Joshua 1:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
כְּכֹ֤ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֤ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִשְׁמַ֣ע
According as we hearkened
H8085
נִשְׁמַ֣ע
According as we hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מֹשֶֽׁה׃
be with thee as he was with Moses
H4872
מֹשֶֽׁה׃
be with thee as he was with Moses
Strong's:
H4872
Word #:
5 of 17
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
כֵּ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
נִשְׁמַ֣ע
According as we hearkened
H8085
נִשְׁמַ֣ע
According as we hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
רַ֠ק
H7535
רַ֠ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
יִֽהְיֶ֞ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֞ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְהוָ֤ה
unto thee only the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
unto thee only the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 17
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
עִמָּ֔ךְ
H5973
עִמָּ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
13 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָ֖ה
H1961
הָיָ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
15 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
This conditional pledge protected against following leaders into apostasy—a wisdom Israel later forgot when following wicked kings. The emphasis on divine presence echoes God's promise to Joshua (1:5, 9). The tribes' response confirmed they recognized Joshua's legitimate succession to Moses' role, contingent on continued divine presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern when to follow human leadership versus when obedience to God requires resistance?
- What evidence of divine presence validates spiritual authority?
- Do you follow leaders blindly, or wisely discern God's presence with them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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' (raq Yahweh Elohecha yihyeh immakh kaasher hayah im-Moshe, 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 following only when God empowers them. They recognize that Moses' authority came from divine presence, and Joshua's would likewise. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates proper submission to spiritual authority—following leaders who follow God, but recognizing that ultimate authority resides in God alone.