The Time Is at Hand

With God’s promises echoing in his ears, Joshua gives his first directives to the people. Matthew Henry notes that his first order of business is “not to take state or to take his pleasure, but to further the work of God among the people over whom God had set him.”

Joshua tells the officers of the people, the leaders of tribes and families, to pass the word through the camp that the people should begin to get ready for a march. They have been encamped on the plains of Moab for some time, and it will be no small task to prepare to move again. Joshua says the move will come “ ‘within three days,’ ” but this raises a question about the sequence of events in these early chapters of Joshua. Between this statement and the beginning of the journey across the Jordan into Canaan (chapter 3) we read of the mission of the spies (chapter 2), which clearly lasts longer than three days (2:22). How can this be? Questions of sequence arise frequently in Joshua. In this instance, it is possible that the mission of the spies takes place before Joshua issues this order (see 3:2). Also, “ ‘within three days’ ” may mean “a few days.” In any case, Joshua’s words set off a flurry of activity in the camp and assure the Israelites that they will cross the Jordan and stake their claim to the land in only a matter of days.

Joshua also speaks to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, as well as half the tribe of Manasseh, reminding them of their commitment for the coming war. These tribes had asked Moses to allow them to settle in the lands of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, whom the Israelites had conquered during their desert wanderings (Num. 32). The Reubenites, Gadites, and Manassehites saw these lands as ideal for their large herds. The tribal leaders vowed that the men would build cities for their families and corrals for their livestock, but when the time for battle arrived they would cross the Jordan with their brothers and fight until all 12 tribes were settled in the land. Moses agreed to this proposal, and Joshua here reminds the tribes of their pledge. To their credit, they reaffirm their willingness to fight for their fellow Israelites. Furthermore, they promise to obey Joshua in all things, saying that those who rebel against him should be executed. And just as God had exhorted Joshua, they call on him to be strong and courageous as he leads the conquest of the land.