⚔️WEB · Joshua 1:10
What does Joshua 1:10 mean?
"Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,"
— Joshua 1:10 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
“Pass through the middle of the camp, and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare food; for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it.’”
Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying,
“Remember the word which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, saying, ‘Yahweh your God gives you rest, and will give you this land.
Explanation
Joshua 1:10 is a brief transitional verse that sets up the action described immediately afterward in verse 11. In plain language, it simply says that Joshua gave an order to the officers who served under him among the people of Israel. The verse itself doesn't contain the content of the command—that comes next, when Joshua tells the officers to instruct the people to prepare provisions because in three days they will cross the Jordan River to take possession of the land God is giving them. So this verse functions as a narrative hinge, moving the story from God's personal charge to Joshua (in verses 1-9) toward Joshua's leadership in action.
To understand the context, it helps to remember where this book falls in Israel's story. Moses, the great leader who brought Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness, has just died. Joshua, his assistant, has been appointed by God to lead the people into the promised land of Canaan. The book of Joshua was written to record this transition and the subsequent conquest and settlement of the land, showing how God fulfilled his covenant promises to Israel. Chapter 1 opens with God speaking directly to Joshua, commissioning him and repeatedly telling him to be strong and courageous. Verse 10 shows Joshua's immediate response to that divine commission—he doesn't hesitate or delay, but begins organizing the nation for the task ahead.
Theologically
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