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."
until the LORD gives them rest
This phrase speaks to the divine promise of rest, a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. The Hebrew word for "rest" is "נ֫וּחַ" (nuach), which implies a cessation from labor and a state of peace and security. In the context of Joshua, this rest is both physical, as in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, and spiritual, as it foreshadows the ultimate rest found in Christ. Historically, this rest was a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, promising his descendants a land of their own. Spiritually, it points to the rest believers find in Jesus, as described in Hebrews 4:9-10, where the ultimate rest is found in faith and trust in God's completed work.

as He has given you
This phrase emphasizes the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. The past tense "has given" indicates that God’s promises are as good as fulfilled, even if the physical manifestation is yet to be seen. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of God's promises as certain and reliable. Theologically, it underscores the concept of divine grace, where God’s gifts are not earned but given freely. Historically, it reminds the Israelites of their recent victories east of the Jordan, reinforcing their trust in God's continued provision.

and they too will possess the land
The word "possess" comes from the Hebrew "יָרַשׁ" (yarash), meaning to inherit or take possession. This is not merely about occupying land but involves a deeper, covenantal relationship with God, where the land is a divine inheritance. Theologically, it signifies the believer's inheritance in Christ, as Paul writes in Ephesians 1:11 about obtaining an inheritance through Him. Historically, this possession was a tangible sign of God's promise to the patriarchs being fulfilled, a testament to His faithfulness across generations.

that the LORD your God is giving them
This phrase highlights the active role of God in the process of giving. The present participle "is giving" suggests an ongoing action, indicating that God’s provision is continuous and dynamic. Theologically, it reflects the doctrine of providence, where God is actively involved in the world, guiding and sustaining His people. Historically, it reassures the Israelites that their success in possessing the land is not by their might but by God’s sovereign will and power.

Then you may return
The word "return" in Hebrew is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to turn back or restore. This implies a restoration to a previous state or place, in this case, the land east of the Jordan. Theologically, it can be seen as a metaphor for repentance, where one turns back to God. Historically, it speaks to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who were to return to their allotted lands after helping their brethren secure the Promised Land west of the Jordan.

and occupy your own land
The term "occupy" is related to the Hebrew "יָשַׁב" (yashab), meaning to dwell or settle. This is more than just living in a place; it implies establishing a home and community. Theologically, it speaks to the believer's call to dwell in the presence of God, finding their home in Him. Historically, it refers to the fulfillment of the promise to the tribes who had chosen their inheritance east of the Jordan, emphasizing the importance of community and shared responsibility in God’s plan.

which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you
This phrase acknowledges Moses' role as a faithful servant and leader. The title "servant of the LORD" is a mark of honor, indicating Moses' unique relationship with God. Theologically, it points to the concept of servant leadership, where true leaders serve God and His people. Historically, it reminds the Israelites of the continuity of God’s promises from Moses to Joshua, reinforcing the legitimacy of Joshua’s leadership and the divine mandate behind their mission.

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.
Joshua and the ReubenitesE. De Pressense Joshua 1:10-18
Duties of BrotherhoodR. Glover Joshua 1:12-15
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
People
Gadites, Hittites, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, Nun, Reubenites
Places
Euphrates River, Great Sea, Jordan River, Lebanon, Moab
Topics
Beyond, Brethren, Brothers, East, Enjoy, Gives, Giveth, Giving, Heritage, Jordan, Lord's, Occupy, Possess, Possessed, Possession, Rest, Return, Servant, Sunrise, Sunrising, Sun-rising, Till, Towards, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 1:15

     4821   east
     8344   servanthood, in believers

Joshua 1:12-18

     7266   tribes of Israel

Joshua 1:13-15

     7258   promised land, early history

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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