Joshua 1:17

17 We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything. And may the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses.

Joshua 1:17 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 1:17

According as we have hearkened unto Moses in all things, so
will we hearken unto thee
Not right or wrong, but in all things that were according to the laws and will of God made known to them; and particularly it may refer to the above affair, which was settled between Moses and them, to whom they then hearkened, and now promise to confirm the same, and hearken to whatsoever orders and instructions Joshua should give them relative to it, according to the plan agreed upon:

only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses;
which is not mentioned as a condition of their obedience to him, but rather as a reason of it, and as an encouraging motive to it; for, according to Kimchi, the true sense and meaning is,

``for the Lord thy God will be with thee, as he was with Moses;''

so Noldius renders it,

``seeing the Lord thy God is with thee.''

Joshua 1:17 In-Context

15 until the Lord gives our brothers rest, as [He has given] you, and they too possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. You may then return to the land of your inheritance and take possession of what Moses the Lord's servant gave you on the east side of the Jordan."

16 They answered Joshua, "Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go.

17 We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything. And may the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses.

18 Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!"