Joshua Gives Orders to His Leaders

¹⁰ Then Joshua gave orders to the officials of the people. ¹¹ “Go through the camp,” he said, “and command the people, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, because within three days you’ll be crossing the Jordan River to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you—so go get it!’”

¹² Joshua told the descendants of Reuben, the descendants of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, ¹³ “Remember what^[a] Moses commanded you when he said, ‘The Lord your God will provide you rest, as well as this land.’ ¹⁴ Your wives, your young children, and your livestock will remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan River, but you and all your warriors will cross, ready for battle, in full view of your relatives, and you will help them ¹⁵ until the Lord gives relief to your relatives, as he did to you. Then they’ll take the land that the Lord your God is giving them as their inheritance. You’ll return to the land of your heritage and receive the inheritance that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the east side of the Jordan River, in the direction of the sunrise.”

The People Reaffirm Their Commitment

¹⁶ “We’ll do everything that you commanded,” they replied. “We’ll go wherever you send us. ¹⁷ We’ll listen and obey you in everything, just like we did with Moses. Only may the Lord your God be with you, just as he was with Moses. ¹⁸ Anyone who rebels against what you say and doesn’t listen to your words regarding everything that you command will be executed. Only be strong and courageous.”