I. Summary
Yahweh orders Joshua to cross the Jordan River in order to conquer the land. Joshua informs the people and reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Half Manasseh about their commitment to cross over with the rest of the nation.
II. Photo
Yahweh promises the land to Joshua: “Every spot on which your foot treads I give to you, as I promised Moses.” (v. 3)
III. Select Verses
1-3: After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ attendant: “My servant Moses is dead. Prepare to cross the Jordan, together with all this people, into the land that I am giving to the Israelites. Every spot on which your foot treads I give to you, as I promised Moses.”
4: Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and the Lebanon to the Great River, the River Euphrates [on the east] — the whole Hittite country — and up to the Mediterranean Sea on the west.
5: No one shall be able to resist you as long as you live. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
7-8: But you must be very strong and resolute to observe faithfully all the Teaching that My servant Moses enjoined upon you. Do not deviate from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Let not this Book of the Teaching cease from your lips, but recite it day and night, so that you may observe faithfully all that is written in it. Only then will you prosper in your undertakings and only then will you be successful.
18: Any man who flouts your commands and does not obey every order you give him shall be put to death. Only be strong and resolute!
IV. Outline
1-9. Yahweh’s speech to Joshua
1. Introduction
2-3. Imperative to conquer the land
4. The land’s borders
5. Guarantee of success
6. Encouragement
7-8. Imperative to follow the book of the law
9. Encouragement
10-11. Joshua prepares the people for the journey
12-15. Joshua reminds Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh about their prior commitments
16-18. Reuben, Gand, and half of Manasseh affirm and encourage Joshua
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Photo copied from http://bunkaijutsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/footsteps-in-the-sand.jpg
