Joshua 1:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 1:13
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.
Chapter Context
Joshua 1 is a commissioning narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, salvation, worship. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 1:13
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)