Joshua 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.
Original Language Analysis
עַ֠ד
H5704
עַ֠ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 31
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 31
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָנִ֨יחַ
have given
H5117
יָנִ֨יחַ
have given
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
3 of 31
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
יְהוָ֔ה
Until the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
Until the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 31
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַֽאֲחֵיכֶם֮
your brethren
H251
לַֽאֲחֵיכֶם֮
your brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
5 of 31
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם
and enjoy
H3423
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם
and enjoy
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
7 of 31
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 31
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 31
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 31
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֔ה
Until the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
Until the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 31
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
14 of 31
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
נָתַ֣ן
gave
H5414
נָתַ֣ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
15 of 31
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וְשַׁבְתֶּ֞ם
them then ye shall return
H7725
וְשַׁבְתֶּ֞ם
them then ye shall return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
17 of 31
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יְרֻשַּׁתְכֶם֙
of your possession
H3425
יְרֻשַּׁתְכֶם֙
of your possession
Strong's:
H3425
Word #:
19 of 31
something occupied; a conquest; also a patrimony
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם
and enjoy
H3423
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם
and enjoy
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
20 of 31
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אוֹתָ֔הּ
H853
אוֹתָ֔הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 31
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
22 of 31
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתַ֣ן
gave
H5414
נָתַ֣ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
23 of 31
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֔ה
Until the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
Until the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
27 of 31
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּעֵ֥בֶר
you on this side
H5676
בְּעֵ֥בֶר
you on this side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
28 of 31
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
Historical Context
The conquest lasted approximately seven years. During this time, Transjordan families remained vulnerable to raids, yet the warriors faithfully served westward. This prolonged commitment demonstrates extraordinary covenant loyalty. When they finally returned, controversy nearly erupted over an altar they built (Joshua 22), but explanation and reconciliation preserved unity. Their example inspired future generations regarding covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What personal enjoyment must you delay to help others reach their God-given goals?
- How does the promise of eventual rest encourage perseverance in difficult service?
- What does this teach about balancing personal needs with corporate responsibilities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse specifies the duration of the Transjordan tribes' military service: 'Until the LORD have given your brethren rest' (ad asher-yaniach Yahweh laacheikhem, 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. This establishes conditionality: personal rest follows corporate victory. The phrase 'land of your possession' (erets yerushatkhem, אֶרֶץ יְרֻשַּׁתְכֶם) emphasizes their legitimate inheritance despite being east of Jordan. From a Reformed perspective, this teaches that individual blessing and corporate blessing intertwine—we cannot fully enjoy our inheritance while brothers lack theirs.