Joshua 13:1

Now Joshua was old and well along in years, and the LORD said to him, "You are old and well along in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed.

Study Bible

Now Joshua was old and well along in years
Joshua, the leader of Israel after Moses, is now advanced in age. This phrase indicates a transition in leadership and responsibility. Joshua's age suggests he has fulfilled much of his mission, leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. His age also reflects the passage of time since the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings. In biblical terms, age often signifies wisdom and experience, but also the need for succession planning, as seen with Moses and now Joshua.

and the LORD said to him
The direct communication from the LORD to Joshua underscores the divine guidance that has been a hallmark of Joshua's leadership. This phrase emphasizes the continued relationship between God and His chosen leaders. It also reflects the biblical theme of God speaking to His people, providing direction and assurance. This divine interaction is consistent with other instances in Scripture where God speaks to His prophets and leaders, such as Moses at the burning bush or Samuel in the temple.

“You are old and well along in years
The repetition of Joshua's age by the LORD highlights the importance of recognizing the limitations of human leaders and the need for divine intervention and guidance. It serves as a reminder that while human leaders may age and pass on, God's purposes and plans continue. This acknowledgment of Joshua's age also sets the stage for the transition of leadership to the next generation, as seen later with figures like Caleb and the judges.

but very much of the land remains to be possessed.
Despite the victories and conquests under Joshua's leadership, the task of fully possessing the Promised Land remains incomplete. This phrase points to the ongoing challenge faced by the Israelites to fully claim the inheritance promised to them by God. It reflects the tension between the "already" and "not yet" aspects of God's promises. The incomplete possession of the land serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to continue striving towards spiritual maturity and the fulfillment of God's promises. This also foreshadows the future struggles Israel will face in maintaining control over the land, as seen in the period of the Judges and the monarchy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The central figure in this verse, Joshua is the leader of the Israelites after Moses. He is described as "old and advanced in years," indicating his long service and leadership in guiding Israel into the Promised Land.

2. The LORD
God is the speaker in this verse, addressing Joshua directly. This highlights the ongoing communication and relationship between God and His chosen leader.

3. The Land
Refers to the Promised Land, Canaan, which the Israelites are in the process of conquering. Despite Joshua's age, much of this land remains to be possessed, indicating unfinished business in God's plan for Israel.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Perseverance
Despite Joshua's age, God reminds him that there is still work to be done. This teaches us that no matter our stage in life, God has purposes for us to fulfill.

God's Faithfulness in Unfinished Tasks
The verse highlights that God's promises and plans continue even when we feel weary or inadequate. Trust in His faithfulness to complete what He has started.

The Role of Leadership in God's Plan
Joshua's leadership is crucial in the fulfillment of God's promises. This underscores the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility leaders have in guiding others according to God's will.

The Call to Action Despite Limitations
Joshua's age could have been a limitation, yet God calls him to continue. This encourages us to look beyond our limitations and trust in God's strength and provision.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua's age and experience influence his leadership, and what can we learn from this about serving God in different seasons of life?

2. In what ways does God's reminder to Joshua about the remaining land challenge us to assess the "unfinished business" in our own spiritual journeys?

3. How can we apply the principle of perseverance in our personal lives, especially when facing challenges or feeling inadequate?

4. What role does faith play in trusting God's promises, especially when the task seems daunting or incomplete?

5. How can we encourage and support our leaders, like Joshua, who are tasked with guiding others in fulfilling God's purposes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 31:7-8
This passage records Moses' charge to Joshua, encouraging him to be strong and courageous as he leads the people into the Promised Land. It connects to Joshua 13:1 by showing the continuity of God's promise and the task given to Joshua.

Psalm 90:10
This verse speaks to the brevity of life and the wisdom in numbering our days, which relates to Joshua's advanced age and the urgency of completing God's work.

Philippians 1:6
This New Testament verse assures believers that God will complete the good work He has begun in them, paralleling the unfinished task before Joshua and the assurance of God's faithfulness.