“Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you, and all this people, to the land which I give to them, even to the children of Israel.
God speaks to Joshua directly, probably in vision or dream, because though He has bound us to instituted means, He has not bound Himself to them. He can speak to hearts by other ways than our ears, and He does so here to give Joshua the greatest encouragement.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 1:1-9
now therefore arise, go over this Jordan--Joshua's mission was that of a military leader. This passage records his call to begin the work, and the address contains a literal repetition of the promise made to Moses (Deu 11:24-25; Deu 31:6-8, Deu 31:23).
God speaks of Moses dead to show Joshua that the burden falls now upon him by right of succession; Moses held the office his time, and Joshua must fill the vacant place. He promises them not merely a command but the peaceful possession of every inch of ground they set foot on, for confidence in the outcome is what gives a man vigor to attempt great things.
AI summary