Joshua 11:15

As the LORD had commanded His servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua. That is what Joshua did, leaving nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.

Study Bible

As the LORD had commanded His servant Moses
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the commands given to Moses. It reflects the continuity of God's covenant and instructions from Moses to Joshua. The LORD's commands to Moses included the laws and guidelines for leading the Israelites and conquering the Promised Land (Exodus 3:10, Deuteronomy 31:7-8). This continuity underscores the unchanging nature of God's will and His faithfulness to His promises.

so Moses commanded Joshua
Moses, as the leader of Israel, was responsible for passing on God's commands to Joshua, his successor. This transfer of leadership is significant, as it shows the importance of mentorship and the preparation of future leaders within the biblical narrative (Deuteronomy 34:9). Joshua's role as Moses' assistant (Exodus 24:13) prepared him to lead the Israelites with the same dedication to God's commands.

That is what Joshua did
Joshua's obedience is highlighted here, demonstrating his faithfulness and commitment to God's instructions. His actions are a testament to his character and leadership, fulfilling the role that Moses had prepared him for. Joshua's obedience serves as a model for faithfulness and diligence in carrying out God's will (Joshua 1:7-9).

leaving nothing undone
This phrase underscores Joshua's thoroughness and dedication in executing God's commands. It reflects the completeness of his obedience, ensuring that every aspect of God's instructions was fulfilled. This mirrors the biblical principle of wholehearted devotion to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5.

of all that the LORD had commanded Moses
The comprehensive nature of Joshua's obedience is emphasized here, indicating that he followed every command given to Moses by the LORD. This reflects the importance of adhering to God's word in its entirety, without omission or alteration. It also highlights the continuity of God's plan from Moses to Joshua, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises to the Israelites (Numbers 27:18-23).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel who gave commands to Moses and Joshua.

2. Moses
The servant of the LORD who received the law and commandments from God and led Israel out of Egypt.

3. Joshua
The successor of Moses, tasked with leading Israel into the Promised Land and fulfilling God's commands.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God to inherit the Promised Land, under the leadership of Moses and Joshua.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Joshua's complete obedience to God's commands through Moses serves as a model for us. We are called to follow God's instructions fully, without omission or alteration.

Faithful Leadership
Joshua's leadership exemplifies faithfulness and dedication. As leaders in various capacities, we should strive to fulfill our responsibilities with integrity and commitment.

Continuity of God's Plan
The seamless transition from Moses to Joshua highlights the continuity of God's plan. We can trust that God's purposes will prevail, even as leadership changes.

The Importance of Mentorship
Moses' mentorship of Joshua underscores the value of preparing the next generation for leadership. We should invest in mentoring others to ensure the continuation of godly leadership.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The fulfillment of God's commands through Joshua demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises. We can rely on God's faithfulness in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua's obedience to God's commands through Moses challenge us in our own walk with God?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faithful leadership in our families, workplaces, or communities, as Joshua did?

3. How can we ensure that we are preparing the next generation for leadership, as Moses did with Joshua?

4. What are some promises of God that you have seen fulfilled in your life, and how does this encourage you to trust Him more?

5. How can we apply the principle of leaving "nothing undone" in our spiritual lives and daily responsibilities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 34:9
This verse highlights the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, emphasizing Joshua's wisdom and the laying on of hands by Moses.

Exodus 34:11
This verse underscores the importance of obeying God's commands as Israel enters the Promised Land.

Numbers 27:18-23
This passage describes God's command to Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor, ensuring continuity in leadership.

Hebrews 4:8-10
This New Testament passage reflects on Joshua's role in leading Israel into rest, drawing a parallel to the spiritual rest found in Christ.