Joshua 1:4
Joshua 1:4 in Multiple Translations
Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great River Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and west as far as 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.
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 border.
From the waste land and this mountain Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, and all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea, in the west, will be your country.
from the desert to Lebanon, and on up to the River Euphrates; all the land of the Hittites, and to the shore of the Mediterranean Sea to the west. This will be your territory.
From the wildernesse and this Lebanon euen vnto the great riuer, the riuer Perath: all the land of the Hittites, euen vnto the great Sea towarde the going downe of the sunne, shalbe your coast.
From this wilderness and Lebanon, and unto the great river, the river Phrath, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great Sea — the going in of the sun — is your border.
From the wilderness and this Lebanon even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border.
From the wilderness and this Lebanon even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea towards the setting of the sun, shall be your border.
From the desert and from Libanus unto the great river Euphrates, all the land of the Hethites unto the great sea toward the going; down of the sun, shall be your border.
That land will extend from the desert in the south, to the Lebanon Mountains in the northwest, and to the big Euphrates River in the northeast, and to the Mediterranean Sea on the west. It will include all the land where the descendants of Heth live.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 1:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 1:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ/הַ/מִּדְבָּר֩
וְ/הַ/לְּבָנ֨וֹן
הַ/זֶּ֜ה
וְֽ/עַד
הַ/נָּהָ֧ר
הַ/גָּד֣וֹל
נְהַר
פְּרָ֗ת
כֹּ֚ל
אֶ֣רֶץ
הַֽ/חִתִּ֔ים
וְ/עַד
הַ/יָּ֥ם
הַ/גָּד֖וֹל
מְב֣וֹא
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
גְּבוּלְ/כֶֽם
מֵ/הַ/מִּדְבָּר֩
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/לְּבָנ֨וֹן
Lᵉbânôwn
H3844
Lebanon
Conj | Art | N-proper
הַ/זֶּ֜ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
וְֽ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
הַ/נָּהָ֧ר
nâhâr
H5104
river
Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּד֣וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
נְהַר
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-ms
פְּרָ֗ת
Pᵉrâth
H6578
Euphrates
N-proper
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
הַֽ/חִתִּ֔ים
Chittîy
H2850
Hittite
Art | Ngmpa
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
הַ/יָּ֥ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
מְב֣וֹא
mâbôwʼ
H3996
entrance
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
גְּבוּלְ/כֶֽם
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 1:4
מֵ/הַ/מִּדְבָּר֩
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | Art | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
וְ/הַ/לְּבָנ֨וֹן
Lᵉbânôwn
H3844
"Lebanon"
Conj | Art | N-proper
Lebanon is a mountain range in Israel, named for its white snow or limestone peaks, often mentioned in Psalms and other books.
Definition: Combined with biq.ah (בִּקְעָה " Valley" H1237I) § Lebanon = "whiteness" a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: Lebanon. See also: Deuteronomy 1:7; Psalms 104:16; Psalms 29:5.
הַ/זֶּ֜ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וְֽ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/נָּהָ֧ר
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
הַ/גָּד֣וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
נְהַר
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
פְּרָ֗ת
Pᵉrâth
H6578
"Euphrates"
N-proper
The Euphrates River is the largest and longest in western Asia, flowing from the Armenian mountains to the Persian Gulf. It symbolizes fruitfulness and is mentioned in the Bible as a significant landmark.
Definition: § Euphrates = "fruitfulness" the largest and longest river of western Asia; rises from two chief sources in the Armenian mountains and flows into the Persian Gulf
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Euphrates. See also: Genesis 2:14; 1 Chronicles 18:3; Jeremiah 13:4.
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַֽ/חִתִּ֔ים
Chittîy
H2850
"Hittite"
Art | Ngmpa
A Hittite is a descendant of Heth, a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 10:15. The Hittites were a group of people related to the Canaanites and other nearby tribes. They are often mentioned in the Bible, including in the book of Joshua.
Definition: Someone descended from Heth who was a man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.15; son of: Canaan (H3667); brother of: Sidon (H6721), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577); also called Hittite (KJV: "of Heth") frequently Group of chet (חֵת "Heth" H2845) § Hittite = "descendant of Heth" the nation descended from Heth, the 2nd son of Canaan; once inhabitants of central Anatolia (modern Turkey), later in north Lebanon
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Hittite, Hittities. See also: Genesis 15:20; Joshua 24:11; Ezekiel 16:45.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/יָּ֥ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
הַ/גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
מְב֣וֹא
mâbôwʼ
H3996
"entrance"
N-ms
This word means an entrance, or the act of entering, and can also refer to the west or sunset. It describes a place or action of coming in. The KJV translates it as entrance or entry.
