Joshua 1:14

Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them,

Study Bible

Your wives, your young children, and your livestock
This phrase highlights the familial and economic stability of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. In the Hebrew context, the family unit was central to societal structure, and livestock represented wealth and sustenance. The mention of "wives" and "young children" underscores the importance of protecting and providing for one's family, a principle deeply rooted in the Torah. The allowance for them to "remain" signifies a temporary settlement, emphasizing the trust in God's promise to eventually settle all tribes in the Promised Land.

may remain in the land that Moses gave you
The "land that Moses gave you" refers to the territories east of the Jordan River, which were allotted to these tribes as recorded in Numbers 32. This allocation was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land, and Moses acted as God's instrument in this distribution. The phrase "may remain" suggests a temporary permission, indicating that their ultimate inheritance was still to be fully realized across the Jordan, in the land of Canaan.

on this side of the Jordan
This geographical reference distinguishes the land east of the Jordan River from the Promised Land west of the Jordan. Historically, the Jordan River was a significant boundary, symbolizing a transition from the wilderness wanderings to the fulfillment of God's promises. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the journey and the faith required to cross into the land God had promised.

But all your mighty men of valor, armed for battle
The "mighty men of valor" refers to the warriors of these tribes, emphasizing their strength and readiness for combat. The Hebrew term for "valor" (חַיִל, chayil) conveys not only physical strength but also moral courage and integrity. These men were to be "armed for battle," indicating their preparedness and commitment to the collective mission of conquering the Promised Land. This reflects the biblical principle of unity and mutual support among God's people.

must cross over ahead of your brothers and help them
The command to "cross over ahead of your brothers" signifies leadership and responsibility. These tribes were to lead the charge, setting an example of faith and courage. The phrase "help them" underscores the biblical theme of community and cooperation. It reflects the covenantal relationship among the tribes of Israel, where each tribe's success was intertwined with the others. This call to action is a reminder of the Christian duty to support and uplift one another in the spiritual journey.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes were given land on the east side of the Jordan River by Moses but were required to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan.

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

4. Moses
The previous leader of the Israelites who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness, and who allocated the land east of the Jordan to these tribes.

5. The Promised Land
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites are about to enter and possess.

Teaching Points

Commitment to Community
The tribes were required to support their fellow Israelites, highlighting the importance of unity and mutual support within the body of Christ.

Obedience to Leadership
The tribes' willingness to follow Joshua's command reflects the importance of respecting and obeying God-appointed leaders.

Preparedness for Battle
Just as the mighty men were to be fully armed, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared to face challenges and support one another.

Faithfulness to Promises
The tribes' commitment to their promise to Moses serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping our commitments to God and others.

Balancing Responsibilities
The arrangement allowed families to remain safe while the men went to battle, teaching us to balance our responsibilities to family and community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the commitment of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh to help their fellow Israelites reflect the concept of community in the church today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of being "fully armed" spiritually in our daily lives, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18?

3. How does the obedience of these tribes to Joshua's leadership challenge us in our response to spiritual and earthly authorities?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure we are faithful to our promises, both to God and to others, in our personal and communal lives?

5. How can we balance our responsibilities to our families and our commitments to our church or community, as demonstrated by the arrangement in Joshua 1:14?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 3:18-20
This passage provides the background for Joshua 1:14, where Moses commands the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh to assist their fellow Israelites in conquering the land west of the Jordan.

Numbers 32
This chapter details the agreement between Moses and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh regarding their settlement and military responsibilities.

Ephesians 6:10-18
This New Testament passage about the armor of God parallels the call for the "mighty men of valor" to be fully armed, emphasizing spiritual readiness and support for fellow believers.