The verse highlights that God speaks to Joshua after Moses' death, emphasizing that leadership transitions don't leave God's people without direction; He immediately provides a new commission and guidance. This moment underscores that God's faithfulness to His people is not dependent on any single leader, but on His own promises and presence.
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The great leader Moses has just died, leaving the Israelites in mourning and at a pivotal moment. God immediately speaks to Joshua, Moses' longtime aide, commissioning him to take the reins and lead the people into the Promised Land. This fresh divine word to Joshua signals God's continued presence and plan, even after the passing of such a monumental figure.
When a great leader dies, it can feel like the end of an era. But God's plan doesn't stop. How does He ensure His work continues?
The very first verse of Joshua sets a crucial tone: 'After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD...'
Moses is called 'servant of the LORD,' and Joshua 'Moses' minister.' What do these titles reveal about God's perspective on leadership and service?
These aren't just labels; they carry profound meaning about God's values.
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Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A title often used for individuals who have dedicated their lives to doing God's will; it denotes humble service, obedience, and total availability to God's purpose.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of the God of Israel, YHWH, representing His self-existence, eternal nature, and personal relationship with His people as their Redeemer and King.
qum · Hebrew Verb
The act of rising up or getting into action; in a biblical context, it often implies a response to God's command to initiate a task or mission.
erets · Hebrew Noun
The physical territory promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; it serves as a sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
darak · Hebrew Verb
The act of treading or walking, representing the physical appropriation or possession of the promise given by God; it implies taking authority over the territory God has granted.
dabar · Hebrew Noun
A solemn declaration or commitment made by God or a human; in Scripture, God's promises are guaranteed by His unchanging nature and faithfulness.
The transition from Moses' leadership to Joshua's was a monumental moment. God's immediate commissioning of Joshua underscores His faithfulness, ensuring the people were not left without guidance and that His promises would continue to be fulfilled through a new leader.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Death of Moses
Moses, the revered leader of the Israelites, dies in Moab after leading them for 40 years. This marks the end of an era and the passing of a monumental leadership role.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Commissioned by God
Immediately following Moses' death, God speaks directly to Joshua, commissioning him as the new leader to guide the Israelites into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Prepare to Enter Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River, a pivotal moment signifying their imminent conquest of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC - c. 1399 BC
Conquest of Canaan
The Israelites, led by Joshua, engage in a series of military campaigns to conquer the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham.
This passage describes Moses' death, mirroring the opening of Joshua, highlighting the transition of leadership and the end of an era.
Numbers 27:15-23Here, God specifically designates Joshua as Moses' successor, showing that his appointment was divinely ordained and prepared for, not a sudden event.
Exodus 24:13This verse introduces Joshua as Moses' 'minister' or attendant, establishing his long-standing relationship and preparation for leadership under Moses.
Hebrews 4:8This New Testament passage indirectly references Joshua (translated as Jesus in some versions) and his role in leading the people into rest, drawing a parallel to Christ leading believers into spiritual rest.
Matthew 28:18-20Jesus, like Joshua, is given all authority and commissions His followers to lead others into a new reality, paralleling Joshua's task of leading Israel into the Promised Land.
calvinJoshua 1:1-4: "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,"
- Now, after, etc Here, first, we see the steadfastness of God in watching over his people, and providing for their safety. The sanction given to Joshua's appointment, as new leader by a renewed commission, [13] was intended to indicate the continuance of his favor, and prevent the people from thinking themselves forsaken in consequence…
barnesJoshua 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,"
Now ... - Hebrew: "and, ..." The statement following is thus connected with some previous one, which is assumed to be known to the reader. So Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, etc., are by the same means linked on to the books preceding them. The connection here is the closer, since the Book of Deuteronomy concludes, and the book of Joshua opens, by…
The verse highlights that God speaks to Joshua after Moses' death, emphasizing that leadership transitions don't leave God's people without direction; He immediately provides a new commission and guidance. This moment underscores that God's faithfulness to His people is not dependent on any single leader, but on His own promises and presence.
The great leader Moses has just died, leaving the Israelites in mourning and at a pivotal moment. God immediately speaks to Joshua, Moses' longtime aide, commissioning him to take the reins and lead the people into the Promised Land. This fresh divine word to Joshua signals God's continued presence and plan, even after the passing of such a monumental figure.
The great leader Moses has just died, leaving the Israelites in mourning and at a pivotal moment. God immediately speaks to Joshua, Moses' longtime aide, commissioning him to take the reins and lead the people into the Promised Land. This fresh divine word to Joshua signals God's continued presence and plan, even after the passing of such a monumental figure.
"After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to the…" — The verse highlights that God speaks to Joshua after Moses' death, emphasizing that leadership transitions don't leave God's people without direction; He immediately provides a new commission and g…
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Last reviewed October 2026
