8. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
9. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
10. Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel,
11. “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the lord your God is giving you.”
12. Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them,
13. “Remember what Moses, the servant of the lord, commanded you: ‘The lord your God is giving you a place of rest. He has given you this land.’
14. Your wives, children, and livestock may remain here in the land Moses assigned to you on the east side of the Jordan River. But your strong warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory. Stay with them
15. until the lord gives them rest, as he has given you rest, and until they, too, possess the land the lord your God is giving them. Only then may you return and settle here on the east side of the Jordan River in the land that Moses, the servant of the lord, assigned to you.”
16. They answered Joshua, “We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us.