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.

JOSHUA 1:15KJV
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Joshua 1:15 (KJV)

What does Joshua 1:15 mean?

Joshua 1:15 describes how the tribes who had already received land east of the Jordan River were instructed to help their fellow Israelites conquer the rest of the promised land before returning to settle in their own territory. The verse emphasizes that they were to support their "brethren" until everyone had received "rest" and possessed their land, just as they had.

Joshua is speaking to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, reminding them of their agreement with Moses. Although these tribes had already been given land by Moses on the east side of the Jordan (toward the sunrise), they were required to help the other tribes secure their inheritance west of the Jordan before returning home to enjoy their own land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 1:15

  • "Rest" (נוּחַ, nuach): This word means more than just physical rest; it often refers to a settled, secure life in the land, free from enemies. Here, it highlights the idea of peace and stability for all the Israelites, not just a few tribes.
  • "Possession" (יְרֻשָּׁה, yerushah): This term refers to land that is not just occupied but inherited and owned as a permanent home. The focus is on the lasting nature of the gift.
  • "Sunrising" (מִזְרָח־שֶׁמֶשׁ, mizrach-shemesh): This phrase literally means "toward the rising of the sun," pointing to the east. It clarifies the specific location of the land given to these tribes, emphasizing the geographical detail.

Why Joshua 1:15 matters

  • Joshua 1:15 clarifies that the unity of the Israelite tribes was essential; no tribe was to settle fully until all had received their share, showing a sense of shared responsibility.
  • The verse connects back to promises made by Moses, underlining the continuity of leadership and the fulfillment of earlier agreements.
  • The emphasis on "rest" and "possession" helps the reader see that the goal was not just military victory, but a settled, peaceful life for the whole community.

Where else these words appear

“possession” Hebrew H3425 · used in 12 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.
  • Deuteronomy 2:19 And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.
  • Judges 21:17 And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.

“given” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 21:10 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.
  • Isaiah 7:19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes.

“sunrising” Hebrew H4217 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 27:13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
  • Joshua 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;
  • 2 Chronicles 4:4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

“side” Hebrew H5676 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Joshua 9:1 And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;
  • 2 Samuel 10:16 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.