About Joshua

Joshua records the conquest and division of the Promised Land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham.

Author: JoshuaWritten: c. 1400-1370 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 18
ConquestFaithfulnessObedienceInheritanceLeadershipCovenant

King James Version

Joshua 1

18 verses with commentary

God Commissions Joshua

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,</strong><br><br>This opening verse marks a pivotal transition in redemptive history from the Mosaic era to the conquest of Canaan. The phrase "after the death of Moses" signals both continuity and change—God's purposes continue despite the loss of I...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**JOSHUA’S COMMISSION** (Joshua 1:1-9). (1) **After the death of Moses . . . the Lord spake unto Joshua . . . Moses’ minister.**—Joshua’s commission was the first of its kind, but not the last. No man before Joshua had received orders to regulate his conduct by the words of a written book. Abraham and his household had kept God’s laws. Moses had acted by Divine commission. But Abraham and Moses re...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**53-57. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body--**(See 2Ki 6:29; La 4:10). Such were the dreadful extremities to which the inhabitants during the siege were reduced that many women sustained a wretched existence by eating the flesh of their own children. Parental affection was extinguished, and the nearest relatives were jealously, avoided, lest they should discover and demand a share of ...
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Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.</strong><br><br>God's command begins with stark realism: "Moses my servant is dead." The repetition emphasizes finality—there can be no looking back, no depending on Moses' leadership anymore. Yet this statement also honors Mo...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**53-57. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body--**(See 2Ki 6:29; La 4:10). Such were the dreadful extremities to which the inhabitants during the siege were reduced that many women sustained a wretched existence by eating the flesh of their own children. Parental affection was extinguished, and the nearest relatives were jealously, avoided, lest they should discover and demand a share of ...
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Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.</strong><br><br>This promise establishes the correlation between divine gift and human action. The phrase "every place" (<em>kol-maqom</em>, כָּל־מָקוֹם) is comprehensive, limited only by the boundaries specified in verse 4. The imagery of "the sole of your foot shall tread" (<em>tidr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you.**—The conquest of Canaan was the special duty assigned to Joshua by the word of Moses. (Hence the order for the extermination of Amalek was written for Joshua [Exodus 17:14] as the representative conqueror, though he did not actually carry it out.) But the conquest of Canaan, as effected by Joshua, must be c...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**53-57. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body--**(See 2Ki 6:29; La 4:10). Such were the dreadful extremities to which the inhabitants during the siege were reduced that many women sustained a wretched existence by eating the flesh of their own children. Parental affection was extinguished, and the nearest relatives were jealously, avoided, lest they should discover and demand a share of ...
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From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.</strong><br><br>This verse delineates the boundaries of the Promised Land with geographical precision. The southern boundary begins at "the wilderness" (the Negev desert south of Judah), while the no...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **All the land of the Hittites.**—The name Hittites may be used here to represent all the Canaanites; but it seems better to understand the land of the Hittites of the northern districts in which Hamath and Carchemish were situated—between Palestine proper and the Euphrates; but compare Note on Judges 1:26.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**53-57. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body--**(See 2Ki 6:29; La 4:10). Such were the dreadful extremities to which the inhabitants during the siege were reduced that many women sustained a wretched existence by eating the flesh of their own children. Parental affection was extinguished, and the nearest relatives were jealously, avoided, lest they should discover and demand a share of ...
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There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse contains one of Scripture's most cherished promises of divine presence and sufficiency. The Hebrew <em>lo-yityatsev</em> (לֹא־יִתְיַצֵּב, 'shall not...be able to stand') uses a reflexive form meaning no enemy can maintain their position or resist Israel when God fights for them. The promise 'all the days of thy life' extends divine protection throughout Joshua's entire leadership, not m...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.**—Compare Genesis 28:15. And consider Hebrews 13:5 as a combination of the two Old Testament passages. (6,7) **Be strong and of a good courage . . . that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law.**—This command to “be strong,” repeated again and again to Joshua, may perhaps be taken as reflecting light upon his natural character, which might ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**53-57. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body--**(See 2Ki 6:29; La 4:10). Such were the dreadful extremities to which the inhabitants during the siege were reduced that many women sustained a wretched existence by eating the flesh of their own children. Parental affection was extinguished, and the nearest relatives were jealously, avoided, lest they should discover and demand a share of ...
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Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. unto this: or, thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land, etc

