Joshua Chapter 1 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
זָכוֹר֙
Remember
H2142
זָכוֹר֙
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֔ר
the word
H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר
the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֤ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְהוָ֤ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מֵנִ֣יחַ
hath given you rest
H5117
מֵנִ֣יחַ
hath given you rest
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
13 of 19
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
וְנָתַ֥ן
and hath given
H5414
וְנָתַ֥ן
and hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
15 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh requested Transjordan territory for their large herds (Numbers 32:1-5). Moses initially rebuked them for wanting to settle before helping conquer Canaan, but they pledged to fight alongside their brothers before returning home (Numbers 32:16-32). Now Joshua holds them to that oath. This demonstrates covenant faithfulness—keeping promises even when inconvenient. These tribes faithfully fulfilled their commitment, fighting throughout the conquest before returning to Transjordan (Joshua 22:1-9). Their example establishes covenant loyalty's importance.
Questions for Reflection
- What covenant obligations to help others must you fulfill before enjoying your own rest?
- How does the Transjordan tribes' example challenge you to serve others even after receiving personal blessing?
- What promises have you made that require faithful completion despite inconvenience?
Analysis & Commentary
Joshua reminds the Transjordan tribes of their covenant obligation to Moses. The command 'Remember' (zakhor, זָכוֹר) demands active recollection of covenant commitments. The phrase 'the LORD your God hath given you rest' (Yahweh Eloheikhem meniach lakhem, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם מֵנִיחַ לָכֶם) uses participle form—God IS giving rest, present ongoing action. The Transjordan tribes had received their inheritance (Numbers 32), but covenant solidarity required helping their brothers conquer western Canaan before enjoying their rest. This establishes that personal blessing doesn't exempt believers from serving others—those who receive must help those still struggling. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates covenant community—stronger members bear weaker members' burdens (Galatians 6:2), and those blessed first assist those blessed later.