Joshua 1:11

"Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.'"

Study Bible

Go through the camp
This phrase indicates a sense of urgency and preparation. The Hebrew root for "go" is "עָבַר" (avar), which means to pass over or through. This command is not just a physical movement but a spiritual and communal call to readiness. Historically, the Israelites were a nomadic people, and moving through the camp would have been a familiar action, signifying a transition from one phase of their journey to another. Spiritually, it represents the need for the community to be united and prepared for the task ahead.

and tell the people
The Hebrew word for "tell" is "צָוָה" (tsavah), which means to command or charge. This is not a mere suggestion but a directive from Joshua, who is now the leader of the Israelites after Moses. The act of telling or commanding underscores the importance of communication and leadership in fulfilling God's promises. It reflects the hierarchical structure of the Israelite community, where leaders were responsible for conveying God's instructions to the people.

Prepare your provisions
The word "prepare" comes from the Hebrew "כּוּן" (kun), meaning to establish or make ready. This preparation is both physical and spiritual. The Israelites are instructed to gather their resources, which implies a level of self-sufficiency and responsibility. Historically, this preparation was crucial as they were about to enter the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, but also a land that required conquest and settlement.

for within three days
The phrase "within three days" is significant both numerically and symbolically. The number three often represents completeness or divine perfection in the Bible. This time frame indicates a period of waiting and anticipation, a common theme in Scripture where God often uses specific time periods to prepare His people for significant events. It also reflects the urgency and immediacy of God's plan for the Israelites.

you will cross the Jordan
The Jordan River is a significant geographical and spiritual boundary. The Hebrew word for "cross" is "עָבַר" (avar), the same root used earlier, emphasizing transition and movement. Crossing the Jordan symbolizes entering into a new phase of God's promise, leaving behind the wilderness wanderings and stepping into the fulfillment of the covenant. Historically, the Jordan River was a formidable barrier, and crossing it required faith and trust in God's provision.

to go in and take possession of the land
The phrase "take possession" comes from the Hebrew "יָרַשׁ" (yarash), meaning to inherit or occupy. This is not just a physical occupation but a divine inheritance promised to the descendants of Abraham. The land is a central theme in the Old Testament, representing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The act of taking possession is both a gift and a responsibility, requiring obedience and faithfulness from the Israelites.

that the LORD your God is giving you to possess
This final phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the gift. The land is not something the Israelites are taking by their own strength but is given by "the LORD your God." The use of "LORD" (YHWH) highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The phrase "is giving" suggests an ongoing action, indicating that God's promises are both present and future. The Israelites are reminded that their success and inheritance are dependent on God's grace and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are preparing to enter the land promised to their forefathers.

3. The Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to give to the descendants of Abraham.

5. The Command to Prepare
Joshua instructs the people to prepare provisions, signifying readiness and faith in God's promise.

Teaching Points

Preparation and Faith
Just as the Israelites were instructed to prepare their provisions, believers today are called to prepare spiritually and practically for the tasks God sets before them.

Trust in God's Timing
The three-day period before crossing the Jordan teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing and not rush ahead of His plans.

Obedience to God's Commands
Joshua's leadership and the people's obedience highlight the importance of following God's instructions to receive His promises.

Community and Leadership
The role of Joshua in directing the people underscores the importance of godly leadership and unity within the community of believers.

Possessing God's Promises
The act of taking possession of the land serves as a metaphor for believers to actively claim and live out the promises of God in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the command to "prepare your provisions" teach us about the balance between faith and action in our spiritual journey?

2. How can we apply the principle of waiting on God's timing, as seen in the three-day preparation period, to our current life situations?

3. In what ways does Joshua's leadership model the qualities of a godly leader, and how can we implement these qualities in our own spheres of influence?

4. How does the crossing of the Jordan River symbolize a transition in our own spiritual lives, and what "Jordan Rivers" might we need to cross today?

5. How can we actively "take possession" of the promises God has given us, and what steps can we take to ensure we are living in alignment with His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:8
God's promise to deliver the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey, which is now being fulfilled.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Moses' charge to Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the people into the Promised Land.

Hebrews 11:30
The faith of the Israelites as they encircle Jericho, demonstrating trust in God's promises.

Psalm 37:5
Encouragement to commit one's way to the Lord and trust in Him, as the Israelites are called to do.

Matthew 6:33
The call to seek first the kingdom of God, paralleling the Israelites' focus on God's promise.