Joshua 1:10-11 – And Joshua commanded the officers of the people, "Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, 'Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.'"
We have begun our study of Joshua. Last time we looked at the renewed commission that God gave to Joshua after the death of Moses. God assured Joshua that he was going to be the general who would lead Israel in the conquest of the Promised Land.
And as we also noted last week, 'conquest' is the proper term. God was going to lead, guide and give divine assistance to Israel, but they were going to have to step out in faith and fight to take the land. No wonder God ordered Joshua to be 'strong and courageous' no less than three times!
As we begin to look at the second half of chapter one, it is obvious that this story is not in chronological order. Specifically, the events recorded in chapter two happened between verses 9 and 10 of chapter one.
Please keep in mind that in our Western culture, we routinely relate events and tell stories in chronological order, but the Eastern people (including the Israelites), do not.� They often group events together which they feel are related in some way rather than being concerned about the order in which they occurred.�
In this case, it is obvious that the first nine verses of chapter one certainly came first - the nation mourned the death of Moses and subsequently God began to speak to Joshua.
However, the next event that certainly took place was the sending of the two spies into Jericho. Just as certainly, we know Joshua sent these two men secretly.
As you no doubt recall, the first time God invited his people to take the land, 12 spies were sent out to gather intelligence. Upon their return, 10 responded in fear, saying that Israel could not take the land. Only Joshua and Caleb responded in faith encouraging the people to go out at once and fight, since the Lord was on their side and would give them victory (Numbers chapter 13).
The end result was that because of their rebellion and unbelief, Israel was forced to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until that generation of fighting men had died.
Obviously, Joshua does not want a repeat of the last failure of Israel, but he still needs information. Think about it this way: Joshua wasn't going to blindly take a million-plus people (including women, old people and children), all of their possessions and all of their animals into a hostile territory without any military intelligence. To do so would have been foolish; their enemies could have easily destroyed them all.
But once he had that intelligence, and spoke to the Lord about how to proceed, then he could issue the command to prepare for the move with utter confidence.
We will examine that adventure of the spies in detail next week, but in the meantime, here is the report they gave Joshua:
Joshua 2:23-24 - So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them: And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD has delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.
So the command we see here in verses 10-11 (prepare to go over the Jordan) occurred after the spies returned and spoke to Joshua.
The chronological order of events probably went something like this:
- 3rd of Nisan – spies are sent out (Joshua 2:1)�
- 6th of Nisan� spies return (Joshua 2:23)�
- 7th of Nisan� the camp is moved from Shittim to the bank of the Jordan (Joshua 3:1), and the command to prepare is issued (Joshua 1:10-11)�
- 10th of Nisan – Israel crosses the river.
In addition, there can be no doubt that Joshua also waited until he received instructions from God before he gave word to the people that they would cross the river in three days.� Remember, the Jordan was at flood stage and they had absolutely no means to cross over; God was going to have to divinely make the way for them.
Now that everything is in order, Joshua sends his officers as messengers among the people, instructing them to prepare their provisions and get ready for the move.
What provisions were there to prepare?
The word 'provisions' refers to items taken in hunting or gathering. It likely refers to items they took from the nations they had already conquered (the kingdoms of Sihon and Og - Deuteronomy 3:7) such as corn, oxen, sheep, etc.
Manna could also be included in that list because at this point, God was still providing manna for Israel six days a week. However, as we will soon discover, the miraculous supply of manna will cease just a few days after the people cross the Jordan.
Joshua 1:12-13 – And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said, "Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, 'The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.'"
Here Joshua references a situation which occurred while Moses was still leading Israel. When the people had traveled to the west side of the Jordan, the defeated several key enemies such as Og king of Bashan and Sihon, king of the Amorites. (Israel obtained huge amounts of 'spoil' from their victories, which accounts for many of the provisions they prepared for themselves.)
At that time, three tribes of Israel – Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh – asked Moses if they could simply settle on the western side of the Jordan, instead of crossing over into new territory:
Numbers 32:5 - Therefore, said they, if we have found grace in your sight, let this land be given unto your servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.
This portion of land is often referred to as the 'Transjordan'; sometimes these three tribes are referred to as the Transjordan tribes. So whenever you see that description keep in mind that is refers to the land possessed by Israel on the western side of the river. Although this land falls within the overall boundaries of the land promised to Israel (Deuteronomy 11:24), the scriptures sometime seem to place these tribes outside of the Promised Land. We will look at these instances as we find them in our study.
I recommend reading the entire account of the Transjordan in Numbers chapter 32, but in case you don't have time, let me give you a summary:
When the three tribes made this request, Moses was seriously unhappy. In fact, he seems to be angry. He made it very clear that it would not be fair for the three tribes to inherit this land, build houses and move on with life while their brothers still had to cross the river and wage war in order to take the bulk of the Promised Land.
In other words, some/part of Israel could not enter into a state of rest, while the remainder was still actively fighting for their inheritance.� The three tribes could not abandon their brothers before the war was over. ��
In the end, they were allowed to possess the land of Goshen provided that, at the appropriate time, all of the fighting men would cross the Jordan with their brothers and assist them until the land was taken/subdued for Israel. Only then could they return home in peace. Moses made it very clear that if they refused to do this, it would be a sin in the sight of God and they would be punished for it.
Joshua 1:14-15 – "'Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them until the Lord gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them.� Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it, the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise."
Joshua now reminds the men of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh that it is time for them to keep the vow they swore to the Lord in front of Moses.� Their wives, children and possessions could stay on the western side of the Jordan, but all the valiant men of fighting age must cross over and assist in the war.
