Will Tread

Joshua 1:2-3 ESV

2 Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.

One may find foreshadowings of Christ in the accounts of Moses and Joshua. Moses died before entering the promised land due to disobedience. Jesus died to atone for our disobedience. Joshua is told to rise and lead the people into the promised land. Jesus rises from the grave to lead the captives free.

The word translated here as servant appears as the transliterated "therapon" in the Septuagint. It is a different Greek word than commonly translated as servant in the New Testament, and carries the meaning of one carrying out the commands of the Lord.

The land is given. God's promises are the same as done.

The wandering in the desert is over, the wilderness journey finds its end.

Israel is to tread in the land, which can point to the winepress in Revelation. In a sense, the destruction of the current occupants due to their wickedness is a judgment against them. God reminds Israel that He is not giving them the land on their merit, but His will and authority.

The measure of the land is not undecided, but it is the land the tread as they follow Him.