Joshua 1:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Their families and herds may stay east of the Jordan, but the fighting men must cross over armed to help their brothers.
What Does Joshua 1:14 Mean?
Joshua spells out the terms. The families, children, and livestock of the eastern tribes may remain safely in the land Moses gave them. But the warriors -- the mighty men of valor -- must cross the Jordan ahead of the rest, armed and ready to fight alongside their brothers until the western land is won.
Here is a picture of solidarity in God's people. Those already at rest are to go before the others into danger, putting shared duty above private comfort. The strong are sent to help the rest reach the same peace they enjoy. This is a foretaste of the love that bears one another's burdens -- a people who will not enter their rest alone while their brothers and sisters still struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 1:14
What does Joshua 1:14 mean?
Their families and herds may stay east of the Jordan, but the fighting men must cross over armed to help their brothers.