Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

After the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, "Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise and go over this Jordan with all these people into the land I am giving them, the children of Israel. Every place where the sole of your foot will tread upon, I have given you, just as I said to Moses.

From the wilderness and this Lebanon even to the great river, the Euphrates River, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the west shall be your border. No man will be able to stand against you all the days of your life; just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will not abandon or fail you.

Be strong and of good courage! For you will divide this land among the people I swore to their fathers that I would give them. Be strong and very courageous, observing to do all the law that Moses my servant commanded you, not deviating from it to the right or left. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth; but you will meditate on it day and night.

Be strong and of good courage! Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua then commanded the officers of the people, saying, "Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people to prepare food, for within three days you will cross over the Jordan into the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.

You are to instruct the people, 'Prepare your supplies; within three days you will cross over this Jordan to enter and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you.' To the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, Joshua spoke, saying: "Remember the word which Moses, the servant of the Lord, commanded you: The Lord your God has given you rest and has given you this land.

Your wives, children, and livestock will remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. You are to go ahead with all your skilled warriors to help your brothers until the Lord gives them rest, just as he has given you rest, and they have taken possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them.

Then you shall return to the land of your inheritance which Moses, the servant of the Lord, gave you on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise. They replied to Joshua, saying, 'All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us, we will go.' According to how we obeyed Moses in everything, so we will obey you.

Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses." Whoever rebels against your commands and refuses to obey you in all that you command will be put to death. But you must remain strong and courageous.