Joshua 1:10
Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people:
Then
The word "then" serves as a transitional term, indicating a sequence of events. In the context of Joshua 1, it follows God's commissioning of Joshua as the leader of Israel after Moses' death. This transition marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The Hebrew word for "then" is "וַיְהִי" (vayehi), often used to denote a continuation of a narrative, emphasizing the immediacy and urgency of Joshua's actions following God's instructions.

Joshua
Joshua, whose name in Hebrew is "יְהוֹשֻׁעַ" (Yehoshua), meaning "The LORD is salvation," is a central figure in this narrative. As Moses' successor, Joshua embodies the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. His leadership is characterized by faithfulness and obedience, qualities that are essential for guiding the Israelites into the land God promised to their ancestors. Joshua's role is not only as a military leader but also as a spiritual guide, ensuring that the people remain faithful to God's covenant.

commanded
The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "צִוָּה" (tzivah), which implies a directive given with authority. Joshua's command is not merely a suggestion but an authoritative order that reflects his God-given leadership role. This command underscores the importance of obedience and order within the community as they prepare for the significant task of conquering the land. It also highlights the structure and organization necessary for the success of their mission.

the officers
The term "officers" in Hebrew is "שֹׁטְרִים" (shotrim), referring to officials or leaders within the Israelite community. These individuals were responsible for maintaining order and implementing the commands given by their leaders. In the context of ancient Israel, officers played a crucial role in communication and logistics, ensuring that the people were prepared and informed. Their involvement signifies the collaborative effort required to achieve the collective goal of entering the Promised Land.

of the people
This phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of the Israelites' journey. The Hebrew word for "people" is "עָם" (am), denoting a collective group bound by shared identity and purpose. The use of "the people" highlights the unity and solidarity among the Israelites as they follow Joshua's leadership. It also reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the people are called to act as one body in obedience to God's commands. This unity is essential for the successful conquest and settlement of the land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The central figure in this passage, Joshua is the leader of the Israelites following Moses' death. He is tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land.

2. Officers of the People
These are the leaders or officials among the Israelites who assist Joshua in communicating and implementing God's commands to the people.

3. The Israelites
The nation of God's chosen people, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. It represents the fulfillment of God's covenant and a place of rest and blessing for the Israelites.

5. The Command
Joshua's directive to the officers marks the beginning of the Israelites' preparation to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land God has given them.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Obedience
Joshua's command to the officers demonstrates the importance of leadership in God's plan. Leaders must be obedient to God's instructions and effectively communicate them to others.

Preparation for God's Promises
The Israelites' preparation to enter the Promised Land reminds us that receiving God's promises often requires active participation and readiness on our part.

Faith in Action
Joshua's leadership exemplifies faith in action. He trusts God's promise and takes practical steps to lead the people forward, encouraging us to act on our faith.

Community and Cooperation
The role of the officers highlights the need for cooperation and unity within the community of believers. Each person has a role to play in fulfilling God's purposes.

Courage and Trust
Joshua's command is rooted in the courage and trust that God is with them. We are called to be courageous and trust in God's presence and guidance in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joshua's leadership style in this passage reflect the qualities God desires in a leader? Consider other biblical leaders and their characteristics.

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to receive and act upon God's promises in our lives, similar to the Israelites preparing to enter the Promised Land?

3. How does the role of the officers in this passage illustrate the importance of community and teamwork in fulfilling God's plans?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith and take action based on God's promises. What did you learn from that experience?

5. How can we cultivate courage and trust in God in our daily lives, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties? Consider other scriptures that encourage trust in God.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
This passage highlights Moses' charge to Joshua, encouraging him to be strong and courageous as he leads the people into the Promised Land, emphasizing God's presence and faithfulness.

Exodus 18:21-26
This passage describes the establishment of leaders among the Israelites, providing a precedent for the role of officers who assist in governance and communication.

Numbers 27:18-23
Here, God instructs Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor, laying hands on him and commissioning him before the people, signifying the transfer of leadership.
Crossing the JordanSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJoshua 1:10-11
Jordan At HandE. Garbett, M. A.Joshua 1:10-11
Prepare You VictualsA. B. Mackay.Joshua 1:10-11
Self-Help NecessaryT. W. M. Lund, M. A.Joshua 1:10-11
Three Days' PauseF. B. Meyer, B. A.Joshua 1:10-11
Ye Shall Pass OverSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJoshua 1:10-11
Joshua and the ReubenitesE. De Pressense Joshua 1:10-18
People
Gadites, Hittites, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, Nun, Reubenites
Places
Euphrates River, Great Sea, Jordan River, Lebanon, Moab
Topics
Authorities, Authority, Commanded, Commandeth, Joshua, Officers, Ordered, Orders, Saying
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 1:6-11

     8220   courage, facing enemies

Joshua 1:10-11

     5208   armies

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

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