Joshua 1:16-18
And they answered Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses! Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Their enthusiastic "All that you command... we will do" isn't just agreement; it’s a bold declaration of trust. By echoing their past obedience to Moses, they're not just promising to follow Joshua, but to follow him because they believe God is with him, just as He was with Moses.
After receiving confirmation that God is with him, Joshua commands the people to prepare to cross the Jordan River within three days to conquer the land. He specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their promise to Moses to fight with their brethren until the land is secured, before returning to their own inheritance. The people respond with an immediate and wholehearted pledge of obedience to Joshua, echoing their faithfulness to Moses.
Joshua steps into Moses' shoes, and the people respond with an echo of past loyalty. What does this say about following God's appointed leaders?
Joshua has just been commissioned by God and is now giving commands to the people about crossing the Jordan River. The response from the people, particularly the two and a half tribes who had already been settled on the east side of the Jordan, is striking.
Echoes of Loyalty
When they answer Joshua, they say, "All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go." This isn't just a new promise to a new leader; it's a direct callback to the obedience they had pledged to Moses. They are essentially saying, 'We will follow you as faithfully as we followed Moses, because we know you lead us with God's authority.' This shows a deep understanding that true leadership, for Israel, was always divinely sanctioned.
Embracing God's Will
Their willingness to go wherever Joshua sends them, even if it meant fighting for their brethren across the Jordan before fully settling their own land, highlights a self-sacrificing commitment. It wasn't about personal comfort but about fulfilling God's plan for the entire nation. Their obedience was cheerful and unconditional, demonstrating a mature faith that trusted God's direction through His chosen servant.
What was the secret sauce behind their bold declaration of obedience? It wasn't just about Joshua; it was about who was with him.
The people's confident promise to Joshua wasn't rooted solely in Joshua's capabilities, nor even in their past experiences of obedience. It was deeply tied to their understanding of God's presence.
Trust in God's Presence
Look closely at verse 17: "As we have hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses." Their ultimate commitment hinged on the presence of the LORD with Joshua. They weren't just pledging allegiance to a man; they were pledging to follow God's lead, recognizing that Joshua was the vessel through whom God was now acting.
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.
shama · Hebrew Verb
In the Bible, this refers to listening with the intent to comply or yield to authority. It is an act of submission to the will of God or His established leadership, signifying a response of faithful action rather than mere hearing.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
A title for the God of Israel, representing the proper name of the covenant-keeping God (Yahweh). It underscores His faithfulness to His promises and His active, sovereign presence among His people.
marah · Hebrew Verb
The enthusiastic and unqualified pledge of the Transjordanian tribes to follow Joshua's commands mirrors the absolute obedience promised to Moses, highlighting a critical moment of transition and unity for Israel as they enter a new era of conquest.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Death and Joshua's Commission
Following Moses' death, God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, emphasizing obedience and courage.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Joshua receives God's command to prepare the people to cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
Spies Sent to Jericho
Joshua sends spies to scout Jericho, the first major obstacle, which are aided by Rahab.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Covenant Renewal and Transjordanian Tribes' Pledge
Joshua reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh of their covenant obligation to help conquer Canaan before returning to their allotted lands east of the Jordan.
Jesus, like Joshua, is given all authority and commissions his followers to go wherever he sends them, echoing the people's commitment to follow Joshua's commands without question.
1 Samuel 15:22This passage highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, similar to how the Israelites pledge obedience to Joshua as God's appointed leader.
Hebrews 13:17The principle of submitting to spiritual leaders who are watching over your souls is present here, as the people pledge to obey Joshua, their new leader appointed by God.
1 Corinthians 10:13The people's unwavering obedience is rooted in the trust that God will be with them, much like Paul assures believers that God provides a way of escape from temptation.
John 14:15Jesus states that if you love him, you will keep his commandments, reflecting the spirit of the Israelites' eager and complete commitment to Joshua's directives.
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…
ellicottJoshua 1:16: "And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go."
(16) They answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do. —This promise of obedience may be taken as the reply of the whole people to Joshua’s orders, not that of the two and a half tribes alone. It is remarkable that they repeat to him the words of Jehovah, as most appropriate in their judgment: “Be strong and of a good courage” ( Joshua 1:18…
Their enthusiastic "All that you command... we will do" isn't just agreement; it’s a bold declaration of trust. By echoing their past obedience to Moses, they're not just promising to follow Joshua, but to follow him because they believe God is with him, just as He was with Moses.
After receiving confirmation that God is with him, Joshua commands the people to prepare to cross the Jordan River within three days to conquer the land. He specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their promise to Moses to fight with their brethren until the land is secured, before returning to their own inheritance. The people respond with an immediate and wholehearted pledge of obedience to Joshua, echoing their faithfulness to Moses.
After receiving confirmation that God is with him, Joshua commands the people to prepare to cross the Jordan River within three days to conquer the land. He specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of their promise to Moses to fight with their brethren until the land is secured, before returning to their own inheritance. The people respond with an immediate and wholehearted pledge of obedience to Joshua, echoing their faithfulness to Moses.
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A Prayer and a Condition
This phrase, 'only the LORD thy God be with thee,' functions as both a prayer and a condition. It's a heartfelt wish for God's continued favor upon their new leader. Simultaneously, it implies that their obedience is contingent upon God's presence, which is the true source of Joshua's authority and power. This reveals a profound theological insight: human leadership is only effective and worthy of such complete trust when it is undeniably empowered by God.
To act in opposition to a legitimate authority or established law. In a covenantal context, rebellion is a willful, defiant breach of the relationship or command set by God or His appointed representative.
mut · Hebrew Verb
The highest form of judicial penalty in biblical law, indicating the severity of a crime. It often signifies that the offense is a capital matter because it threatens the unity, holiness, or covenantal integrity of the community.
chazaq ve-amats · Hebrew Adjective/Verb phrase
Refers to inner fortitude and spiritual resolve to fulfill a God-given task despite opposition or fear. It is rooted in trust in God’s presence and promises rather than personal confidence alone.
c. 1406 BC
Crossing the Jordan River
The Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River on dry ground, a powerful demonstration of God's presence and Joshua's leadership.
c. 1406 BC
The Fall of Jericho
The walls of Jericho miraculously fall after seven days of marching and shouting, marking the first major victory in the conquest.
"And they answered Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses! Whoever re…" — Their enthusiastic "All that you command... we will do" isn't just agreement; it’s a bold declaration of trust. By echoing their past obedience to Moses, they're not just promising to follow Joshua,…
