Matthew Henry Commentary Joshua 1:1-4

"Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the servant of Jehovah, that Jehovah spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses` minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, to you have I given it, as I spake unto Moses. 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." — Joshua 1:1-4 (ASV)

Joshua had served Moses. He who was called to honor had long been accustomed to responsibilities. Our Lord Jesus took upon him the form of a servant. Joshua was trained under command. Those are most fit to rule who have learned to obey.

The removal of useful men should spur survivors to be more diligent in doing good. Arise, go over Jordan. At this place and at this time, the banks were overflowed. Joshua had no bridge or boats, and yet he must believe that God, having ordered the people over, would open a way.