Joshua 1:15

until the LORD gives them rest as He has done for you, and your brothers also possess the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you may return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the east side of the Jordan."

Study Bible

until the LORD gives them rest as He has done for you
This phrase refers to the promise of rest that God had given to the Israelites. The concept of "rest" in the Old Testament often signifies peace, security, and the fulfillment of God's promises. In this context, it refers to the Israelites settling in the Promised Land after their conquests. This rest is a foreshadowing of the ultimate rest found in Christ, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:8-10, where the rest in the Promised Land is seen as a type of the spiritual rest believers find in Jesus. Historically, this rest was achieved when the Israelites were no longer at war and could settle in the land God had promised to their ancestors.

and your brothers also possess the land that the LORD your God is giving them
This phrase emphasizes the unity and shared mission among the tribes of Israel. The "brothers" refer to the other tribes who were to inherit land west of the Jordan River. The land was a gift from God, highlighting His sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The distribution of the land is detailed in the book of Joshua, chapters 13-21, and reflects the fulfillment of God's promises. The phrase underscores the importance of collective responsibility and support among the tribes until all had received their inheritance.

Then you may return to the land of your inheritance
This refers to the specific inheritance given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan River. These tribes had requested this land because it was suitable for their livestock (Numbers 32). Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan. This arrangement highlights the importance of fulfilling commitments and the principle of mutual aid within the community of God's people.

and take possession of that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the east side of the Jordan.
This phrase acknowledges Moses' role as the leader who allocated the land east of the Jordan to these tribes. It underscores the continuity of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the fulfillment of God's promises through His appointed leaders. The "east side of the Jordan" refers to the territories of Gilead and Bashan, which were rich in resources and strategically significant. This allocation was part of God's plan to establish Israel in the land, and it reflects the broader theme of divine providence and the unfolding of God's redemptive history.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who promises rest and land to His people.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, who are to take possession of the Promised Land.

4. The Jordan River
The geographical boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land.

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

Teaching Points

Unity and Support Among Believers
Just as the tribes were to support each other until all had rest, Christians are called to support one another in their spiritual journeys.

Faithfulness to God's Promises
The Israelites' journey to the Promised Land is a testament to God's faithfulness. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives.

The Concept of Rest
The rest mentioned in Joshua is both a physical and spiritual concept. Believers find ultimate rest in Christ, who provides peace and fulfillment.

Obedience and Responsibility
The tribes had a responsibility to obey God's command and support their brethren. Similarly, Christians have a responsibility to live in obedience to God's Word.

Inheritance in Christ
Just as the Israelites had a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ, which includes eternal life and spiritual blessings.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command for the tribes to help their brothers before settling in their own land reflect the importance of community and support within the body of Christ?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, ensure that we are helping others find "rest" in their spiritual journeys?

3. How does the concept of rest in Joshua 1:15 relate to the rest promised to believers in Hebrews 4:8-10?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate faithfulness to God's promises in our daily lives?

5. How can understanding our spiritual inheritance in Christ impact the way we live and interact with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
This passage provides the background for Joshua 1:15, where Moses commands the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh to help their brothers before settling in their own land.

Hebrews 4:8-10
This New Testament passage speaks of a greater rest that remains for the people of God, connecting the physical rest in the Promised Land to the spiritual rest found in Christ.

Numbers 32:20-22
This passage details the agreement between Moses and the tribes of Reuben and Gad regarding their inheritance and responsibilities.