Whenever there is a new United States President there is always a news story on what the new presidents first day in office looks like, what will be the first accomplishment that the new administration tackles in the first moments.

Joshua’s first task as leader of the nation of Israel is to reaffirm that the entire nation is still united in their goal of following the Lord into the whole promised land.

This is a big moment for Israel and for Joshua. Moses, the leader that the Reubenites and the Gadites negotiated the terms of their deal with was dead. And theoretically it would’ve been easy (not honorable) for them to skip out on fighting for a land that they themselves wouldn’t directly possess.

Their response here would have a bigger impact on the moral of the people, if the tribes or Reuben and Gad back out, well that’s two less tribes of soldiers that would be fighting along side of them.

However we see in verse 16,

16 They answered Joshua, “We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us. 17 We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!”

And just like that, its wheels up. Next stop Canaan.