Joshua

12Then the LORD said to Moses, "Climb up this mountain called Abarim. Look out at the land I am giving to the people of Israel.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.

NoteAbarim was a row of mountains. From the top you could see a long way. Moses could look across at the new land.

13After you have seen it, you will die and join your family, the way your brother Aaron did.

And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.

Note"Gathered unto thy people" was an old way of saying someone died. Aaron was Moses' older brother and the first priest. He had died not long before this.

14This is because you and Aaron did not obey me in the desert of Zin. The people were angry and arguing about water. I told you what to do, to show the people how holy I am. But you did not do it. That water is called the water of Meribah, at Kadesh, in the desert of Zin."

For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

NoteThis is about something that happened earlier. The people had no water and were angry. God told Moses what to do, but Moses did something else. Meribah means "arguing." Holy means God is special, not like anyone else.

15Then Moses said to the LORD:

And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,

16"LORD, you are the God of the spirits of all living things. Please choose a man to lead these people.

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

NoteThe words here are "the spirits of all flesh," which means the life inside every living thing, people and animals.

17Let him go out in front of them and come back in front of them. Let him lead them out and bring them home. Then your people will not be like sheep with no shepherd."

Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

Note"Go out and come in" was an old way of talking. It meant leading people every day, even into battle. A shepherd is someone who takes care of sheep. Sheep get lost without one.

18The LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua, the son of Nun. God's Spirit is in him. Put your hand on him.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

NoteJoshua had helped Moses for many years. He was one of two men who trusted God when the others were afraid. "God's Spirit is in him" means God was with Joshua in a special way.

19Have him stand in front of Eleazar the priest and all the people. There, where everyone can see, give him his new job.

And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.

NoteThis was done where everyone could watch. Then all the people knew who their new leader was.

20Give him some of your own power to lead. Then all the people of Israel will obey him.

And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

NoteMoses was still the leader until he died. But now some of his power to lead was given to Joshua.

21Joshua will stand before Eleazar the priest. Eleazar will ask the LORD what Joshua should do. He will use the Urim to find out God's answer. When Eleazar gives the word, Joshua and all Israel will go out. When he gives the word, they will come back."

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

NoteThe Urim was kept in the priest's special vest. The priest used it to ask God questions. It gave answers like yes or no. Nobody today knows just how it worked.

22Moses did what the LORD told him. He took Joshua and had him stand in front of Eleazar the priest and all the people.

And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:

23Moses put his hands on Joshua and gave him his new job. He did just what the LORD had said through him.

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

NotePutting your hands on someone was like handing over a job. Everyone watching could see who was chosen.

25The men of Gad and Reuben said to Moses, "We will do just what you say.

And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

26Our children, our wives, and all our animals will stay here in the towns of Gilead.

Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead:

27But every one of us will cross the river with weapons. We will fight before the LORD, just as you say."

But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the LORD to battle, as my lord saith.

28So Moses gave orders about them. He told Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the family leaders of Israel.

So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:

NoteJoshua would be the leader after Moses died. So Moses tells him the plan too.

29Moses said to them, "The men of Gad and Reuben may cross the Jordan with you. Every man of them must be armed for battle before the LORD. If they do, and the land is won, give them Gilead to keep.

And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:

30But if they will not cross over armed with you, they get no land here. They must take their share with you inside Canaan."

But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

NoteCanaan was the land God promised, west of the Jordan River.

31The men of Gad and Reuben answered, "We will do what the LORD has said.

And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

32We will cross into Canaan with our weapons, before the LORD. Then the land here, on this side of the river, will be ours."

We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours.

34The LORD heard what you said. He was angry, and he made a promise.

And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,

NoteMaking a promise here means God said something and would not change it.

35He said, "Not one man from this bad group of people will see that good land. I promised that land to your fathers.

Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,

36Only Caleb son of Jephunneh will see it. I will give him the land he walked on. I will give it to his children too. He followed the LORD with his whole heart."

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.

NoteCaleb was one of the twelve men who went to look at the land. He said the people could go in.

37The LORD was angry with me too, because of you. He said, "You will not go into the land either.

Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.

38But Joshua son of Nun, your helper, will go in. Cheer him on, because he will lead Israel into the land.

But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

NoteJoshua worked beside Moses and helped him. Later Joshua became the leader.

39You said your little ones would be taken away. But your children, who did not know right from wrong then, will go in. I will give them the land, and it will be theirs.

Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

NoteVery young children are too little to choose right from wrong yet. So God did not blame them.

40As for you, turn around. Go back into the desert, toward the Red Sea."

But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

NoteThe Red Sea is the big water God opened for them when they left Egypt.

21At that time I said to Joshua, "You saw with your own eyes what the LORD your God did to those two kings. The LORD will do the same to every kingdom you go into.

And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.

NoteJoshua was Moses' helper. He would lead the people after Moses died.

22Do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God himself will fight for you."

Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.

23At that time I begged the LORD. I said,

And I besought the LORD at that time, saying,

24"O Lord GOD, you have started to show me how great and strong you are. What god in heaven or on earth can do the works you do? Who has power like yours?

O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?

NoteHere the King James uses two words for God at once. It is a way of speaking with great respect.

25Please let me cross over. I want to see the good land on the other side of the Jordan. I want to see those fine hills and Lebanon."

I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.

NoteLebanon was a land to the north. It had high mountains and huge cedar trees.

26But the LORD was angry with me because of you. He would not listen to me. The LORD said, "That is enough. Do not talk to me about this again.

But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.

27Go up to the top of Mount Pisgah. Look west, north, south, and east. Look at the land with your own eyes. But you will not cross this Jordan River.

Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

NotePisgah was a high spot. From the top you could see far across the land.

28Instead, give Joshua his job. Cheer him up and make him strong. He will lead the people across the river. He will help them take the land you will see."

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

NoteTo "charge" someone means to give them their job. Moses was telling Joshua what he must do. To "inherit" land means to be given it to keep for good.

29So we stayed in the valley across from Bethpeor.

So we abode in the valley over against Bethpeor.

NoteBethpeor was a town. Israel camped in the valley near it.

1Moses went and spoke these words to all the people of Israel.

And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel.

NoteIsrael was a big family of people. God had chosen them long ago. Moses was their leader. He had led them out of Egypt, where they were slaves.

2He said, "I am 120 years old today. I cannot lead you back and forth anymore. The LORD also told me I will not cross the Jordan River."

And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

NoteThe King James says Moses could no more "go out and come in." That was a way of saying he could not lead them anymore. The Jordan is a river. The people had to cross it to reach the new land God promised them.

3"The LORD your God will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy the nations there, and you will take their land. Joshua will lead you across, just as the LORD said."

The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

NoteThe "nations" were the groups of people already living in that land. Joshua was Moses' helper. He would be the new leader.

4"The LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og. They were kings of the Amorites. He destroyed them, and he did the same to their land."

And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.

NoteSihon and Og were kings the people had already fought and beaten. The Amorites were one of the groups living near the Jordan River. The people listening remembered those battles well.

5"The LORD will hand those nations over to you. Then you must do to them just what I commanded you."

And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.

6"Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God goes with you. He will never let you down. He will never leave you."

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

7Then Moses called Joshua. He spoke to him while all Israel watched. "Be strong and brave. You will go with these people into the land. Long ago the LORD promised this land to their fathers. You will help them take it as their own."

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

Note"Their fathers" means the grandfathers and great grandfathers from long ago. God made his promise to them many years before.

8"The LORD himself goes ahead of you. He will be with you. He will never let you down. He will never leave you. Do not be afraid. Do not give up hope."

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

14The LORD said to Moses, "You will die soon. Call Joshua. Both of you come to the meeting tent. There I will give Joshua his new job." So Moses and Joshua went and stood at the tent.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation.

NoteThe meeting tent was a special tent where people came to meet God. The King James calls it the "tabernacle." "Give him a charge" means to officially hand someone a job.

15The LORD appeared at the tent inside a tall cloud. The cloud stood over the doorway of the tent.

And the LORD appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle.

