What does Joshua 1:13 mean?

Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. Joshua 1:13

Explanation

Joshua 1:13 reminds the Israelites of the promise that God had given them through Moses. This verse is part of a larger discourse where Joshua, the new leader of Israel after Moses’ death, speaks to the people. The verse underlines two fundamental elements: rest and land. The “rest” refers to a cessation of wandering and warfare, a time of peace after having traveled through the wilderness for 40 years. “This land” refers to the Promised Land, Canaan, which God promised to the ancestors of the Israelites. The verse speaks to a transition from a time of labor and strife to one of peace and fulfillment of God’s promise.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the time after the death of Moses and the leadership transition to Joshua. The historical context is that of the Israelites who have been wandering in the wilderness because of their disobedience and are now at the threshold of entering Canaan. This marks the end of their nomadic life and the start of a sedentary existence in a land flowing with milk and honey, as described earlier in the Torah. This period is significant as it fulfills part of the covenant between God and Abraham.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse reflects the sovereign grace of God and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The Hebrew concept of “rest” connects with Sabbatical themes and the deeper idea that true rest comes only from being in a right relationship with God. The land represents the tangible promise fulfilled and a type of the ultimate rest in the eschatological sense. The verse can also be seen as a prefigurement of the Christian idea of spiritual rest in Christ as seen in the New Testament.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary setting, this verse can inspire believers to trust in God’s promises and to be patient during challenging times, holding on to the belief that rest and peace will come. It also teaches the importance of leadership transitions and honoring the legacies of past leaders while looking forward to the fulfilment of communal hopes and aspirations.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 12:9: “For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.”
• Hebrews 4:1: “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”
• Exodus 33:14: “And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest.”

Language Study

The key terms in this verse are “rest” (Hebrew: “מְנוּחָה” – menuha) and “land” (Hebrew: “אָרֶץ” – eretz). Menuha conveys the sense of calmness, cessation from struggle, and comfort. Eretz in the context speaks of a defined territory or region, specifically the land promised to the descendants of the Israelite patriarchs.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a promised land or divine inheritance can be found in various ancient cultures and religious traditions. In Mesopotamian mythology, an ideal world is often depicted as a garden with parallels to the biblical Garden of Eden. In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields hold a similar concept of a paradisiacal resting place for the souls of the heroic and the virtuous.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the idea of “rest” in this context does not directly intersect with empirical inquiry, as it is more a theological or existential concept rather than a physical phenomenon. However, archaeology might offer insights into the historical transitions from nomadic to settled life in ancient Near Eastern societies.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators highlight the continuity of God’s covenant through this verse. They often discuss how Joshua 1:13 emphasizes the unity of Joshua’s leadership with Moses and the ongoing fulfillment of God’s promise. Commentators might also explore how Joshua’s address serves to prepare and motivate the people for the task ahead, instilling in them a trust in God’s steadfastness.