Definition: 1) entrance, a coming in, entering 2) sunset 2a) sunset 2b) sunset, west Also means: me.vo.ah (מְבוֹאָה "entry" H3997)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: by which came, as cometh, in coming, as men enter into, entering, entrance into, entry, where goeth, going down, [phrase] westward. Compare H4126 (מוֹבָא). See also: Deuteronomy 11:30; Psalms 50:1; Psalms 104:19.
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
גְּבוּלְ/כֶֽם
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
Study Notes — Joshua 1:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 1:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 1:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 1:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 1:4
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 1:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
- Sermons on Joshua 1:4
Context — God Instructs Joshua
2“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel.
3I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses.
4Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great River Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and west as far as the Great Sea.
5No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 23:31 | And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. |
| 2 | Genesis 15:18–21 | On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 3:25 | Please let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that pleasant hill country as well as Lebanon!” |
| 4 | Numbers 34:2–18 | “Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land of Canaan, it will be allotted to you as an inheritance with these boundaries: Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern border will run from the end of the Salt Sea, cross south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and go south of Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go on to Hazar-addar and proceed to Azmon, where it will turn from Azmon, join the Brook of Egypt, and end at the Sea. Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west. Your northern border will run from the Great Sea directly to Mount Hor, and from Mount Hor to Lebo-hamath, then extend to Zedad, continue to Ziphron, and end at Hazar-enan. This will be your boundary on the north. And your eastern border will run straight from Hazar-enan to Shepham, then go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth. Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides.” So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has commanded that it be given to the nine and a half tribes. For the tribes of the Reubenites and Gadites, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, have already received their inheritance. These two and a half tribes have received their inheritance across the Jordan from Jericho, toward the sunrise.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “These are the names of the men who are to assign the land as an inheritance for you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 1:7 | Resume your journey and go to the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the hill country, in the foothills, in the Negev, and along the seacoast to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great River Euphrates. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 11:24 | Every place where the sole of your foot treads will be yours. Your territory will extend from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Western Sea. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 5:9 | They also settled in the east as far as the edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates River, because their livestock had increased in the land of Gilead. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 18:3 | As far as Hamath, David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah, who had marched out to establish his dominion along the Euphrates River. |
Joshua 1:4 Summary
This verse is a promise from God to Joshua, telling him that the land He is giving to the Israelites will stretch from the wilderness in the east to the Great Sea in the west, and from Lebanon in the north to the Euphrates River in the northeast. This is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:18, and is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people. As believers, we can trust in God's presence and protection, just like Joshua did, and be strong and courageous in the face of challenges, knowing that God is always with us (as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5). This promise is not just for the Israelites, but is also a reminder of God's love and care for us today, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'wilderness' refer to in Joshua 1:4?
The 'wilderness' in Joshua 1:4 is likely referring to the wilderness of Arabia, east of the Jordan River, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:1 and Deuteronomy 11:24, which describe the territory given to the Israelites.
Who were the Hittites and why are they mentioned in this verse?
The Hittites were one of the many nations that inhabited the land of Canaan, as mentioned in Exodus 3:8 and Exodus 23:23, and their land was part of the territory promised to the Israelites by God.
What is the significance of the 'Great River Euphrates' in this verse?
The 'Great River Euphrates' in Joshua 1:4 marks the eastern boundary of the promised land, as seen in Genesis 15:18, where God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising to give his descendants the land between the Euphrates and the Nile rivers.
How does this verse relate to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:18?
Joshua 1:4 is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:18, where He promised to give Abraham's descendants the land between the Euphrates and the Nile rivers, and is also a restatement of the promise made to Moses in Deuteronomy 11:24.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to give us a 'territory' or an 'inheritance', and how does this apply to our lives as believers?
- How does the promise of God's presence and protection in this verse encourage us to trust in Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5?
- In what ways can we, like Joshua, be strong and courageous in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as encouraged in Joshua 1:6 and Deuteronomy 31:7?
- What does this verse teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can we apply this to our own lives and circumstances, as seen in Joshua 21:45 and 1 Kings 8:56?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 1:4
From the wilderness,.... The wilderness of Kadesh and Sin, on the border of Edom; in the southeast corner, as Jarchi says, see Numbers 34:3; and this Lebanon; which though on the other side Jordan,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 1:4
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
This Lebanon; this emphatically, as being the most eminent mountain in Syria, and the northern border of the land: or this which is within my view; as if the Lord appeared to him in the form of a man, and pointed to it. Of the Hittites, i.e. of the Canaanites, who elsewhere are all called Amorites, as , and here Hittites, by a synecdoche; the Hittites being the most considerable and formidable of all, as may appear from 14:1 ; and many of them being of the race of the giants, dwelling about Hebron. See ,10 26:34 . The great sea; the midland sea, great in itself, and especially compared with those lesser collections of waters, which the Jews called seas. Object. The Israelites never possessed all this land. Answ. 1. That was from their own sloth and cowardice, and disobedience to God, and breach of those conditions upon which this promise was suspended. See . 2. This land was not all to be possessed by them at once, but by degrees, as their numbers and necessities increased; but Canaan being fully sufficient for them, and many of the Israelites being from time to time either cut off or carried captive for their sins, there was never any need of enlarging their possessions. 3.
