Joshua steps into his role as a leader with his very first practical order. The long wait in the desert is over, and the time has come for the Israelites to prepare themselves mentally and logistically to cross the Jordan River and conquer the land. This pivotal moment occurs on the exact day the mourning period for Moses comes to an end [רש״י, אברבנאל].
The timing of this command is closely tied to the sending of spies to Jericho, though perspectives differ on how events unfolded. One approach suggests that Joshua initially sent the spies in secret out of fear, planning to wait for their return. However, upon hearing the word of God, he was filled with courage and immediately ordered the people to prepare, no longer waiting for the results of their mission [מלבי״ם]. Another perspective argues that Joshua sent the spies two days prior, and he issued this command specifically to project absolute confidence. He wanted to ensure that if the people discovered the secret mission, they would not view him as doubtful or afraid, thereby preventing a disaster similar to the sin of the spies during the days of Moses [אברבנאל]. A third view places the command either right after the spies were sent or on the very same day, carefully synchronizing the nation's waiting period with the expected return of the spies [רלב״ג].
To relay his instructions, Joshua turns to the officers of the nation. These men are leaders responsible for maintaining order and discipline, tasked with communicating the ruler's directives to the public and ensuring they are carried out [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their orders are to move through the camp and instruct the Israelites to prepare food and drink for the upcoming crossing of the Jordan River in three days [צאינה וראינה].
The method chosen to deliver this message reveals deep leadership wisdom. Joshua deliberately avoids calling a formal, public gathering of the entire nation or its elders to declare the upcoming war. He understands that such a grand announcement might trigger fear and complaints, just as it had in the past. Instead, he opts for a quiet, indirect approach. By having the officers walk casually through the camp and share the instructions as a routine matter, the news of the impending journey spreads naturally from person to person. It is received simply as a practical need to prepare travel supplies, successfully avoiding any panic or resistance among the people [אלשיך].