NoteIn the desert, God led the people with a tall cloud in the daytime. Seeing that cloud meant God himself was there.

16The LORD said to Moses, "Soon you will die and rest with your family. Then these people will turn away from me. They will worship the gods of the land they are entering. They will leave me and break the agreement I made with them."

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.

Note"Sleep with thy fathers" is a gentle way of saying Moses would die. He would be buried near his family. The King James also says the people would "go a whoring" after other gods. That is a picture of breaking a marriage promise. Worshiping other gods meant breaking their promise to God.

17"On that day I will be angry with them. I will leave them and turn my face away. They will be destroyed. Many troubles and hard times will come. Then they will say, 'These troubles came because our God is not with us.'"

Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?

NoteWhen a person turns their face away, they stop helping you. "Hide my face" means God would stop protecting them.

18"On that day I will surely turn my face away. I will do it because of all the wrong they have done. They have turned to other gods."

And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.

19"So write down this song for yourselves. Teach it to the people of Israel. Have them sing it out loud. Then the song will speak for me against them."

Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.

NoteA witness is someone who tells what really happened. Most people could not read back then. But a song is easy to remember. So the song would remind them of God's words for years and years.

20"I will bring them into the land I promised their fathers. It is a rich land, full of milk and honey. They will eat all they want and grow rich. Then they will turn to other gods and serve them. They will turn against me and break our agreement."

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

Note"Milk and honey" was a way of saying the land was rich. There was good grass for the cows and goats. There were flowers for the bees. The King James says the people would grow "fat." That meant they would have plenty and live in comfort.

21"Many troubles and hard times will come to them. Then this song will speak against them. Their children and grandchildren will still remember it. I already know what they are planning. I know it even now, before I bring them into the land I promised."

And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.

NoteThe King James says the song would stay in the mouths of their "seed." "Seed" means their children and their children's children.

22So that same day Moses wrote this song down. He taught it to the people of Israel.

Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel.

23Then the LORD gave Joshua son of Nun his job. He said, "Be strong and brave. You will bring the people of Israel into the land I promised them. And I will be with you."

And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

NoteNun was Joshua's father. Back then people often told whose son you were. It helped everyone know which Joshua you meant.

5So Moses, who served God, died there in the land of Moab. It happened just as God had said it would.

So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.

NoteThe old words call Moses "the servant of the LORD." A servant is someone who works for another person. This was a name of honor for Moses.

6God buried him in a valley in Moab, across from a place called Beth-peor. Even today, no one knows where his grave is.

And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

NoteA grave is the place where a dead person's body is laid. Back then, people often visited the graves of famous leaders. No one could visit this one.

7Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eyes still saw clearly. He was still strong.

And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

NoteThe old words say "his eye was not dim." That means Moses could still see well. They also say his "force" was not gone. That means he was still strong.

8The people of Israel cried for Moses for thirty days. They stayed in the flat land of Moab. Then the days of crying and sadness for Moses were over.

And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

NoteCrying together for thirty days was how people showed they were sad. It was their way of saying goodbye to an important leader.

9Joshua, the son of Nun, was full of a wise spirit. This was because Moses had put his hands on him to make him the new leader. So the people of Israel listened to Joshua. They did what God had told Moses they should do.

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

NotePutting your hands on someone's head was a way to give them a big job. Everyone watching knew that Joshua was now the leader.

10Since then, no prophet in Israel has been like Moses. God knew Moses face to face.

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,

NoteA prophet is someone who tells people what God says. "Face to face" means God and Moses talked the way close friends talk.

11No other prophet did all the signs and wonders that Moses did. God sent him to do them in Egypt. He did them against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, against all his helpers, and against his whole land.

In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land,

NoteSigns and wonders are amazing things that only God can do. Egypt was the country where the people of Israel had been slaves. Pharaoh was the king there who did not want to let them go.

12No other prophet did such strong and powerful things. Moses did them where all Israel could watch.

And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.

NoteThe old words say "mighty hand" and "great terror." They mean the huge, surprising things Moses did that made people amazed.

1Moses, God's servant, had died. After that, the LORD spoke to Joshua, the son of Nun. Joshua had been Moses' helper.

