Joshua 1: 10-18
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are going to cross this Jordan, to go in to take possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it.’”
12 But to the Reubenites, to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said,
13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is giving you rest, and will give you this land.’
14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross ahead of your brothers in battle formation, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them,
15 until the Lord gives your brothers rest, as He is giving you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you may return to your own land, and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.”
16 They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.
17 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.
18 Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.”
Preparation to cross the Jordan
3 days of preparation
When the Israelites crossed the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea), they did so without any preparation. However, when they are to cross the Jordan River, they are to do so after sufficient preparation. The crossing even has a ceremonial aspect to it. (1) After receiving God’s command, Joshua immediately put it into action. It surely is our desire to learn how to be obedient just as he was. (2) We can see that Joshua was organizing the people systematically, as he commanded “the officers of the people.” These are the commanding officers who gather the soldiers and give orders in combat.
Reubenites, Gadites, half-tribe of Manasseh
Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had desired to remain in the east of Jordan, as it was suitable for pasturage. Accordingly, they requested Moses and had already been given the land of Gilead as their inheritance. One condition upon granting the request was that they would join the battle in the conquest of Canaan (Num. 32). It would have been impossible to conquer the land of Canaan unless the people of Israel came together. (1) Joshua reminded the tribes of their commitment and to stand by their promise. They were to leave their wives and cattle in the land given to them and join the battle in Canaan. (2) The tribes could only return to the east of Jordan once their brothers rest peacefully in Canaan. (3) They responded to Joshua, pledging their loyalty and obedience. In doing so, they said to him, “Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you.” This signifies that they had recognized Joshua as the successor of Moses. Their loyalty and obedience are another lesson for us. Those who keep their promises will reap blessings. They also said, “Only may the Lord your God be with you as He was with Moses.” There is one reason that they will obey Joshua, which is, the fact that Joshua himself walks in the Lord’s way and that the Lord is with him. Those who are placed in leadership roles by the Lord must be mindful of this point. The basis of people’s obedience to their leaders is the obedience of the leaders to the Lord. If anyone should oppose such a leader, he or she is opposing God Himself.
Today's prayer
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Your promises remain unchanging forever. As one who believes in You, let me also be faithful to Your promises. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.