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.</strong><br><br>The command "be strong and of a good courage" (<em>chazaq ve'emats</em>, חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ) uses two Hebrew verbs emphasizing inner fortitude and resolve. <em>Chazaq</em> (חָזַק) means to be firm, strong, or secure, while <em>emats<...
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Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. prosper: or, do wisely

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse adds a crucial qualifier to the commands for courage: strength and courage must be directed toward obedience to God's law. The Hebrew <em>raq</em> (רַק, 'only') functions restrictively—courage alone is insufficient without Torah observance. The intensifier 'very courageous' (<em>emats me'od</em>, אֱמַץ מְאֹד) demands exceptional boldness specifically for keeping God's commandments. The ...
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This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. have: or, do wisely

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KJV Study Commentary

The command begins with a prohibition: <strong>"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth"</strong> (<em>lo-yamush sefer hatorah hazeh mipicha</em>, לֹא־יָמוּשׁ סֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה הַזֶּה מִפִּיךָ). The verb <em>yamush</em> (יָמוּשׁ, "depart") means to move away, withdraw, or cease. God commands that Torah remain constantly on Joshua's lips—not merely stored in memory but actively spoken,...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Thou shalt meditate therein day and night . . . then thou shalt make thy way prosperous.**—These words are taken up again in Psalm 1:2-3, and a blessing is pronounced on *every *man who takes Joshua’s position in relation to the written law of God (see Note, Joshua 1:1). Thus the true significance of Joshua’s position appears, and also the difference between Moses and all who followed him. M...
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Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.</strong><br><br>This verse forms the climax of God's commissioning speech to Joshua, appearing after two previous commands to be strong and courageous (vv. 6-7). The rhetorical question "Have not I commanded thee?" emphasizes divin...
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Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,</strong><br><br>The word "then" (<em>vayetsav</em>, וַיְצַו) indicates Joshua's immediate response to God's commissioning—he doesn't delay or procrastinate but promptly begins exercising leadership. This demonstrates the connection between divine calling and human action; God's promises and commands demand response. Joshua heard God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**JOSHUA’S FIRST ORDERS** (Joshua 1:10-15). (10) **Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people.**—Joshua’s first orders to the people were to prepare for the passage of Jordan within three days. We may compare this event, in its relation to Joshua, with the giving of the law from Sinai to Moses. Both were preceded by a three days’ notice and a sanctification of the people. Both were means emp...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**62. ye shall be left few in number--**There has been, ever since the destruction of Jerusalem, only an inconsiderable remnant of Jews existing in that land--aliens in the land of their fathers; and of all classes of the inhabitants they are the most degraded and miserable beings, dependent for their support on contributions from other lands.

Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.

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KJV Study Commentary

After receiving divine encouragement, Joshua immediately issues practical commands for the impending conquest. The instruction 'Pass through the host' (<em>ivru beqerev hamachaneh</em>, עִבְרוּ בְּקֶרֶב הַמַּחֲנֶה) indicates systematic communication throughout Israel's tribal divisions. The command 'Prepare you victuals' (<em>hakinu lakhem tsedah</em>, הָכִינוּ לָכֶם צֵדָה) means provisions for a ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Prepare you victuals.**—The question may be asked, what preparation is intended, since they had the manna, which did not cease until several days after they passed the Jordan. But it does not seem possible to assign any other meaning to the word except that of provision for a journey or for a warlike expedition. Perhaps the order was intended to prepare the Israelites for the transition fro...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**63. ye shall be plucked from off the land--**Hadrian issued a proclamation, forbidding any Jews to reside in Judea, or even to approach its confines.

And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,

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KJV Study Commentary

Joshua's reminder to Transjordan tribes of Moses' command shows covenant continuity across leadership transitions. Their settlement east of Jordan while brothers fought west required faithfulness to previous commitments. This demonstrates that changing circumstances don't nullify earlier covenant obligations. God holds His people accountable for promises made under previous leadership.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **To the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua.**—The reference to Numbers 32 explains this order. We have only to observe that these two tribes and a half were not forbidden to leave a sufficient number of their fighting men to protect their homes and families. (See on Joshua 4:12.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**64. the Lord shall scatter thee among all people--**There is, perhaps, not a country in the world where Jews are not to be found. Who that looks on this condition of the Hebrews is not filled with awe, when he considers the fulfilment of this prophecy?

