Joshua 1:13
“Remember the word that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about recalling a past command; it highlights that God's provision of "rest" for these tribes east of the Jordan was not a final destination, but a staging ground for fulfilling the promise to their brethren. It subtly reminds us that temporary settlements or moments of peace often serve a greater purpose in God's unfolding plan.
Joshua is preparing the entire nation to cross the Jordan River and conquer the land of Canaan. He specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their agreement with Moses to fight alongside their brothers before returning to the land they had already settled east of the Jordan. This verse recalls the promise Moses gave them, emphasizing that their current rest and possession of land were divinely granted, setting the stage for their continued obedience and participation in the conquest.
Joshua reminds the tribes of Israel about a promise from Moses. But it wasn't just a casual word; it was a foundational agreement for their future.
When Joshua addresses the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh, he's calling them back to a specific word from Moses, recorded in Numbers 32. This wasn't a suggestion, but a command that came with a solemn vow from these tribes.
The Promise:
God, through Moses, had granted these tribes a prosperous settlement on the east side of the Jordan River. They were to be given 'rest' from their nomadic life and 'this land' as their inheritance.
The Vow:
In return for this generous gift, they pledged to arm themselves and march with their Israelite brothers across the Jordan to help conquer the Promised Land on the west side. Their settlement was conditional on their commitment to this joint mission.
The 'rest' God promised wasn't just a vacation from hardship. It held a deeper significance that echoes through Scripture.
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The word 'rest' here isn't just about an end to the Israelites' forty years of wandering in the wilderness. It's a gift from God that signifies peace, security, and settled possession.
A Divine Provision:
'The LORD your God is providing you a place of rest' – this highlights that rest is a divine provision, not merely a human achievement. It's a gift flowing from God's faithfulness.
A Foretaste of Fulfillment:
Commentators note that this earthly rest was a type, a foreshadowing, of a greater, ultimate rest that God provides. It points towards the eternal Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God, a rest that even the land west of the Jordan couldn't fully represent, as the author of Hebrews points out.
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A person who serves another, especially one who serves God with devotion and humility; a title of honor for those commissioned by God to lead or minister.
nuach · Hebrew Noun
A state of cessation from labor, peace, or settled security granted by God; it often refers to the covenantal security enjoyed by God's people in the promised land.
This verse directly recalls a specific agreement made by Moses with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, highlighting the importance of promises and faithfulness in fulfilling God's plan.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Israelites Enter the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River into Canaan, marking the beginning of their conquest.
c. 1406 BC
Division of Land East of Jordan
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh are granted lands east of the Jordan River by Moses, on the condition they help conquer the land west of the Jordan.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
The Israelites defeat and occupy the lands of Amorite kings Sihon and Og, east of the Jordan, which then become the inheritance for Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua's Command to the Tribes
Joshua instructs the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh to leave their families and possessions east of the Jordan and cross over armed to fight alongside their brethren.
This passage details the initial agreement Moses made with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, directly preceding the command Joshua is reminding them of here. It clarifies the conditions of their inheritance on the east side of Jordan.
Deuteronomy 3:18-20This passage further elaborates on the agreement for the eastern tribes to fight with their brethren, showing how Moses himself reinforced the commitment Joshua is now calling back to.
Hebrews 4:8-11The concept of 'rest' mentioned in Joshua 1:13 is profoundly connected to the spiritual 'rest' that remains for believers, contrasting the incomplete earthly rest with the eternal heavenly rest God provides.
Psalm 95:7-11This Psalm reflects on Israel's failure to enter God's rest due to disobedience, serving as a solemn warning that underlies the importance of heeding God's commands, as Joshua is emphasizing.
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…
pulpitJoshua 1:13: "Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land."
Verse 13. - Remember the word. The substance, and not the ipsissima verba, of the directions of Moses in Numbers 32. is here given (see also Deuteronomy 3:16-20). Hath given you rest. Perhaps, rather, hath caused you to rest - hath permitted you to settle; though the LXX. here has κατέπαυσεν, and the Vulgate, dedit vobis requiem (cf. He…
This verse isn't just about recalling a past command; it highlights that God's provision of "rest" for these tribes east of the Jordan was not a final destination, but a staging ground for fulfilling the promise to their brethren. It subtly reminds us that temporary settlements or moments of peace often serve a greater purpose in God's unfolding plan.
Joshua is preparing the entire nation to cross the Jordan River and conquer the land of Canaan. He specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their agreement with Moses to fight alongside their brothers before returning to the land they had already settled east of the Jordan. This verse recalls the promise Moses gave them, emphasizing that their current rest and possession of land were divinely granted, setting the stage for their continued obedience and participation in the conquest.
Joshua is preparing the entire nation to cross the Jordan River and conquer the land of Canaan. He specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their agreement with Moses to fight alongside their brothers before returning to the land they had already settled east of the Jordan. This verse recalls the promise Moses gave them, emphasizing that their current rest and possession of land were divinely granted, setting the stage for their continued obedience and participation in the conquest.
"“Remember the word that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.’" — This verse isn't just about recalling a past command; it highlights that God's provision of "rest" for these tribes east of the Jordan was not a final destination, but a staging ground for fulfilling…
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