Joshua 1:16 kjv

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

Joshua 1:16 nkjv

So they answered Joshua, saying, "All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

Joshua 1:16 niv

Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

Joshua 1:16 esv

And they answered Joshua, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

Joshua 1:16 nlt

They answered Joshua, "We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us.

Joshua 1 verses

Joshua 1 16 Meaning

Joshua 1:16 captures the united and enthusiastic response of the Israelite people to Joshua’s commands. It signifies their unwavering commitment to obey all his instructions and go wherever he sends them. This verse marks their formal acceptance of Joshua’s leadership, understanding that his authority derived from God Himself, and expresses their readiness for the formidable task of conquering the Promised Land.

Joshua 1 16 Context

Joshua chapter 1 marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history. Following the death of Moses, God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, reiterating His covenant promises and reassuring Joshua of His unfailing presence and power (verses 1-9). Joshua then, acting on God's authority, instructs the people, specifically reminding the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) of their pledge to help their brethren conquer Canaan before returning to their own inheritance (verses 10-15). Verse 16 is the immediate and emphatic response of the people, signifying their collective acceptance of Joshua's leadership and their readiness to execute his every command. This context highlights the critical shift from desert wandering to disciplined conquest, requiring unity, obedience, and faith in the new leader whom God had appointed. Historically, the nation had spent forty years in the wilderness due to disobedience and was now poised to fulfill the promises made to Abraham.

Joshua 1 16 Word analysis

• Then they answered: (וַיַּעֲנוּ) Vayya'anu. From the root 'anah, meaning "to answer, respond." The "waw consecutive" here implies immediate and direct response following Joshua's charge, indicating willingness and no hesitation. "They" refers broadly to the representatives or officers of the people (mentioned in verse 10), reflecting a unified national consensus.

• Joshua: (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ) Yehoshua. Meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "Yahweh saves." This name is highly significant, paralleling Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew), highlighting Joshua's role as the divinely appointed deliverer who leads God's people into their promised inheritance.

• saying, (לֵאמֹר) le'mor. An infinitive construct, often translated as "saying," "to say," or "namely." It serves to introduce the direct quote of their pledge, giving it emphasis and formality.

• All that thou commandest us: (כֹּל אֲשֶׁר תְּצַוֵּנוּ) kol asher t'tzavenu.

  • All: (כֹּל) kol. Means "all," "every," "entire." This emphasizes the absolute and unqualified nature of their obedience. There would be no selective following of instructions.
  • commandest us: (תְּצַוֵּנוּ) t'tzavenu. From tzavah (צוה), "to command, to charge." In the Hiphil stem, it suggests issuing commands or instructing others to do so. This implies commands received from God through Joshua, rather than mere human decrees.

• we will do, (נַעֲשֶׂה) na'aseh. From asah (עָשָׂה), "to do, make, accomplish." The imperfect tense expresses a firm resolve and future action. This directly echoes Israel's pledge of obedience to God's covenant at Mount Sinai ("all that the Lord has spoken we will do," Ex 19:8).

• and whithersoever thou sendest us, (וְאָנָה תִשְׁלָחֵנוּ) v'anah tishlahenu.

  • whithersoever: (וְאָנָה) v'anah. An emphatic adverb meaning "to whatever place," or "wherever." It stresses the universality of their commitment regarding movement.
  • sendest us: (תִשְׁלָחֵנוּ) tishlahenu. From shalach (שָׁלַח), "to send, dispatch." This indicates a willingness to be deployed to any location, regardless of perceived difficulty, danger, or personal preference.

• we will go. (נֵלֵךְ) nelech. From halach (הָלַךְ), "to go, walk." Another declaration of future, determined action. It parallels "we will do," reinforcing the comprehensive nature of their pledge regarding both action and movement.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go." This phrase employs a parallel structure, almost a chiastic effect, emphasizing a comprehensive and total surrender to Joshua's leadership. The dual commitment ("do" and "go") covers all aspects of obedience: adherence to instructions and readiness for deployment. This parallelism creates a strong, emphatic declaration of unreserved loyalty and preparedness, leaving no room for negotiation or reservation. It highlights both intellectual understanding (of commands) and practical action (going).

Joshua 1 16 Bonus section

• Divine Mandate Acknowledged: The people's immediate and unequivocal response indicates their acceptance of Joshua not merely as a human leader, but as the one anointed by God to succeed Moses, carrying God's full authority. This reflects their belief in a theocratic system.
• Counter-Point to Past Disobedience: This commitment stands in stark contrast to previous instances of rebellion and unfaithfulness during the wilderness journey, signaling a matured nation ready to fulfil God's promises after learning from severe consequences.
• Foreshadowing of Christ's Leadership: The readiness to obey Joshua, whose name (Yeshua) is the same root as Jesus, prefigures the complete surrender and obedience expected from believers toward Christ, who leads them into true rest and eternal inheritance (Heb 4:8-10).
• Emphasis on Unity: The unanimous "we" in their response signifies a vital national unity that would be indispensable for the formidable task of conquering Canaan. Without such solidarity, the conquest would be impossible.

Joshua 1 16 Commentary

Joshua 1:16 captures the critical moment of corporate affirmation of divine leadership. Following God's robust commission to Joshua and Joshua's clear directives to the tribes, the people's resounding "yes" is a turning point. Their response is marked by absolute and unqualified obedience, pledging to do everything commanded and to go wherever sent. This declaration echoes Israel's covenant promise to God at Sinai, effectively affirming Joshua's role as God's representative. This unanimous submission was not only essential for unity in the upcoming military campaigns but also demonstrated a generational shift—a learning from the previous generation's failures of disobedience and unbelief. Their commitment reveals their understanding that faithfulness to God required their full obedience to His appointed leader. It models the willing submission and active engagement expected when God's clear will is presented through His chosen instrument.

Examples:

• A committed soldier saying, "Sir, yes, sir!" to every order, ready to act without question.
• A church body standing in unity behind a pastor chosen by the congregation and affirmed by spiritual authority.
• The early disciples, when called by Jesus, immediately left their nets and followed Him, willing to go and do whatever He commanded.