Joshua 1:13

"Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you when he said, 'The LORD your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.'

Study Bible

Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you
This phrase emphasizes the importance of recalling and adhering to the instructions given by Moses, who is recognized as a faithful servant of God. Moses' role as a mediator of God's law and promises is central to Israel's identity and mission. His commands are not merely human instructions but divine mandates. This call to remember underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises from Moses to Joshua, highlighting the unbroken line of divine guidance and authority.

when he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest,
The promise of rest is a significant theme in the Old Testament, often associated with the land of Canaan as a place of peace and security after the Israelites' long journey through the wilderness. This rest is not just physical but also spiritual, symbolizing a state of trust and reliance on God's provision. It foreshadows the ultimate rest found in Christ, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:8-10, where believers are invited to enter God's rest through faith.

and He will give you this land.’
The land is a central element of God's covenant with Israel, representing both a physical inheritance and a spiritual promise. The land of Canaan is described as a "land flowing with milk and honey," symbolizing abundance and blessing. This promise is rooted in God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The land also serves as a type of the eternal inheritance promised to believers, as seen in the New Testament, where the concept of the Promised Land is expanded to include the Kingdom of God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land.

2. Moses
The servant of the LORD who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law from God.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who promised the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the Israelites as their inheritance.

5. The Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes were given land on the east side of the Jordan River but were reminded to help their fellow Israelites secure the rest of the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Just as the tribes were reminded to obey the command given by Moses, we are called to obey God's Word and His commands in our lives.

God's Faithfulness
The promise of rest and land is a testament to God's faithfulness. He fulfills His promises, and we can trust Him to do the same in our lives.

Community Responsibility
The tribes were reminded of their responsibility to support their fellow Israelites. Similarly, we are called to support and uplift our Christian community.

Spiritual Rest
The physical rest promised to the Israelites points to the spiritual rest we find in Christ. We should seek to enter this rest through faith and obedience.

Remembering God's Commands
Just as Joshua reminded the tribes of Moses' command, we should continually remind ourselves of God's Word and His promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh reflect the importance of community and collective responsibility in the body of Christ?

2. In what ways can we experience the "rest" that God promises, both physically and spiritually, in our daily lives?

3. How does the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promise to the Israelites encourage you in your personal walk with Him?

4. What are some practical ways you can support and encourage your fellow believers, similar to how the tribes were called to support their brethren?

5. How can we ensure that we are continually reminded of God's commands and promises in our lives, as Joshua reminded the Israelites?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
This passage provides the original command from Moses to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, instructing them to help their fellow Israelites.

Hebrews 4:8-10
Discusses the concept of rest, drawing a parallel between the rest in the Promised Land and the spiritual rest found in Christ.

Numbers 32:20-22
Details the agreement between Moses and the tribes of Reuben and Gad regarding their commitment to help conquer the land west of the Jordan.