Joshua 1
A plain-spoken deep dive on the whole chapter. Read the chapter →
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Now after the death of Moses - ויהי vayehi, and it was or happened after the death of Moses. Even the first words in this book show it to be a continuation of the preceding, and intimately connected with the narrative in the last chapter in Deuteronomy, of which I suppose Joshua to have been the author, and that chapter to have originally made the commencement of this book, Deu 34:1-12 (note). The time referred to here must have been at the conclusion of the thirty days in which they mourned for Moses.
Open source ↗THE LORD APPOINTS JOSHUA TO SUCCEED MOSES. (Jos. 1:1-18) Now after the death of Moses--Joshua, having been already appointed and designated leader of Israel (Num 27:18-23), in all probability assumed the reins of government immediately "after the death of Moses." the servant of the Lord--This was the official title of Moses as invested with a special mission to make known the will of God; and it conferred great honor and authority. the Lord spake unto Joshua--probably during the period of public mourning, and either by a direct revelation to the mind of Joshua, or by means of Urim and Thummim (Num 27:21). This first communication gave a pledge that the divine instructions which, according to the provisions of the theocracy, had been imparted to Moses, would be continued to the new leader, though God might not perhaps speak to him "mouth to mouth" (Num 12:8). Joshua--The original name, Oshea, (Num 13:8), which had been, according to Eastern usage, changed like those of Abram and Sarai (Gen 17:5-15) into Jehoshua or Joshua (that is, "God's salvation") was significant of the services he was to render, and typified those of a greater Saviour (Heb 4:8). Moses' minister--that is, his official attendant, who, from being constantly employed in important services and early initiated into the principles of the government, would be well trained for undertaking the leadership of Israel.
Open source ↗Now after the death of Moses,.... Or "and after" (h); the book begins as if something went before, it is connected with; and indeed it seems to be the last chapter of the book of Deuteronomy, which treats of the death of Moses; and Joshua being the penman of Deu 34:5, as say the Talmudists (i), and of this book, as has been seen, having wrote them, he goes on with the history of his own affairs in strict connection with that account, beginning where that ended; namely, at the death of Moses, whose character here given is the servant of the Lord; and a faithful one he was in all things belonging to it, and in whatsoever was enjoined him by the Lord, see Deu 34:5, and it came to pass that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses's minister; either in a dream, or vision, or by an articulate voice out of the sanctuary: of Joshua's descent and relation, see Exo 33:11; and of his office under Moses, not as a menial servant, but a minister of state, see Exo 24:13, saying; as follows. (h) "et factum est", V. L. "et fuit", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus. (i) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 14. 2.
Open source ↗The imperfect with vav consec., the standing mode of expressing a continued action or train of thought, "simply attaches itself by the conjunction 'and' to a completed action, which has either been mentioned before, or is supposed to be well known" (Ewald, 231, b.). "After the death of Moses," i.e., after the expiration of the thirty days of general mourning for him (vid., Deu 34:8). "Servant of Jehovah" is a standing epithet applied to Moses as an honourable title, and founded upon Num 12:7-8 (vid., Deu 34:5; Kg1 8:56; Kg2 18:12; Psa 105:26, etc.). On "Joshua, Moses' minister," see at Exo 17:9 and Num 13:16. Minister (meshareth), as in Exo 24:13, etc. Although Joshua had already been called by the mouth of the Lord to be the successor of Moses in the task of leading the people into Canaan (Num 27:15.), and had not only been presented to the people in this capacity, but had been instituted in this office by the Lord, with the promise of His help (Deu 31:3-7 and Deu 31:23), the word of the Lord came to him a second time after the death of Moses, with the command to enter upon the office to which he had been called, and with the promise that He would help him to fulfil its duties, as he had already helped His servant Moses. "Because even some of the bravest men, although fully prepared beforehand, either stand still or hesitate when the thing has to be done: this exhortation to Joshua, to gird himself at once for the expedition, was by no means superfluous; though his call was ratified again not only for his own sake, but in order that the people might not hesitate to follow him with their minds collected and calm, when they saw that he took no step without the guidance of God" (Calvin). - Joshua received this word of the Lord by a direct address from God, and not through…
Open source ↗Honour is here put upon Joshua, and great power lodged in his hand, by him that is the fountain of honour and power, and by whom kings reign. Instructions are given him by Infinite Wisdom, and encouragements by the God of all consolation. God had before spoken to Moses concerning him (Num 27:18), but now he speaks to him (v. 1), probably as he spoke to Moses (Lev 1:1) out of the tabernacle of the congregation, where Joshua had with Moses presented himself (Deu 31:14), to learn the way of attending there. Though Eleazar had the breast-plate of judgment, which Joshua was directed to consult as there was occasion (Num 27:21), yet, for his greater encouragement, God here speaks to him immediately, some think in a dream or vision (as Job 33:15); for though God has tied us to instituted ordinances, in them to attend him, yet he has not tied himself to them, but that he may without them make himself known to his people, and speak to their hearts otherwise than by their ears. Concerning Joshua's call to the government observe here, I. The time when it was given him: After the death of Moses. As soon as ever Moses was dead, Joshua took upon him the administration, by virtue of his solemn ordination in Moses's life-time. An interregnum, though but for a few days, might have been of bad consequence; but it is probable that God did not speak to him to go forward towards Canaan till after the thirty days of mourning for Moses were ended; not, as the Jews say, because the sadness of his spirit during those days unfitted him for communion with God (he sorrowed not as one that had no hope), but by this solemn pause, and a month's adjournment of the public councils, even now when time was so very precious to them, God would put an honour upon the memory of Moses, and give time to the pe…
Open source ↗1:1-9 God confirmed Joshua as Israel’s leader and Moses’ successor. God made Abraham a specific promise to bring his descendants into possession of the land of Canaan (Gen 12:7; 15:7; 17:8). This promise was repeated to Moses (Exod 3:6-8; 13:3-5; Deut 1:6-8; 6:10-19). Now God was ready to fulfill his promise using Joshua. Joshua led Israel’s first generation of settlers into the Promised Land, and his victories against two Canaanite coalitions—first in the south and then in the north—opened the hill country for settlement by the Israelites. 1:1-2 Moses had died on Mount Nebo east of the Jordan (Deut 34:1-5).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
