10 Then Yehoshua (Joshua) instructed the leaders of the people, 11 “Go right through the camp and tell the people: Get everything ready that you’ll all need because in three days we’ll be ready to cross over this river and enter the land that your god Yahweh is about to give to you, and to take control of it.”

12 To the descendants of Re’uven and Gad, and to the half-tribe of Menasheh (Manasseh),[ref] Yehoshua said, 13 “Remember what Yahweh’s servant Mosheh (Moses) informed you: Your god Yahweh is about give this land to you and to enable you all to settle down. 14 Your women and children and your livestock will stay here in the land that Mosheh allocated to you on this eastern side of the Yarden (Jordan) River. But your soldiers must dress for battle and cross over ahead of your brothers and help them 15 until Yahweh enables your brothers to take over the land that your god Yahweh is about to give them so they can settle like you all have. Then you’ll all be able to return to this land which Yahweh’s servant Mosheh gave you on this eastern side of the Yarden and take full control of it.”

16 “We’ll do everything you’ve told us to,” the people answered, “and we’ll go wherever you send us. 17 We’ll listen to you just like we listened to everything Mosheh said. May your god Yahweh be with you, just like he was with Mosheh. 18 We’ll put anyone to death who rebels against your words or refuses to follow your instructions. Just stay strong and courageous.”