Joshua 1:16
And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּעֲנ֔וּ
And they answered
H6030
וַֽיַּעֲנ֔וּ
And they answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֹּ֤ל
H3605
כֹּ֤ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
and whithersoever
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
and whithersoever
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
צִוִּיתָ֙נוּ֙
All that thou commandest
H6680
צִוִּיתָ֙נוּ֙
All that thou commandest
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
7 of 13
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
נַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
us we will do
H6213
נַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
us we will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
and whithersoever
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
and whithersoever
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Deuteronomy 5:27Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Historical Context
This pledge wasn't mere words—the Transjordan tribes faithfully fulfilled it throughout the conquest, fighting courageously for seven years away from families. Their integrity in keeping this oath demonstrates covenant character. Later generations remembered their faithfulness as exemplary (Joshua 22:1-3).
Questions for Reflection
- What comprehensive obedience ('all that thou commandest') is God requiring from you?
- How willing are you to go 'whithersoever' God sends, even to difficult or undesired locations?
- Does your obedience match your verbal commitments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Transjordan tribes' response demonstrates exemplary covenant loyalty: 'All that thou commandest us we will do' (kol asher-tsivitanu naasteh, 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 Sinai ('all that the LORD hath spoken we will do,' Exodus 19:8, 24:3). From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that true faith produces obedience—genuine believers submit to God's appointed leadership and willingly go wherever sent.