The Order to Cross the Jordan

Topic: Leadership
Passage: Joshua 1:10–18

November 9, 2019

Commentary

God had commanded Joshua in verse 9 and now in this passage the newly appointed leader, Joshua speaks to the people and the people respond to support him. Joshua first told the leaders what God had told him, then the leaders quickly passed the message to their people. There was preparation to be made because in only three days they would cross the Jordan and enter the Promise Land. They told Joshua “we  will do” and “we will go.” Under one condition they were willing to follow Joshua and that was if he showed clear evidence that he was being led of God. This was a wise precaution and one that should be carefully followed by all of the Lord’s people today; otherwise we find “blind leaders of the blind.” Notice Joshua’s response to God’s command included:

  1. A Promptness (v. 10). “Then” Once a duty is discovered it should be done right away.
  2. A Plan (v. 10). “Joshua commanded the officers of the people saying.”
  3. A Preparation (v. 11a). “Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over.”
  4. A Promise (v. 11b). “To go in to possess the land which the Lord your God giveth you.”
  5. A People (vv. 12-15). “To the Reubenites, to the Gadites and to half the tribe of Manasseh.”
  6. A Pledge (vv. 16-17a). “They answered Joshua, all that thou commandest us we will do.”
  7. A Prayer (v. 17b). “Only the Lord thy God be with thee, as He was with Moses.”
  8. A Punishment (v. 18). “Whosoever he be that does rebel….he shall be put to death.”

Also in verse 18 like in 6-7 and 9 the command is emphasized to be strong and of a good courage. The next time you are afraid to do what you know is right, remember that strength and courage are readily available from God.

Application

Agreeing to God’s plan means that I must know what the plan is (as found in the Bible) and carry it out on a daily basis.

Joshua 1:10– 18 (NET)

10 Joshua instructed the leaders of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your supplies, for within three days you will cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of the land the Lord your God is ready to hand over to you.’”

12 Joshua told the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh: 13 “Remember what Moses the Lord’s servant commanded you. The Lord your God is giving you a place to settle and is handing this land over to you. 14 Your wives, children, and cattle may stay in the land that Moses assigned to you east of the Jordan River. But all of you warriors must cross over armed for battle ahead of your brothers. You must help them 15 until the Lord gives your brothers a place like yours to settle and they conquer the land the Lord your God is ready to hand over to them. Then you may go back to your allotted land and occupy the land Moses the Lord’s servant assigned you east of the Jordan.”

16 They told Joshua, “We will do everything you say. We will go wherever you send us. 17 Just as we obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. But may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Any man who rebels against what you say and does not obey all your commands will be executed. But be strong and brave!”