Joshua 1:15
until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it, the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights a crucial condition for the two and a half tribes: their military service isn't over until all their brothers have secured their inheritance. This shows their sacrifice wasn't just about helping out for a bit, but about a deep, communal responsibility rooted in God's promise to the whole people.
Joshua has just been commissioned by God to lead Israel into the Promised Land, and he's now relaying the orders to the people. He specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their promise to Moses to fight alongside their brethren before settling their own inheritance east of the Jordan River. This verse outlines the specific condition under which they can finally return to their granted lands.
Joshua 1:15 speaks of 'rest' and 'possession' – sounds like the mission is complete, right? But there's a twist. What does this promise really mean for these tribes?
This verse highlights the fulfillment of a promise made generations earlier.
The Covenant Beyond Jordan
Before they even crossed into the Promised Land, two and a half tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) were granted their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. This was a conditional grant: they would receive this land if they helped their brothers conquer the land on the west side.
Shared Struggle, Shared Victory
Joshua reminds these tribes that their 'rest' – their settled lives and possession of land – is tied to the ongoing conquest of Canaan. They can only truly 'enjoy' their inheritance once all their brothers have also been given rest and possession of their allotted lands. This emphasizes a profound sense of community and shared responsibility within Israel.
Joshua references Moses, the great leader who passed the baton. What's the significance of linking this future action back to a past command?
Joshua's words in verse 15 are a direct echo of a foundational covenant established by Moses.
Authority Rooted in God's Word
Moses, as the servant of the LORD, had secured a specific inheritance for these eastern tribes. His authority was unquestionable because it stemmed directly from God's commands. Joshua, now the new leader, appeals to this established word.
Loyalty Through Transition
By reminding the tribes of Moses' decree, Joshua grounds their present duty in a past, sacred promise. This shows that true leadership isn't about forging new paths but faithfully continuing God's established plan. The tribes' willingness to fight is a testament to their loyalty not just to Joshua, but to the covenant established through Moses and ultimately, by God Himself.
This verse highlights a critical agreement made during the conquest of Canaan, showing how the land east of the Jordan was given conditionally to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, requiring their military support for their brothers before they could settle permanently.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Death and Joshua's Succession
Moses, the long-time leader of Israel, dies. Joshua, a trusted general, is appointed by God to succeed him and lead the people into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Division of Land East of Jordan
Before crossing the Jordan River, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh are granted land east of the Jordan River, with the condition they help conquer the land west of the Jordan.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Joshua's Command to the Two and a Half Tribes
Joshua addresses the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their promise to Moses to fight alongside their brethren in Canaan before returning to their own lands.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After the two and a half tribes fulfill their promise, the main conquest of Canaan commences, involving battles and the systematic occupation of the land.
This passage directly details the agreement made by the Reubenites and Gadites to fight alongside their brethren before returning to their inheritance, mirroring the conditions Joshua reiterates in Joshua 1:15.
Deuteronomy 3:12-16This passage describes how Moses assigned the land east of the Jordan to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, which is the 'land of your possession' that Joshua mentions they will return to enjoy after assisting their brothers.
Joshua 18:1-3This verse shows the fulfillment of Joshua's command, where the rest of the tribes eventually receive their inheritance in the land of Canaan, and the two and a half tribes are then released to return home.
Philippians 2:4This New Testament passage speaks to looking out for the interests of others, which is the spirit of cooperation and mutual support that the two and a half tribes are demonstrating by assisting their brothers before settling.
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…
gillJoshua 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 hath given your brethren rest, as he hath given you,.... Rest from their travels, as they had: and they also have possessed the land which the Lord your God giveth them: are s…
This verse highlights a crucial condition for the two and a half tribes: their military service isn't over until all their brothers have secured their inheritance. This shows their sacrifice wasn't just about helping out for a bit, but about a deep, communal responsibility rooted in God's promise to the whole people.
Joshua has just been commissioned by God to lead Israel into the Promised Land, and he's now relaying the orders to the people. He specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their promise to Moses to fight alongside their brethren before settling their own inheritance east of the Jordan River. This verse outlines the specific condition under which they can finally return to their granted lands.
Joshua has just been commissioned by God to lead Israel into the Promised Land, and he's now relaying the orders to the people. He specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their promise to Moses to fight alongside their brethren before settling their own inheritance east of the Jordan River. This verse outlines the specific condition under which they can finally return to their granted lands.
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c. 1399 BC
Division of Land West of Jordan
Following the conquest and expulsion of many Canaanite peoples, the remaining land west of the Jordan is divided among the other nine and a half tribes.
"until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it, the land that Moses th…" — This verse highlights a crucial condition for the two and a half tribes: their military service isn't over until all their brothers have secured their inheritance. This shows their sacrifice wasn't…
