◄ Joshua 1:16 ►
So they answered Joshua, "Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go.
Study Bible
So they answered Joshua
This phrase indicates the response of the Israelites to Joshua's leadership. Joshua had just assumed command after Moses' death, and this response shows their acceptance and support. Historically, this reflects the continuity of leadership and the importance of unity among the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It also highlights the significance of Joshua as a type of Christ, a leader who guides God's people into their inheritance.

Everything you have commanded us we will do
This commitment echoes the covenantal obedience that the Israelites pledged to God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:8). It underscores the importance of obedience to God's appointed leader, which in turn reflects obedience to God Himself. This phrase also prefigures the New Testament call to follow Christ's commands (John 14:15), emphasizing the theme of faithful discipleship.

and everywhere you send us we will go
This demonstrates the readiness and willingness of the Israelites to follow Joshua into unknown territories, trusting in God's promise of the land. It parallels the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where believers are sent into all the world. The geographical context here is significant, as the Israelites were on the brink of entering Canaan, a land filled with challenges and opportunities. This phrase also reflects the spiritual journey of believers, who are called to follow Christ wherever He leads.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading them into the Promised Land. His leadership is marked by faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are preparing to enter the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham. It represents God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

4. Moses
The former leader of the Israelites, who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. His death marks a transition in leadership to Joshua.

5. The Jordan River
The geographical boundary the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land, symbolizing a new beginning and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God-Appointed Leadership
Just as the Israelites committed to follow Joshua, believers are called to respect and follow the leaders God has placed over them, provided they lead according to God's Word.

Faithfulness in Following God's Commands
The Israelites' response highlights the importance of being willing to do whatever God commands, trusting in His plan and purpose.

Courage in New Beginnings
Crossing into the Promised Land required faith and courage. Believers today are encouraged to trust God in new ventures and transitions.

Unity in Purpose
The collective response of the Israelites underscores the power of unity in pursuing God's mission. Believers are called to work together in harmony for the Kingdom.

Commitment to God's Mission
The Israelites' readiness to go wherever Joshua sends them reflects a commitment to God's mission. Believers are similarly called to be mission-minded, ready to go wherever God leads.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the Israelites' response to Joshua's leadership challenge us in our attitude towards spiritual and church leaders today?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness and obedience to God's commands in our daily lives?

3. What are some "new beginnings" or transitions in your life where you need to exercise faith and courage, similar to the Israelites crossing into the Promised Land?

4. How can we foster unity and a shared purpose within our church or community, as seen in the Israelites' collective commitment?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to a specific mission or task by God. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the Israelites' readiness to go wherever they were sent?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Moses charges Joshua with leading the people, emphasizing courage and reliance on God, which parallels the Israelites' commitment to follow Joshua's leadership.

Exodus 19:8
The Israelites' response to God's covenant at Sinai, showing a pattern of commitment to follow God's commands, similar to their response to Joshua.

Hebrews 13:17
Encourages believers to obey their leaders, reflecting the Israelites' pledge to follow Joshua's leadership.

Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples, echoes the obedience and mission-oriented mindset seen in Joshua 1:16.
Sermons
Joshua and the ReubenitesE. De Pressense Joshua 1:10-18
Brave ResponsesA. B . Mackay.Joshua 1:12-18
Fidelity to EngagementsW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 1:12-18
Joshua's Demand for the Services of the Trans-Jordanic TribesA. B. Mackay.Joshua 1:12-18
Prayers for Men in Public OfficesJohn Erskine, D. D.Joshua 1:12-18
The Moral Advantages of Good OrganisationJ. -Parker, D. D.Joshua 1:12-18
LoyaltyS.R. Aldridge Joshua 1:16-18
People
Gadites, Hittites, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, Nun, Reubenites
Places
Euphrates River, Great Sea, Jordan River, Lebanon, Moab
Topics
Commanded, Commandest, Hast, Joshua, Saying, Sendest, Whatever, Wherever, Whither, Whithersoever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 1:12-18

     7266   tribes of Israel

Joshua 1:16-18

     5276   crime
     8404   commands, in OT

Library
The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord
'Only be then strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded thee... that thou mayest prosper wheresoever thou goest. 8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.'--JOSHUA i. 7,8. This is the central portion of the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Finding of Moses
Many long years had passed since the days when Joseph's brothers and their families had settled in the land of Egypt. They were a great nation in numbers now, but the Egyptians still ruled over them, and used them as servants. The Pharaoh who had been so kind to the shepherds from Canaan was dead long ago, and the new kings, or Pharaohs as they were called, hated foreigners, and began to treat the Israelites very harshly. There were too many of them, they said; it was dangerous to have so many strong, …
Amy Steedman—The Babe in the Bulrushes

Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Getting Ready to Enter Canaan
GETTING READY TO ENTER CANAAN Can you tell me, please, the first step to take in obtaining the experience of entire sanctification? I have heard much about it, have heard many sermons on it, too; but the way to proceed is not yet plain to me, not so plain as I wish it were. Can't you tell me the first step, the second, third, and all the rest? My heart feels a hunger that seems unappeased, I have a longing that is unsatisfied; surely it is a deeper work I need! And so I plead, "Tell me the way." …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

The Routing of Giant Doubt
THE ROUTING OF GIANT DOUBT Doubts! doubts! doubts! Just a company of them around me all the time worse than Job's miserable comforters. What can I do with them? I should like to dismiss them, but it seems I can not. They make me much trouble, but it seems I can not get them to leave me. Especially are the doubts concerning my entire consecration aggravating, and those, too, concerning my entire cleansing. I fear to come out boldly and declare that I believe that Christ fully saves me now. I believe …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to Germany in 1822
In 1822 John Yeardley went to reside in Germany. As his residence abroad constituted one of the most remarkable turns in his life, and exercised a powerful influence on the rest of his career, we shall develop as fully as we are able the motives by which he was induced to leave his native country. By means of his Diary we can trace the early appearance and growth, if not the origin, of the strong Christian sympathy he ever afterwards manifested with seeking souls in the nations on the continent of …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Great Commission Given.
(Time and Place Same as Last Section.) ^A Matt. XXVIII. 18-20; ^B Mark XVI. 15-18; ^C Luke XXIV. 46, 47. ^a 18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. ^b 15 And he said unto them, Go ye ^a therefore, ^b into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. ^a and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Joshua 1:16 NIV
Joshua 1:16 NLT
Joshua 1:16 ESV
Joshua 1:16 NASB
Joshua 1:16 KJV

Joshua 1:16 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Joshua 1:15
Top of Page
Top of Page