Joshua 1:16

¶ And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

And they answered {H6030} Joshua {H3091}, saying {H559}, All that thou commandest {H6680} us we will do {H6213}, and whithersoever {H834} thou sendest {H7971} us, we will go {H3212}.

They answered Y'hoshua, "We will do everything you have ordered us to do, and we will go wherever you send us.

So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go.

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou hast commanded us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go.

Commentary

Joshua 1:16 presents the Israelite people's unanimous and resolute response to Joshua's leadership after Moses' death. It marks a pivotal moment of transition, demonstrating their commitment to follow God's chosen leader into the Promised Land.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after God has powerfully commissioned Joshua to lead Israel, promising His presence and success (Joshua 1:1-9). Joshua, in turn, has reminded the Transjordanian tribes (Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh) of their commitment to help their brethren conquer Canaan before settling their own inheritance (Joshua 1:12-15). Their reply in verse 16 is a collective affirmation of loyalty and readiness, signifying a crucial step in the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the preparation for the conquest of Canaan.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to God-Appointed Leadership: The people's pledge to "do" and "go" whatever Joshua commands highlights their submission to his authority, which they understood to be divinely ordained. This obedience was essential for the challenging task ahead.
  • Unity and Commitment: The collective "we will do" and "we will go" underscores a unified front and a shared commitment to the divine mission of taking possession of the land. This unity was vital for Israel's success in the face of formidable enemies.
  • Faith and Trust: Their readiness implies a deep-seated trust in God's promises, conveyed through Joshua, that He would indeed give them the land. This echoes Israel's earlier pledge of obedience to God at Mount Sinai.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrasing in this verse is direct and emphatic, conveying a complete and unqualified pledge. The repetition of "we will do" and "we will go" reinforces the absolute nature of their commitment. There is no hesitation or condition, only a firm resolve to follow Joshua's every instruction, wherever he might lead them.

Practical Application

Joshua 1:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Respect for Authority: It reminds us of the importance of respecting and submitting to God-given authority, whether in the church, home, or civil government, so long as it aligns with God's will.
  • Unity in Purpose: Just as Israel united under Joshua for a common goal, believers are called to unity and collaboration in fulfilling God's purposes in the world, particularly in the church (Ephesians 4:3).
  • Readiness to Serve: The people's willingness to go wherever sent reflects a spirit of readiness and availability for God's service. This encourages us to be prepared to obey God's call, even when the path is uncertain or challenging. Their steadfastness is later reaffirmed in Joshua 24:24.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 5:27 (3 votes)

    Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear [it], and do [it].

  • Romans 13:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

  • Romans 13:5 (3 votes)

    Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

  • Titus 3:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

  • 1 Peter 2:13 (3 votes)

    ¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

  • 1 Peter 2:15 (3 votes)

    For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

  • Numbers 32:25 (1 votes)

    And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.