“Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.”
This verse is part of a speech given by Joshua, the successor of Moses, to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, who were granted land on the east side of the Jordan River.
Joshua reminds them of their commitment to help their fellow Israelites conquer the Promised Land.
Here are some key points we can glean from Joshua 1:15:
Rest for the brethren:Joshua assures the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh that they will not settle permanently on the east side of the Jordan River until the rest of the Israelites have obtained their inheritance and found rest. This emphasizes the unity and solidarity among the Israelite tribes in their journey to possess the land God had promised them.
Possessing the land:Joshua affirms that the other tribes will also possess the land promised to them by God. This indicates that God’s promise of inheritance extends to all the Israelites, and their victory in conquering the land will come to fruition.
Return to their own possession:Joshua reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh that once the other tribes have obtained their land, they are to return to the land on the west side of the Jordan River that Moses had assigned to them. This emphasizes the temporary nature of their settlement on the east side and their commitment to fulfill their obligations to their fellow Israelites.
Enjoying the land:Joshua assures the tribes that they will not only possess their land but also enjoy it. This suggests that the fulfillment of God’s promises includes not just acquiring the land but also experiencing the blessings and abundance within it.
Moses, the servant of the Lord:Joshua acknowledges that it was Moses, the servant of the Lord, who initially granted the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh their portion on the east side of the Jordan River. This reinforces the authority and leadership of Moses and the continuity of God’s plan through Joshua.
Overall, Joshua 1:15 underscores the unity, cooperation, and commitment among the Israelite tribes in their quest to possess the Promised Land. It highlights the temporary nature of the settlement on the east side of the Jordan River and emphasizes the ultimate goal of all the tribes possessing and enjoying their respective inheritances.