אַחַר (ʼachar, H310) — properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various… מָוֶת (mâveth, H4194) — death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades);… מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… נוּן (Nûwn, H5126) — Nun or Non, the father of Joshua שָׁרַת (shârath, H8334) — to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
Open source ↗מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… יַרְדֵּן (Yardên, H3383) — Jarden, the principal river of Palestine עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Open source ↗מָקוֹם (mâqôwm, H4725) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific);… כַּף (kaph, H3709) — the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of… רֶגֶל (regel, H7272) — a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda דָּרַךְ (dârak, H1869) — to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string abow (by treading on it in bending) נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver
Open source ↗מִדְבָּר (midbâr, H4057) — a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also… לְבָנוֹן (Lᵉbânôwn, H3844) — Lebanon, a mountain range in Palestine גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent נָהָר (nâhâr, H5104) — a stream (including the sea; expectation the Nile, Euphrates, etc.); figuratively,… פְּרָת (Pᵉrâth, H6578) — Perath (i.e. Euphrates), a river of the East אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) חִתִּי (Chittîy, H2850) — a Chittite, or descendant of Cheth יָם (yâm, H3220) — a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the… מָבוֹא (mâbôwʼ, H3996) — an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with… שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh, H8121) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched… גְּבוּל (gᵉbûwl, H1366) — properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e. (by implication) a boundary; by extension the…
Open source ↗אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… יָצַב (yâtsab, H3320) — to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver רָפָה (râphâh, H7503) — to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative) עָזַב (ʻâzab, H5800) — to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.
Open source ↗חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… אָמַץ (ʼâmats, H553) — to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… נָחַל (nâchal, H5157) — to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) שָׁבַע (shâbaʻ, H7650) — to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times) אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Open source ↗חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… מְאֹד (mᵉʼôd, H3966) — properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication,… אָמַץ (ʼâmats, H553) — to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage) שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh, H8451) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin סוּר (çûwr, H5493) — to turn off (literal or figurative) יָמִין (yâmîyn, H3225) — the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more… שְׂמֹאול (sᵉmôʼwl, H8040) — properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e. the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand שָׂכַל (sâkal, H7919) — to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
Open source ↗סֵפֶר (çêpher, H5612) — properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh, H8451) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch מוּשׁ (mûwsh, H4185) — to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive) פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… הָגָה (hâgâh, H1897) — to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder יוֹמָם (yôwmâm, H3119) — daily לַיִל (layil, H3915) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application כָּתַב (kâthab, H3789) — to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe) צָלַח (tsâlach, H6743) — to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive) דֶּרֶךְ (derek, H1870) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb שָׂכַל (sâkal, H7919) — to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
Open source ↗צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… אָמַץ (ʼâmats, H553) — to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage) עָרַץ (ʻârats, H6206) — to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass חָתַת (châthath, H2865) — properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
Open source ↗יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin שֹׁטֵר (shôṭêr, H7860) — properly, a scribe, i.e. (by analogy or implication) an official superintendent or… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude)
Open source ↗עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… קֶרֶב (qereb, H7130) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial… מַחֲנֶה (machăneh, H4264) — an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or… צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) כּוּן (kûwn, H3559) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a… צֵידָה (tsêydâh, H6720) — food שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969) — three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… יַרְדֵּן (Yardên, H3383) — Jarden, the principal river of Palestine בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) יָרַשׁ (yârash, H3423) — to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Open source ↗רְאוּבֵנִי (Rᵉʼûwbênîy, H7206) — a Reubenite or descendant of Reuben גָּדִי (Gâdîy, H1425) — a Gadite (collectively) or descendants of Gad חֵצִי (chêtsîy, H2677) — the half or middle שֵׁבֶט (shêbeṭ, H7626) — a scion, i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking,… מְנַשֶּׁה (Mᵉnashsheh, H4519) — Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader
Open source ↗זָכַר (zâkar, H2142) — properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention;… דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… נוּחַ (nûwach, H5117) — to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Open source ↗אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman טַף (ṭaph, H2945) — a family (mostly used collectively in the singular) מִקְנֶה (miqneh, H4735) — something bought, i.e. property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) עֵבֶר (ʻêber, H5676) — properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on… יַרְדֵּן (Yardên, H3383) — Jarden, the principal river of Palestine עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… חָמֻשׁ (châmush, H2571) — staunch, i.e. able-bodied soldiers גִּבּוֹר (gibbôwr, H1368) — powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter it. Encourage him, for he will enable Israel to inherit the land.
Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.”
The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will dispossess them. Joshua will cross ahead of you, as the LORD has said.
So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God.
So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said.
from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun;
Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.
This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.