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

NoteMoses led God's people out of Egypt, where they had been slaves. He was their leader for many years, and Joshua was his helper. The King James calls Joshua Moses' "minister." That old word just means helper. When you see LORD in big letters, it is God's own special name.

2God said, "My servant Moses is dead. Now get up. Cross the Jordan River with all these people. Go into the land I am giving to Israel."

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

NoteThe Jordan is a river. God's people were camped on one side of it. The land God promised them was on the other side. "Children of Israel" means the whole nation, not only kids. They all came from one family long ago.

3"Every place you walk, I have given to you. That is what I promised Moses."

Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4"Your land will reach from the dry desert to Lebanon. It will reach to the big river called the Euphrates. It will include all the land of the Hittites. It will reach west to the great sea."

From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

NoteLebanon is a land of tall mountains north of Israel. The Euphrates is a very long river far to the east. The Hittites were a people who lived in that part of the world. The "great sea" is the sea we call the Mediterranean, off to the west. The King James word "coast" here means border, not a beach.

5"No one will be able to beat you as long as you live. I was with Moses, and I will be with you. I will never leave you. I will never turn away from you."

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Note"Forsake" is an old word. It means to walk away and leave someone all alone.

6"Be strong and brave. You will divide this land among the people. It is the land I promised long ago to their grandfathers."

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

Note"Fathers" here means grandfathers and great-grandfathers from long, long ago. An "inheritance" is something a family is given to keep and pass down. Joshua's job was to give each family its own piece of the land.

7"Most of all, be strong and very brave. Carefully obey all the rules Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, not even a little. Then things will go well wherever you go."

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

NoteThe law was the whole set of rules God gave the people through Moses. "Prosper" is an old word for having things go well.

8"Keep saying the words of this book of rules. Think about them all day and all night. Do this so you will be careful to do all it says. Then you will do well and succeed."

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

NoteBooks then were scrolls, long sheets rolled up on sticks. This scroll held the rules God gave Moses. "Meditate" means to think about something slowly, again and again. People often read out loud, so the words stayed in your mouth.

9"I am the one telling you this. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. The LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Note"Dismayed" is an old word. It means scared and ready to give up.

10Then Joshua gave orders to the officers of the people, the men who passed on orders.

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

NoteOfficers were helpers who carried Joshua's orders to all the people.

11"Walk through the camp. Tell the people to get food ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River. You will go in and take the land. The LORD your God is giving it to you."

Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.

Note"Victuals" is an old word for food. "The host" means the whole big camp of people. They packed food because they were about to travel.

12Joshua also spoke to the families of Reuben and Gad. He spoke to half the family of Manasseh too.

And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,

NoteReuben, Gad, and Manasseh were three of Israel's big family groups. These groups are called tribes. Israel had twelve tribes, one from each of twelve brothers. These three had already been given land on the east side of the river.

13He said, "Remember what Moses, the LORD's servant, told you. He said the LORD your God would give you a safe home. He said God would give you this land."

Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.

Note"Rest" here means a safe home where no one comes to fight you.

14"Your wives, your children, and your animals may stay here. This land east of the Jordan is the land Moses gave you. But your strong fighting men must cross the river first. Go ahead of your brothers, and help them."

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;

Note"Men of valour" means brave men who fight. These men would cross the river to help the other tribes. Their wives and children stayed safe at home.

15"Stay with them until the LORD gives them a safe home too. Stay until they own the land the LORD is giving them. Then you may come back to your own land. It is the land Moses gave you east of the Jordan."

Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.

NoteThe King James says "toward the sunrising." The sun comes up in the east. So this means the land on the east side of the river.

16They answered Joshua, "We will do everything you tell us. We will go anywhere you send us."

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

17"We obeyed Moses in everything. We will obey you the same way. We only ask that the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses."

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.

Note"Hearken" is an old word. It means to listen and then do what you are told.

18"Anyone who refuses to obey your orders will be put to death. Most of all, be strong and brave!"

Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

NoteThe people were promising to follow Joshua the way soldiers follow their leader. Long ago, refusing to obey in a war was punished very hard.