Joshua 1:12-15

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:10-18

Joshua and the Reubenites. The Reubenites and Gadites had already settled on the banks of the Jordan. They were at rest; they had not to await the ordeal of the conquest. As far as they were concerned, they had already received the promise. And yet they were not to be allowed to remain in idleness, and in selfish enjoyment of their own good. They were not to forget their brethren. "Ye shall pass before your brethren armed," said Joshua, "and help them." "And they answered Joshua, saying,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:12

And to the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh (see Numbers 32:1-33 ). We have here a remarkable instance of undesigned agreement between the various books of the Old Testament: one of those signs of the genuineness of the narrative which would be almost impossible to a compiler of fictitious records. We are told in the passage just cited that the reason why these particular tribes desired an inheritance on the other side Jordan was because they were particularly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:12-15

Duties of brotherhood. We have here a fine appeal, and a fine answer to that appeal. Arrived at the Jordan, they are about to make that invasion of Palestine which gave the Church of God a country and truth a home. At first the settlement of all the twelve tribes in the country between the Jordan and the sea seems to have been the design of Moses. But "the region beyond Jordan" was fertile—a finer land for flocks than Canaan itself. It was not surprising, therefore, that the pre-eminently... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:13

Remember the word. The substance, and not the ipsissima verba, of the directions of Moses in Numbers 32:1-42 . is here given (see also Deuteronomy 3:16-20 ). Hath given you rest. Perhaps, rather, hath caused you to rest—hath permitted you to settle; though the LXX . here has κατέπαυσεν , and the Vulgate, dedit vobis requiem (cf. Hebrews 3:11-18 ; Hebrews 4:1-11 ; and Psalms 95:11 ). This land , i.e; that in which they then were, on what we call the further side... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:13

An agreement remembered. The latter part of this chapter recounts the preparations made for the entrance of the Israelites into Canaan. Joshua was already showing himself "the right man in the right place." Having given orders with respect to the food necessary for the next march, he now addresses the tribes who had been permitted to choose an inheritance on the east of the Jordan. He reminds them of their promise to send their armed men as a van-guard to the people. Though under the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:14

Armed. This word, translated harnessed in Exodus 13:18 , only occurs besides here in Joshua 4:12 , and in 7:11 . In the first cited of these passages it has given rise to much discussion among those whose studies have been confined to the text of the English Bible, excluding even the margin. But its meaning is much debated among scholars. There seems no authority whatever for the translation armed or harnessed. We must either take it HOMILETICS read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Joshua 1:14

Armed - Rather, “arrayed” (see Exodus 13:18 note).On this side Jordan - Compare Deuteronomy 1:1, note. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 1:13-14

Joshua 1:13-14. Which Moses commanded you His charge to you, and your promise to him. Rest That is, a place of rest, as that word signifies. Before your brethren In the front of all of them; which was but reasonable; because they had the advantage of their brethren, having actually received their portion, which their brethren had only in hope; because they were freed from those impediments which the rest were exposed to, their wives, and children, and estates being safely lodged; and to... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:1-18

1:1-5:15 ENTRY INTO CANAANPreparations (1:1-2:24)God’s command to Joshua was brief and straightforward: he was to take the land of Canaan. (The region in which Canaan was situated was occupied by various tribal peoples, the most important of whom were the Hittites and the Amorites.) Israel would not win the land without a fight, but the people had God’s assurance that wherever they advanced they would gain possession (1:1-5). As leader of the people, Joshua had the assurance of God’s presence,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Joshua 1:13

the word. Compare Numbers 32:20-24 . read more

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