Bible Strands
Joshua 1:17
Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Israelite leaders address Joshua immediately after pledging compliance in verse 16 and before his final charge in verse 18. They stand at the threshold of the conquest, formally transferring their allegiance from Moses to his successor.
The words — The Hebrew verbs שָמַעְנוּ (sha.Ma'nu, "we listened") and נִשְמַע (nish.Ma', "we will listen") frame the verse, establishing a direct parallel between past obedience to Moses and future obedience to Joshua.
The thread — This leadership transition mirrors the covenantal continuity recorded in Joshua 1:5 and 1 Kings 1:37, where the promise of divine presence anchors the transfer of authority.
Why it lands — The text requires a clear, unconditional transfer of command to the new leader, grounded in the factual continuity of God's presence rather than personal charisma.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.
Cross-references
- Joshua 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
- 1 Kings 1:37 Just as the LORD was with my lord the king, so may He be with Solomon and make his throne even greater than that of my lord King David.”
- Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
- 1 Samuel 20:13 But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father.
- 1 Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.
- Psalms 20:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
- Psalms 20:4 May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
- Psalms 20:9 O LORD, save the king. Answer us on the day we call.
- Psalms 118:25 O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper!
- Matthew 21:9 The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”