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 advanced in years
The phrase "old and advanced in years" is a Hebrew expression that emphasizes not just the physical age of Joshua but also his maturity and the wisdom he has accumulated over time. In the Hebrew context, age is often associated with honor and respect, as seen in Leviticus 19:32, which instructs to "stand up in the presence of the aged." Joshua, having led the Israelites through numerous battles and having been a faithful servant of God, is now recognized for his lifetime of service. This acknowledgment of his age sets the stage for a transition in leadership and responsibility, reminding us that God's work continues beyond any single individual.

and the LORD said to him
The direct communication from the LORD to Joshua signifies the intimate relationship between God and His chosen leaders. Throughout the Old Testament, God speaks to His prophets and leaders, guiding them in their mission. This divine communication underscores the importance of listening to God's voice and being obedient to His commands. It also reassures us that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, providing direction and encouragement even as circumstances change.

You are old and advanced in years
The repetition of this phrase by the LORD serves to emphasize the reality of Joshua's situation. It is a gentle reminder that while Joshua's time as a leader is drawing to a close, God's plans are not hindered by human limitations. This repetition also highlights the importance of acknowledging our own limitations and the need to rely on God's strength and provision. It is a call to humility and trust in God's sovereignty over our lives and the unfolding of His purposes.

but very much of the land remains to be possessed
This statement reveals the unfinished task before the Israelites. Despite the victories and progress made under Joshua's leadership, there is still work to be done. The land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not yet fully occupied. This serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to continue pursuing God's promises and purposes, even when challenges remain. It is a reminder that the journey of faith is ongoing and requires perseverance and faithfulness. The phrase also points to the collective responsibility of the community of believers to carry forward God's mission, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation in fulfilling God's plans.

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.