Even near the end of his life, Joshua is reminded that the LORD’s promises require continued faith and effort to be fully realized.
Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the LORD said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed.’ (Joshua 13:1)
In this passage, the text opens by telling us that Joshua has grown old after faithfully leading the people of Israel in their conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua succeeded Moses around 1406 BC and led God’s people in military victories over many of the inhabitants of Canaan. By this point, the initial major battles had passed, but there were still remaining territories in Canaan that had not been fully taken. The phrase very much of the land remains to be possessed reveals that while many enemies had been subdued, the nation still had tasks ahead to continue establishing themselves in the inheritance God promised to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:7). Joshua, having served with steadfast faith, finds himself at a stage of life where he must exhort others to press on with God’s promises in view.
Although Joshua was advanced in years, the LORD continued to have a purpose and plan for Israel. God’s charge in this verse reminds believers that there may be lingering strongholds in their own lives, requiring continued vigilance to walk in obedience to the LORD. It also reflects the pattern of leadership transitions found throughout Scripture. Even when stalwart leaders age, God’s work persists through successive generations. Joshua’s own name (in Hebrew, Yeshua) foreshadows Jesus in the New Testament, whose name also means “the LORD saves.” The writer of Hebrews teaches that Jesus provides a truer, fuller rest than Joshua could ever give (Hebrews 4:8-9), reminding us that the conquest of Canaan was an important milestone, but not God’s final statement on redeeming and renewing His creation.
Joshua 13:1 underscores that reaching an older age does not erase God’s calling, but rather highlights the transitions and continuity of God’s plan for His people. Even though Joshua could not reclaim the remaining land on his own, his faithful example and the LORD’s abiding presence offered Israel the courage and strength to complete their covenant destiny (Joshua 1:9).
Set to dark mode
Joshua 13:1 meaning
Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the LORD said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed.’ (Joshua 13:1)
In this passage, the text opens by telling us that Joshua has grown old after faithfully leading the people of Israel in their conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua succeeded Moses around 1406 BC and led God’s people in military victories over many of the inhabitants of Canaan. By this point, the initial major battles had passed, but there were still remaining territories in Canaan that had not been fully taken. The phrase very much of the land remains to be possessed reveals that while many enemies had been subdued, the nation still had tasks ahead to continue establishing themselves in the inheritance God promised to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:7). Joshua, having served with steadfast faith, finds himself at a stage of life where he must exhort others to press on with God’s promises in view.
Although Joshua was advanced in years, the LORD continued to have a purpose and plan for Israel. God’s charge in this verse reminds believers that there may be lingering strongholds in their own lives, requiring continued vigilance to walk in obedience to the LORD. It also reflects the pattern of leadership transitions found throughout Scripture. Even when stalwart leaders age, God’s work persists through successive generations. Joshua’s own name (in Hebrew, Yeshua) foreshadows Jesus in the New Testament, whose name also means “the LORD saves.” The writer of Hebrews teaches that Jesus provides a truer, fuller rest than Joshua could ever give (Hebrews 4:8-9), reminding us that the conquest of Canaan was an important milestone, but not God’s final statement on redeeming and renewing His creation.
Joshua 13:1 underscores that reaching an older age does not erase God’s calling, but rather highlights the transitions and continuity of God’s plan for His people. Even though Joshua could not reclaim the remaining land on his own, his faithful example and the LORD’s abiding presence offered Israel the courage and strength to complete their covenant destiny (Joshua 1:9).