, which Moses the servant of Jehovah gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrising.

Commentary

Joshua 1:15 outlines the specific terms for the Transjordanian tribes—the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—regarding their participation in the conquest of Canaan. This verse underscores the importance of fulfilling commitments made to God and to their fellow Israelites before they could fully settle into their own inheritance.

Context

This verse is part of Joshua's initial charge to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land under his leadership, following the death of Moses. Specifically, it reiterates the agreement made earlier with Moses (Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 3:18-20). These tribes had requested and received land on the east side of the Jordan River ("on this side Jordan toward the sunrising") because it was suitable for their livestock. In return, they promised to send their armed men across the Jordan to assist the other tribes in conquering their portion of the land before returning to their own homes and families.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience: The verse highlights the expectation that the tribes would honor their pledge made to Moses. This faithfulness was not just to Moses or to their brethren, but ultimately to the LORD, who had given them their initial possession.
  • Corporate Responsibility and Unity: It emphasizes the principle that the entire nation of Israel was one body, and the success of one part depended on the cooperative effort of all. The tribes were not to seek their own rest until their brethren also achieved theirs. This unity was crucial for the conquest of the Promised Land.
  • Divine Rest and Possession: The concept of "rest" (Hebrew: menuchah) is central. It signifies not merely a cessation of warfare, but a state of peace, security, and settled dwelling that God would provide. The verse promises that once their brethren had received this divine rest and possessed their land, the Transjordanian tribes could then "return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it." This rest is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, pointing ultimately to a deeper spiritual rest found in God (Hebrews 4:9).

Linguistic Insights

The term "rest" (Hebrew: menuchah) is significant. It describes a settled, secure existence, free from the threat of enemies, and implies a state of peace and prosperity. This rest was a key component of God's blessing for His people in the land. The phrase "possessed the land" indicates an active and complete taking of ownership, not just temporary occupation.

Practical Application

Joshua 1:15 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Fulfilling Commitments: Just as these tribes were called to honor their word, we are reminded of the importance of integrity and fulfilling our promises, whether to God or to others.
  • Serving Others First: The principle of putting the needs of others before our own immediate gratification is powerfully illustrated. True spiritual progress often involves sacrificial service for the common good of the community of faith.
  • Trusting God's Provision: The assurance that they would "enjoy" their land after their service reminds us that God honors obedience and that His promises of provision and peace are reliable for those who follow His commands and support their spiritual family.
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Cross-References

  • Philippians 2:4 (5 votes)

    Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

  • Numbers 32:17 (3 votes)

    But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

  • Numbers 32:22 (3 votes)

    And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:5 (2 votes)

    Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

  • Galatians 5:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:26 (2 votes)

    And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

  • Joshua 22:4 (2 votes)

    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.