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 to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it.’”
12 To the Reubenites and 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 gives you rest and will give you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them, 15 until the Lord gives your brothers rest, as He gives you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to your own land, and possess 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.”
Message: Israel Accepts Joshua's Commands
Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components.
What the Lord is Saying: After Joshua has received words of encouragement from the Lord to be strong and courageous and to know that the Lord is with him, he gives charge to the officers of the people to speak to the people and prepare them to cross the Jordan in 3 days time.
Joshua speaks to those of the 12 tribes, but gives words first to convey that the land has been given to them and so it is there's. "Prepare yourselves...to go in to possess the land." The land is given to them by the Lord. But he then later also tells them they need to prepare for a battle: "you shall cross before your brothers in battle array."
After Joshua gives them the charge, they respond. People did not and do not always respond in obedience and it is necessary and needed to explain when they do. "All that you have commanded us we will do." It is also interesting to me that they state, "Just as we obeyed Moses in all things" when actually I remember they did not always obey Moses. More recently, there was obedience to Moses and so perhaps these people are referring to themselves only and their recent obedience and yet previous generations had not been as obedient.
Summary: Joshua commands the people to prepare to cross the Jordan and possess Canaan. The people respond in obedience to his words.
Promise: We are to be subject to the leaders God has called and support them in their work.
Prayer: God, you have given me leaders and I need to obey them. I admit, I have not always. I have questioned often. Give me discernment always in the right way to go, in upholding your truths. Thank you your great love and giving the example of Joshua and those that were obedient to His words.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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