*Joshua 1:1-18
Following Moses’ death, God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, urging him to be strong and courageous.
- Divine Commissioning of Joshua:
- God speaks to Joshua, affirming His command for Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
- God reassures Joshua of His presence, promising never to leave nor forsake him.
- Joshua is encouraged to be strong and courageous, adhering faithfully to the law given by Moses.
- Instructions to Joshua:
- God reiterates the importance of courage and obedience, instructing Joshua to meditate on the law day and night.
- Joshua is commanded to be strong and courageous in order to successfully lead the Israelites into the land flowing with milk and honey.
- Joshua’s Leadership Acknowledged:
- Joshua directs the officers of the Israelites to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River into the land of Canaan.
- He emphasizes the need for readiness and obedience among the people.
- Response of the People:
- The Israelites pledge their allegiance to Joshua, promising obedience and support as they did with Moses.
- They affirm their willingness to follow Joshua’s leadership, echoing his call for courage and obedience.
- The people express their trust in God’s presence with Joshua, committing to his leadership as they prepare to inherit the land promised to their ancestors.
Joshua 1:1-18 teaches us to be strong and courageous because God is with us. After Moses passed away, Joshua had to lead the Israelites into the promised land, and God assured him that He would never leave him. This reminds us that when we face new challenges or feel uncertain, we don’t have to be afraid. It encourages us to trust God, follow His guidance, and move forward with confidence, knowing that He will give us the strength we need.
Joshua 1:1-18 (WEB)
1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go across this Jordan, you and all these people, to the land which I am giving to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border. 5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.6 “Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. 9 Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God† is with you wherever you go.”10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 “Pass through the middle of the camp, and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare food; for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God gives you to possess.’ ”12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying, 13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God gives you rest, and will give you this land. 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but you shall pass over before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and shall help them 15 until the LORD has given your brothers rest, as he has given you, and they have also possessed the land which the LORD your God gives them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and possess it, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.’ ”16 They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn’t listen to your words in all that you command him shall himself be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”