Joshua 1:10-18·~1 min

Joshua Takes Charge

Joshua commands the officers to move through the camp and tell the people to prepare provisions, because they will cross the Jordan in three days to take the land the LORD is giving them.

T¹⁰hen Joshua commanded the officers of the people: ¹¹“Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’”

Joshua reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh of Moses’ command: though their families may remain east of the Jordan, their fighting men must cross ahead and help their brothers receive rest and inheritance.

¹²But to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, ¹³“Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’ ¹⁴Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, ¹⁵until the LORD gives them rest as He has done for you, and your brothers also possess the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you may return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the east side of the Jordan.”

The tribes answer Joshua with obedience, promising to go wherever he sends them and to treat rebellion against his command as a capital offense. They bless him with the LORD’s presence and repeat the charge to be strong and courageous.

¹⁶So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. ¹⁷Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. ¹⁸Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”

Section summaryJoshua immediately issues orders for the people to prepare to cross the Jordan within three days and reminds the eastern tribes of their duty to help the others secure their inheritance. They answer with full obedience, affirm his leadership, and echo the call for courage.

Role in the chapterThis section shows Joshua receiving God’s charge and then acting on it at once. It also confirms public support for his leadership and binds the tribes together in the shared work ahead.