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Joshua reminds the Transjordan tribes of their covenant obligation to Moses. The command 'Remember' (<em>zakhor</em>, זָכוֹר) demands active recollection of covenant commitments. The phrase 'the LORD your God hath given you rest' (<em>Yahweh Eloheikhem meniach lakhem</em>, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם מֵנִיחַ לָכֶם) uses participle form—God IS giving rest, present ongoing action. The Transjordan tribes had r...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Hath given you rest.**—Observe this phrase. as applied to the settlement of Israel in the land of promise, on either side of Jordan. Those who condemn the two and a half tribes (or the persons whom they suppose to be spiritually represented by them) for not going far enough, should notice that on both sides of Jordan equally there was the “rest of God.” But this “rest” is only the first sta...
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Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; armed: Heb. marshalled by five

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KJV Study Commentary

Joshua outlines the practical arrangement: families remain in Transjordan while warriors cross to help their brothers. The phrase 'mighty men of valour' (<em>giborei hechayil</em>, גִּבֹּרֵי הֶחָיִל) describes seasoned warriors, not mere able-bodied men. The command 'pass before your brethren armed' (<em>thoveru lifnei acheikhem chamushtm</em>, תַּעַבְרוּ לִפְנֵי אֲחֵיכֶם חֲמֻשִׁים) means march in...
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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 .

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse specifies the duration of the Transjordan tribes' military service: 'Until the LORD have given your brethren rest' (<em>ad asher-yaniach Yahweh laacheikhem</em>, עַד אֲשֶׁר־יָנִיחַ יְהוָה לַאֲחֵיכֶם). Their obligation lasted until all Israel possessed their inheritance. The promise 'then ye shall return' guarantees they could eventually enjoy their own land after faithfully serving. Thi...
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And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Transjordan tribes' response demonstrates exemplary covenant loyalty: 'All that thou commandest us we will do' (<em>kol asher-tsivitanu naasteh</em>, כֹּל אֲשֶׁר־צִוִּיתָנוּ נַעֲשֶׂה). Their comprehensive obedience ('all...we will do') and willingness to go anywhere ('whithersoever thou sendest us') models complete submission to Joshua's leadership. This response echoes Israel's commitment at ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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). Ellicott's Commentary for Eng...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**68. The Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships--**The accomplishment of this prediction took place under Titus, when, according to Josephus, multitudes of Jews were transported in ships to the land of the Nile, and sold as slaves. "Here, then, are instances of prophecies delivered above three thousand years ago; and yet, as we see, being fulfilled in the world at this very time; and w...
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According as we 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.

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KJV Study Commentary

The tribes pledge the same obedience to Joshua as to Moses, but with crucial condition: 'only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses' (<em>raq Yahweh Elohecha yihyeh immakh kaasher hayah im-Moshe</em>, רַק יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ יִהְיֶה עִמָּךְ כַּאֲשֶׁר הָיָה עִם־משֶׁה). Their obedience depends on divine presence with Joshua. This isn't rebellion but discernment—human leaders merit followi...
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Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

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KJV Study Commentary

The tribes declare capital punishment for rebellion: 'Whosoever...doth rebel...shall be put to death' (<em>kol-ish asher-yamreh...yumat</em>, כָּל־אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יַמְרֶה...יוּמָת). This severe penalty emphasizes military discipline's necessity during conquest. The phrase 'rebel against thy commandment' (<em>yamreh et-picha</em>, יַמְרֶה אֶת־פִּיךָ) literally means 'rebels against thy mouth'—refusing...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 29 De 29:1-29. An Exhortation to Obedience. **1. These are the words of the covenant--**The discourse of Moses is continued, and the subject of that discourse was Israel's covenant with God, the privileges it conferred, and the obligations it imposed. **beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb--**It was substantially the same; but it was renewed now, in different circumstanc...
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