Eventually we find that the three tribes sent approximately 40 thousand of their best soldiers (mighty men of valor) to assist the other tribes, while about 70 thousand stayed behind to protect the property they had already inherited (Joshua 4:13).
Joshua 1:16-17 – And they answered Joshua, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses!"
The overall context of this verse occurs when Joshua is addressing ALL the officers of the people (verse 10). He specifically reminded the officers of the Transjordan tribes of their obligation to participate in the conquest of the remainder of the Promised Land, but it would have been the officers of all twelve tribes that now freely pledged their allegiance to God and to his servant, Joshua.
On behalf of the people they represent, these officers first promise obedience.� This is not only obedience to Joshua as their governor/civil leader.� In their role as soldiers, they are vowing to obey Joshua as their general.� They are asserting that they will follow his battle commands without murmuring, and without disputing his decisions.� They will immediately go wherever he sends them, regardless of how difficult or dangerous the mission seems to be.� This was a serious commitment.� There can never be war without death; many of those making this pledge would die in the conquest.
In the same way, as Christians we swear allegiance to our commander-in-chief, Jesus Christ.� We are to be about his business, going where he leads/directs and taking ground for his kingdom without murmuring or rebelling against his orders.� Although most of us will live rich, full lives, some people will be asked to pay the ultimate price for their service to God (martyrdom).�
For his part, Joshua may have had reason to doubt Israel's loyalty to him. If Moses had trouble with rebellion in the ranks, how could he expect any less?
But keep in mind that the extremely rebellious generation had perished in the wilderness wandering. This new generation was a witness of that judgment, so they were much more inclined to be obedient. Joshua could count on their pledge of loyalty.
The officers also pray for God to lead Joshua, as Joshua leads them. Their prayer is that God will be with Joshua, to bless and prosper him, giving him the same degree of success that he gave Moses.
When we read that, we can't help but be reminded of the New Testament command to pray for our own leaders: �
1 Timothy 2:1-3 - I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;� For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.� For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
Is this something you do on a regular basis? If so, are you praying for ALL of your/our leaders? It's easy to pray for those you agree with, but what about those who oppose your values and beliefs?
I readily admit that it is much more difficult to pray for leaders who follow our enemy Satan. What/how can we pray for a leader like that?
First of all, let's remind ourselves that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against agents of Satan:
Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
If the people in authority over you (such as our President and Vice President), are making decisions that war against the principles of God, we need to recognize that they are people who have been blinded by Satan, the ruler of this world (II Corinthians 4:4).
We can earnestly pray for the light of the gospel of Christ to tear through the veil of darkness that blinds them to the truth. We can pray for God to send Christians across their path, to sow (and harvest) the gospel in their lives.
We can pray that God will bind the demonic spirits that control them and we can pray for Holy Spirit to make himself known to them.� We can pray that they will be unsuccessful in establishing policies that oppose the will of God.� We can pray that the Christians of this nation rise up and protest these policies. (Abortion, for example.)
In addition to this kind of spiritual warfare, we can also do things in the natural realm, such as supporting candidates/leaders who are in step with God's principles. Ask God how you can be involved and if you are a Christian, you should consider running for political office yourself!
Joshua 1:18 – "Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous."
They were so fully committed to Joshua (and God), that the officers made it a law that any Israelite who disobeyed or rebelled against his command would be put to death. Perhaps, if there had been such a law under Moses, many of the rebellions of Israel could have been prevented.
In any case, there was a real need for this law during the time of the conquest – in times of war, military discipline is crucial to victory.� If there is any rebellion within the armed forces, Israel will be divided against herself and she will be defeated by her enemies.�
The officers may have based this law upon the command given in Deuteronomy 18:18-19. In those verses, God commands Israel to obey the prophet/leader which he raises up to lead the nation; anyone who does not will be cut off from his people. While we typically understand these verses to prophetically refer to Jesus the Messiah, Joshua would certainly be an Old Testament type or example of this prophet.
Finally, the officers implore Joshua to be strong and courageous, just as God had commanded. In essence, they are promising to do the same thing; to boldly and cheerfully (without murmuring or complaining) follow his orders. This must have been a great encouragement to Joshua.
Let me offer you some encouragement:
The book of Joshua is a story of conquest. God was going to lead, guide and give divine assistance to his people, but they were going to have to step out in faith and claim the land.
This is a very timely lesson for us today. Jesus is at the helm of the church; he still leads, guides and gives divine assistance to his people. But it is up to us to step out in faith and claim the world around us for the kingdom of heaven.
Today, I encourage you to do just that – every day, in everything you do, look for ways to push the enemy back and take people captive for Christ!� He wants to expand the kingdom of heaven and build his church through you!
Let me offer you some relief:
In today's post, the people of Israel were told to prepare to enter the Promised Land. Specifically, they were preparing the food they would need to complete their journey.
In the same way, Christians today need spiritual nourishment in order to complete the journey Christ has set before us. We obtain that nourishment by reading the word, by receiving sound spiritual instruction, by praying (especially in the Spirit), and by encouraging one another.
In addition, God has provided us with the 'water' of his Holy Spirit to sustain and refresh us as we conquer this world for him.�
Are you fully prepared to conquer your world for Christ?� If not, let me offer you some relief – you can stock up on spiritual supplies today.� In this electronic age, it has never been easier to find good teaching as well as 'readable' versions of the Bible.� Be sure to take advantage of the resources God has given you, and spend time in prayer this week! Get prepared to be a soldier for Christ!
Let me offer you some strength:
As a member of the church, you are one of God's chosen people!� He has not chosen you for failure, but for victory!� If you will do your part – live in faith and prepare for battle – God will do his part.� He will make you successful in winning people for Christ and destroying the works of the devil.
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