Though their possessions extended not to Euphrates, yet their dominion did, and all those lands were tributary to them in David’ s and Solomon’ s time.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
Joshua 1:4 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.Ver. 4. From the wilderness.] Here we have the topography of the promised land, as it hath the wilderness of Arabia on the south, Mount Lebanon on the north, the Mediterranean Sea on the west, and Euphrates on the east. All the land of the Hittites.] Those sturdiest of all the Canaanites.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
(4) All the land of the Hittites.—The name Hittites may be used here to represent all the Canaanites; but it seems better to understand the land of the Hittites of the northern districts in which Hamath and Carchemish were situated—between Palestine proper and the Euphrates; but compare Note on Judges 1:26.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
Verse 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon] Joshua appears to be standing with his face towards the promised land, and pointing out the different places, or their situation, with his hand, THIS Lebanon, c. The utmost of their limits should be from the desert of Arabia Petraea on the SOUTH to Lebanon on the NORTH: and from the Euphrates on the EAST to the Mediterranean Sea on the WEST. The Israelites did not possess the full extent of this grant till the days of David. See 2 Samuel 8:3, c., and 2 Chronicles 9:26. Land of the Hittites] These are generally reputed to have been the most hardy and warlike of all the Canaanitish nations and as they occupied the mountainous countries on the south of the land of Canaan, it is natural to suppose that they would be the most difficult to subdue, and on this account, it is supposed, God particularly specifies these: "Ye shall subdue and possess even all the land of the Hittites," but it is probable that under this one term all the other nations are included, as it is certain they are in other places under the term Amorites. Great sea: The Mediterranean, called great in respect of the lakes in the land of Judea, such as the sea of Gennesareth, or the sea of Tiberias, and the Dead Sea, which were comparatively small lakes; but the Hebrews gave the name of sea, ים yam, to every large collection of waters.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 1:4
4. From the wilderness] For the boundaries of the Land of Promise compare (a) Genesis 15:18-21; (b) Exodus 23:31; (c) Numbers 34:1-12; (d) Deuteronomy 11:24. They were to be, on the South, the desert of El-Tíh; on the North, Mount Lebanon; on the East, the Euphrates; on the West, the Mediterranean Sea. this Lebanon] Compare also Joshua 1:2, “this Jordan,” and Deuteronomy 3:25. The river was visible and lay close at hand; the Lebanon range (= “the white Mountain”) could be discerned, though at a great distance. the great river] “The great flood Eufrates,” Wyclif. This is the term (comp. Genesis 2:14; Genesis 15:18) most frequently used in the Bible for the Euphrates, a word of Aryan origin, denoting “the good and abounding river,” the largest, the longest, and by far the most important of the rivers of Western Asia. the land of the Hittites] This nation was descended from Cheth (A. V. “Heth”), the second son of Canaan. We first meet with them in Genesis 23:3-5, when Abraham bought from “the children of Heth” the field and the cave of Machpelah. On their relation to the other nations of Canaan see below. They are here put for the Canaanites generally.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 1:4
Lebanon is spoken of as “this Lebanon,” because visible from the neighborhood in which Israel was encamped.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 1:4
4. The wilderness — This word is especially applied to that desert of Arabia Petraea in which the Israelites sojourned under Moses.
Sermons on Joshua 1:4
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 23-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various teachings from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of judges not receiving gifts in order to maintain impartiality in their judgm |
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Genesis #13 Ch. 14-15 Contrast of Abraham and Lot by Chuck Missler | In this sermon on Genesis chapters 14 and 15, Chuck Misler explores the relationship between Abraham and Lot. He introduces the concept of the law of first mention, which suggests |
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Abraham - Only God Matters by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He expresses the need for prayers and acknowledges the challenges and effort tha |
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(Exodus) Exodus 32:30-35 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights the concept of atonement, which was a way to cover up sin before |
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(Exodus) Exodus 2:25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's love and grace are the reasons for our salvation. He explains that God didn't save us because of our attractiveness or goodness, |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an |
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I Can't Take It by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbol emphasizes the importance of shining as believers by doing everything without complaining or arguing. He acknowledges that this is not an easy task, b |