Joshua 1:10
And Joshua commanded the officers of the people,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Joshua 1:10
And Joshua commanded the officers of the people,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to read this as Joshua simply relaying God's instructions, but look closer: Joshua is commanding the officers, not just telling them. This highlights his new, direct authority, and it's his first act as the sole, God-appointed leader.
Fresh from God's direct encouragement, Joshua immediately turns to the people, issuing commands through their officers to prepare for crossing the Jordan River within three days to conquer the land. He also addresses the trans-Jordan tribes, reminding them of their solemn promise to Moses to fight alongside their brothers until the land is secured. The people's enthusiastic and absolute commitment to obey Joshua, as they had Moses, is met with his final charge to be strong and courageous, a clear call to action before the immense task ahead.
Joshua steps into his new role, and his very first action is to relay God's message. But notice who he commands.
Joshua doesn't just issue general orders; he commands the officers of the people.
These 'officers' (the Hebrew word shoterim) were leaders within the tribes, responsible for everything from enrollment and record-keeping to executing judgments and relaying commands. They were the communication channels, the administrators, the ones who ensured the people heard and acted.
This shows a crucial aspect of leadership: you don't just speak to the masses; you empower and direct those who are already leaders. Joshua’s authority wasn't just his own; it was the authority of God flowing through him, and it was to be passed on through these established structures.
Three days. That's all the time the people had to prepare for an impossible crossing. What does this haste reveal?
Joshua declares, "Prepare yourselves for provisions, for within three days you shall pass over this Jordan to go in to possess the land" (Joshua 1:11).
This wasn't just a practical order; it was an act of faith!
This verse marks Joshua's first public command as the new leader, echoing Moses' authority and setting the stage for the conquest of Canaan. The immediate preparation for crossing the Jordan underscores the urgency and divine enablement of this critical moment.
c. 1406 BC
Death of Moses
Moses, the faithful servant of the Lord and leader of Israel, dies after a long life of leading the people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. This marks a pivotal moment of transition for the nation.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Appointed Leader
Following Moses' death, Joshua, Moses' long-time assistant and a seasoned warrior, is divinely appointed and commissioned as the new leader of Israel. He is tasked with bringing the people into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Spies Sent to Jericho
Joshua sends two spies across the Jordan River to scout the land, specifically the city of Jericho. Their reconnaissance provides crucial intelligence for the upcoming invasion.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Joshua Commands the People
Upon receiving confirmation and encouragement from God, Joshua issues direct commands to the officers, who in turn prepare the people for the imminent crossing of the Jordan River.
This passage parallels the three days' notice given to the Israelites before a momentous divine encounter, mirroring Joshua's command for the people to prepare for crossing the Jordan in three days, establishing him as a new leader.
Numbers 32:20-22This passage highlights the agreement of the Transjordanian tribes to fight alongside their brethren, directly informing Joshua's command to them in Joshua 1:12-15 to fulfill their promise to aid in conquering Canaan.
Deuteronomy 1:15This verse describes Moses appointing officers, similar to Joshua commanding the 'officers' (shoterim) in Joshua 1:10, emphasizing the continuity of leadership and administrative structure.
Joshua 3:5This passage reiterates Joshua's command to the people to sanctify themselves, a direct precursor to crossing the Jordan, underscoring the spiritual preparation required for divine action that begins with his orders.
1 Corinthians 9:7The prompt and willing obedience of the people to Joshua's command, as noted in the commentary, echoes the principle of cheerful service commended by Paul, showing that genuine obedience comes from the heart.
calvinJoshua 1:10-18: "Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,"
Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days you shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God give you to possess it.
Transite per medium castrorum et praecipite populo, dicendo, Parate vobis annonam: quia post tres dies transibitis Jordanem hunc, ut intretis et possideatis terram, quam Jehova Deus vester dat vobis possi…
clarkeJoshua 1:10: "Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,"
Commanded the officers - שטרים shoterim. These were different from the שפטים shophetim, who were judges among the people, and whose business it was to determine in all civil cases. The shoterim have been supposed to be subordinate officers, whose business it was to see the decisions of the shophetim carried into effect. Calmet conjectures that the shoterim here may have been the heralds of the army like those so often me…
It's easy to read this as Joshua simply relaying God's instructions, but look closer: Joshua is commanding the officers, not just telling them. This highlights his new, direct authority, and it's his first act as the sole, God-appointed leader.
Fresh from God's direct encouragement, Joshua immediately turns to the people, issuing commands through their officers to prepare for crossing the Jordan River within three days to conquer the land. He also addresses the trans-Jordan tribes, reminding them of their solemn promise to Moses to fight alongside their brothers until the land is secured. The people's enthusiastic and absolute commitment to obey Joshua, as they had Moses, is met with his final charge to be strong and courageous, a clear call to action before the immense task ahead.
Fresh from God's direct encouragement, Joshua immediately turns to the people, issuing commands through their officers to prepare for crossing the Jordan River within three days to conquer the land. He also addresses the trans-Jordan tribes, reminding them of their solemn promise to Moses to fight alongside their brothers until the land is secured. The people's enthusiastic and absolute commitment to obey Joshua, as they had Moses, is met with his final charge to be strong and courageous, a clear call to action before the immense task ahead.
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The people's response to Joshua is striking. They don't just obey; they draw a powerful comparison.
When Joshua gives his command, the people answer, "Everything that you command us we will do... Just as we obeyed Moses in everything, so we will obey you. But may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses" (Joshua 1:16-17).
This response is incredibly rich:
This shows that true authority and successful leadership in God’s kingdom are always linked to His presence and power, not just human appointment.
c. 1406 BC
The Two and a Half Tribes Mobilize
Joshua addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their pledge to assist their brethren in conquering Canaan before returning to their inheritance east of the Jordan.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Crosses the Jordan River
Under Joshua's leadership and by a miraculous act of God, the entire nation of Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground, entering the Promised Land.
"And Joshua commanded the officers of the people," — It's easy to read this as Joshua simply relaying God's instructions, but look closer: Joshua is commanding the officers, not just telling them. This highlights his new, direct authority, and it's h…