Chapter 1
1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh , Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun , Moses ’ servant , saying,
2 " Moses my servant is dead . Now therefore arise , go across this Jordan , you and all these people , to the land which I am giving to them , even to the children of Israel .
3 I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on , as I told Moses .
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even to the great river , the river Euphrates , all the land of the Hittites , and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun , shall be your border .
5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life . As I was with Moses , so I will be with you . I will not fail you nor forsake you .
6 " Be strong and courageous ; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them .
7 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 .
8 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 .
9 Haven’t I commanded you ? Be strong and courageous . Don’t be afraid . Don’t be dismayed , for Yahweh your God " (Elohim). is with you wherever you go ."
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people , saying,
11 " 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 .’"
12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites , and to the Gadites , and to the half-tribe of Manasseh , saying,
13 " Remember the word which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you , saying , ‘ Yahweh your God gives you rest , and will give you this land.
14 Your wives, your little ones , and your livestock shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan ; but you shall pass over before your brothers armed , all the mighty men of valor , and shall help them
15 until Yahweh has given your brothers rest , as he has given you , and they have also possessed the land which Yahweh your God gives them . Then you shall return to the land of your possession and possess it , which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise .’"
16 They answered Joshua , saying, " All that you have commanded us we will do , and wherever you send us we will go .
17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things , so will we listen to you . Only may Yahweh your God be with you , as he was with Moses .
18 Whoever rebels against your commandment , and doesn’t listen to your words in all that you command him shall himself be put to death . Only be strong and courageous ."