Be Strong and Courageous: The Beginning of Joshua’s Leadership (Joshua 1:1–18)
After the death of Moses, the Israelites were facing a big change. Moses had been their leader for many years, guiding them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Now, a new leader named Joshua was called to take over. This was a huge task, but God had a special message for Joshua—and for us too.
God Chooses Joshua
God spoke to Joshua and told him it was time to lead the people into the land He had promised them. This land, called the Promised Land, was across the Jordan River. God gave Joshua a big responsibility, but He also gave him a big promise: “Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. I will never leave you or let you down.”
Joshua wasn’t alone. God was with him every step of the way.
A Message of Strength and Courage
God knew that Joshua might feel afraid or unsure, so He gave him some clear instructions. God told Joshua three times to “be strong and courageous.” He encouraged him to keep following His commands and not to turn away from them. God reminded Joshua that success would come if he stayed close to His word and trusted Him fully.
This part of the chapter reminds us that when we face new challenges, we can be strong too—not because we have all the answers, but because God promises to be with us.
Getting Ready to Move Forward
After hearing from God, Joshua got straight to work. He told the leaders of the people to get ready. In just three days, they would cross the Jordan River and enter the land God was giving them. It was a big moment in Israel’s history, and everyone needed to be prepared.
A Word to the Eastern Tribes
Earlier, some of the Israelite tribes—Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh—had received land on the east side of the Jordan. But they had made a promise: even though their families could settle there, their fighting men would help the rest of the Israelites take the land on the other side.
Joshua reminded them of this agreement, and they agreed to keep their promise. They were ready to fight alongside their fellow Israelites until everyone had a place to call home.
The People Support Joshua
At the end of the chapter, the people gave their full support to Joshua. They told him they would follow him just like they had followed Moses. And then they repeated the words God had spoken: “Be strong and courageous.”
This shows us how important it is to encourage our leaders and to stick together when facing big changes or challenges.
Final Thoughts
Joshua 1 is all about stepping into a new season with faith, courage, and trust in God. Joshua had big shoes to fill, but God reminded him—and reminds us—that we are never alone when we follow Him. Whatever new chapter you may be facing, remember God’s words: “Be strong and courageous.”
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.”