Joshua 13:1–7 – Finishing the Race, Not Just Starting It
“Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.'”
— Joshua 13:1 ESV
📍The War Is Not Over
Joshua had seen it all. From the deliverance of Egypt to the wandering wilderness, and finally, the victories in Canaan—he had fought long and well. Now advanced in years, you might expect God to say, “You’ve done enough, Joshua. Rest easy.”
Instead, God’s message is unexpected and sobering: “There remains very much land to possess.” The conquest is not complete. The fight isn’t finished. Though Joshua had been faithful in leadership, his role was shifting—not to warfare, but to distribution. He would not personally capture all the territory, but he would be instrumental in passing on the promise.
This passage is a profound reminder that our calling doesn’t end with age or accomplishments. As long as there is land to possess, the mission continues.
📖 Theological Anchors in Joshua 13
1. God Sees What Remains (v.1)
Joshua is described as “old and advanced in years.” Yet the very next phrase is divine commission: “There remains very much land to possess.” God doesn’t assess value based on age. He assesses it by faithfulness and availability.
In the Christian life, retirement from God’s calling doesn’t exist. While our roles may shift, the mission continues.
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12 ESV
Joshua’s battle days may be nearing an end, but his ministry of legacy is just beginning.
2. The Unpossessed Land Listed (vv.2–6a)
God is specific about what still needs to be conquered. The Philistine territories, the northern Lebanon hill country, the land of the Gebalites—all are enumerated with precision. These regions represent both spiritual strongholds and literal threats that must be removed for the promise to be fully realized.
Notice: God never forgets what He has promised. Even if Israel had grown weary, the Lord had not. His accounting is thorough. Every inch of promised territory is sacred to Him.
There’s an important parallel here: many Christians settle into spiritual neutrality—saved, but not sanctified; forgiven, but not fully free. God wants more than just deliverance—He desires full possession of every part of your life.
Where in your spiritual walk do you still need to possess what God has already given you?
🧠 Word Study – “Possess” (Hebrew: yarash)
The word translated “possess” (yarash) appears over 200 times in the Old Testament and often conveys a legal inheritance or a divine claim. In Joshua 13, it’s not about ambition—it’s about rightful inheritance.
To possess what God has promised is not selfish—it is faithful. God’s promises are not trophies to admire but territories to inhabit.
3. God Will Drive Them Out—But His People Must Advance (v.6b)
“I myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel.”
God is the primary agent of victory. He doesn’t call His people to win in their own strength. However, this doesn’t negate our responsibility. The Lord drives them out—but Israel must move in.
There is a divine partnership in spiritual growth. God enables, but we must obey. He empowers, but we must step forward.
Many believers stop short of spiritual growth because they wait for God to do everything. But God calls us to respond with faith-fueled action.
4. Joshua’s New Role—Apportion and Assign (v.7)
Joshua is told to “divide the land for an inheritance.” Though his days as a warrior are slowing, his days as a father to the nation are flourishing. His faithfulness is now focused on legacy.
This is often the role of older saints in the church: not just to continue their own journey, but to help the next generation possess what they’ve only glimpsed.
Joshua doesn’t complain that he won’t conquer the rest himself. Instead, he commits to faithfully assigning the promise, city by city, tribe by tribe. There is just as much glory in preparing the way for others as there is in winning the victories yourself.
💡 Life Application – The Unfinished Business of Faith
1. What Land Remains for You?
Joshua was reminded of unfinished work. So must we be. There are still prayers not prayed, sins not conquered, people not forgiven, purposes not pursued. What promise has God given that you have not yet fully possessed?
2. God Is Not Finished with You
Whether you are young or aging, your role matters. God says to Joshua: “You are old—but I’m still working.” If you’re breathing, there is land to take and people to bless.
3. Fight the Fight, Then Pass the Baton
Joshua couldn’t do it all, but he made sure the next generation could. Who are you preparing? What are you leaving behind? Possessing the land includes preparing others to do so as well.
4. Don’t Settle for Partial Possession
Too many believers are content with partial obedience, partial blessing, partial transformation. But Jesus didn’t die to redeem part of you. There’s still land to possess—so keep moving forward.
5. God Drives Out What You’re Willing to Surrender
God said He would drive out the enemies, but Israel still had to move in. The same is true for us. If you will surrender it, He will conquer it. But the reverse is also true—what you refuse to surrender will remain unconquered.
💬 Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual strongholds remain unconquered in your life?
- Have you settled for less than what God has promised you?
- What role might God be calling you to play in equipping the next generation?
- What step of faith do you need to take to fully possess the promises of God?
🕊️ Final Word
Joshua was faithful, but the fight wasn’t over. The same is true for you.
There is much land still to possess. But the Lord still drives out enemies. The inheritance is sure. The mission is not yet complete.
Don’t die at the edge of the promise. Go in. Take the land. Finish the race.
Next: Before Caleb receives his portion, he makes a bold request at 85 years old. He’s not done fighting—and neither should we be.
