Joshua 1:15-16
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.” And they answered Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights a profound sense of communal responsibility: the Transjordanian tribes are to serve alongside their kin until all Israel has secured their promised inheritance. It reveals that true rest in God's promises isn't just for oneself, but a journey completed together, echoing Jesus' prayer that all might be one.
Joshua is rallying the troops, and after God's powerful reassurance, he's now issuing practical orders. He specifically addresses the tribes who were promised land east of the Jordan, reminding them of their solemn vow to Moses to fight alongside their brothers until the entire land of Canaan is conquered. This verse is the culmination of that promise, outlining the terms of their service and their eventual return to the lands they were given.
Why did a portion of Israel have to fight in Canaan after receiving their own land? This verse reveals a deep commitment forged in faith.
Joshua 1:15 highlights a crucial covenant made by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. They had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, a land granted by Moses.
A Promise Fulfilled
Their agreement, made during the wilderness wanderings, was clear: they would go armed before their brethren and help conquer the land of Canaan. This wasn't just a favor; it was a solemn vow, a fulfillment of the promise they made in Numbers 32.
Shared Struggle, Shared Victory
This pact ensured that no tribe would be left to face the challenges of conquest alone. The sacrifice of these eastern tribes was a testament to their commitment to the unity of Israel and their shared destiny under God. Their rest was conditional on the rest of their brothers being secured in the Promised Land.
The word 'rest' appears multiple times here. What does it truly signify in the context of God's promises?
The concept of 'rest' in Joshua 1:15 is far more than just an absence of conflict. It signifies a divinely ordained peace and security found in the Promised Land.
More Than Just Peace
For Israel, 'rest' meant:
Understand the original words
tsavah · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew root implies an official command, order, or instruction, often carrying the authority of the one issuing it. In a covenantal context, it signifies the binding obligation to adhere to the directives given by a divinely appointed leader.
This verse highlights a significant agreement made at the cusp of the full conquest of Canaan. The tribes east of the Jordan, who had already received their inheritance, pledged to fight alongside their brothers until the entire land was subdued, demonstrating unity and a shared commitment to God's promises.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Cross the Red Sea
God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, marking a pivotal moment of divine intervention and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Transjordanian Kingdoms
Under Moses' leadership, the Israelites defeated the Amorite kingdoms of Sihon and Og, securing territory east of the Jordan River for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Appoints Joshua as Successor
Before his death, Moses publicly commissioned Joshua as his successor, anointing him and instructing him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, a crucial transfer of leadership.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Israelites Prepare to Cross the Jordan River
Joshua, now the leader, mobilizes the Israelite army and makes arrangements for crossing the Jordan River, including addressing the Transjordanian tribes about their role in the upcoming conquest.
This passage details the agreement where the Reubenites and Gadites pledged to fight with their brothers in Canaan before returning to the land east of the Jordan, directly reflecting the condition mentioned in Joshua 1:15.
Deuteronomy 3:12-16This passage describes Moses assigning the land east of the Jordan to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, highlighting the 'possession' they received that Joshua refers back to in verse 15.
Joshua 18:1This verse shows the rest of the tribes of Israel eventually coming to Shiloh to set up the tabernacle after they, too, had taken possession of their allotted lands, illustrating the fulfillment of the 'rest' promised.
Hebrews 4:8-9This New Testament passage speaks of a 'Sabbath rest' that remains for God's people, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical rest and possession of the promised land in Joshua's time.
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 profound sense of communal responsibility: the Transjordanian tribes are to serve alongside their kin until all Israel has secured their promised inheritance. It reveals that true rest in God's promises isn't just for oneself, but a journey completed together, echoing Jesus' prayer that all might be one.
Joshua is rallying the troops, and after God's powerful reassurance, he's now issuing practical orders. He specifically addresses the tribes who were promised land east of the Jordan, reminding them of their solemn vow to Moses to fight alongside their brothers until the entire land of Canaan is conquered. This verse is the culmination of that promise, outlining the terms of their service and their eventual return to the lands they were given.
Joshua is rallying the troops, and after God's powerful reassurance, he's now issuing practical orders. He specifically addresses the tribes who were promised land east of the Jordan, reminding them of their solemn vow to Moses to fight alongside their brothers until the entire land of Canaan is conquered. This verse is the culmination of that promise, outlining the terms of their service and their eventual return to the lands they were given.
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Joshua's command to the eastern tribes was to fight until this state of secure possession was achieved for all of Israel. Their own 'rest' was not complete until their brethren shared in it.
This verse mentions Moses and a specific direction. What's the significance of these details?
Joshua 1:15 grounds the present mission in the past leadership and provisions of Moses. It also gives a geographical marker for the inheritance of the eastern tribes.
Echoes of Moses
Joshua reminds the people that the land granted to the eastern tribes ('on this side Jordan') was a gift from 'Moses the servant of the LORD.' This served multiple purposes:
The Land 'Toward the Sunrise'
The phrase 'toward the sunrising' (or East) specifically identifies the territories of Sihon and Og, which had been conquered by Moses and given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. It’s a clear designation of their hard-won inheritance, distinct from the land west of the Jordan that they were now helping to conquer for their brethren.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Cross the Jordan River
The Israelites, led by Joshua, miraculously cross the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, beginning the major phase of the conquest.
"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 profound sense of communal responsibility: the Transjordanian tribes are to serve alongside their kin until all Israel has secured their promised inheritance. It reveals that…
