1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant,
2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.”
3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.
5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.
6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not 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, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
10 And Joshua commanded the officers of the people,
11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’”
12 And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said,
13 “Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.’”
14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them,
15 until the Lord gives rest to your brothers, as to you, and they also occupy the land that the Lord your God gives them beyond the Jordan. Then each of you may return to his possession which I have given you.
16 And they answered Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us, we will go.
17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses!
18 Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”
The True Meaning of Joshua 1
This chapter of the Book of Joshua marks a significant transition in the biblical narrative. The author, traditionally believed to be Joshua himself, takes up the mantle of leadership from Moses, who has passed away. The chapter sets the stage for the dramatic events that will unfold as the Israelites stand poised to enter the Promised Land.
The Lord commissions Joshua to lead the people, promising to be with him as he guides them to conquer the land of Canaan. This echoes the Lord’s earlier promise to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 12:1-3, that his descendants would inherit the land. The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience to the Law, as Joshua is instructed to meditate on it day and night, ensuring that the people follow God’s commands.
The chapter foreshadows the battles that lie ahead, as the Lord assures Joshua of his victory over the inhabitants of the land. This sets the stage for the dramatic events of the conquest, where the Israelites will face formidable foes and witness the power of God in their midst. As we delve into this chapter, we are reminded of the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in His plan, even in the face of daunting challenges.
Joshua 1:1-5
Joshua 1:1-5 reads, “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. I will be with you as I was with Moses; I will never leave you nor forsake you. We see a crucial transitional moment in Israel’s history in this passage. Moses, the great leader who had led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness for forty years, has passed away, and now it is Joshua’s turn to lead the people into the Promised Land. The Lord is directly commissioning Joshua to take on this monumental task.
The death of Moses symbolizes the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Israel. Moses was a central figure in the Exodus story, leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and receiving the Law from God on Mount Sinai. His obedience, faithfulness, and intimacy with God set a high standard for future leaders. Now, Joshua is called to step into his mentor’s shoes and continue the work that God had started with Moses.
Joshua is given a specific mission: to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into the land that God had promised to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This land was Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey, where the Israelites would establish their homeland. The scope of the promised territory is vast, stretching from the desert in the south to Lebanon in the north, and from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. This expansive land grant reflects God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham to give his descendants this land as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8).
The Lord assures Joshua of His presence and protection, just as He had been with Moses. This promise of God’s continual presence is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. God reminds us in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us nor forsake us. This promise gives Joshua the assurance and confidence he needs to step into his role as the new leader of Israel. God’s faithfulness to Joshua foreshadows His faithfulness to all believers who trust in Him to lead them through life’s challenges. Joshua 1:1-5 sets the stage for the book of Joshua, emphasizing the themes of leadership succession, God’s faithfulness to His promises, and the importance of trusting in God’s presence and guidance. Joshua’s obedience and reliance on God’s promises are keys to the success of the Israelites as they embark on this new chapter of their journey. This passage serves as a reminder to us today that, like Joshua, we can move forward in faith, knowing that God goes before us, never leaving us nor forsaking us.
Joshua 1:6-9
Joshua prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses, and the verses in Joshua 1:6-9 are filled with powerful encouragement and instructions. Let’s break down these verses and dig deeper into their significance.
Verse 6: “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.” Here, God is commanding Joshua to be strong and courageous. This repetition of the words “be strong and courageous” emphasizes the importance of these qualities for Joshua as he steps into the monumental task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. God assures Joshua that ultimately, it is He who will enable Joshua to fulfill the promise of inheriting the land. This teaches us that courage and strength in the face of challenges are essential qualities for leaders, and that relying on God’s promise and provision is key to achieving success in His plans.
Verse 7: “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. God emphasizes in this verse that Joshua’s strength and courage should be closely tied to obedience to His commands. Joshua is reminded to follow the law given by Moses faithfully and not to deviate from it. This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s instructions in achieving success and prosperity in life. Joshua assures success in all his endeavors by staying obedient to God’s Word and not wavering in his commitment.
Verse 8: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Here, God instructs Joshua to meditate on His Word day and night. The continuous focus on God’s law is not merely to know it intellectually but to internalize it and apply it in everyday life. Joshua will be equipped to make wise decisions and lead his people effectively by immersing himself in God’s Word. This verse underscores the timeless truth that meditating on God’s Word is essential for spiritual growth, wisdom, and success. Psalm 1:2 echoes this sentiment, saying that the one who meditates on God’s law day and night will be blessed.
Verse 9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. God repeats His command to Joshua to be strong and courageous in this final verse of the passage, assuring him of His constant presence. The promise of God’s presence with Joshua wherever he goes is a source of great comfort and confidence. This verse serves as a reminder to Joshua, and to all of us, that we can take courage and face challenges without fear, knowing that God is always by our side. Hebrews 13:5 reinforces this truth by stating that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Joshua 1:6-9 provides us with timeless lessons on courage, obedience, meditation on God’s Word, and the assurance of God’s presence. These verses encourage us to be strong and courageous in our faith, to diligently follow God’s commands, to meditate on His Word continually, and to trust in His unfailing presence in our lives. Just as God equipped Joshua for the challenges ahead, He also equips us for whatever tasks He sets before us, empowering us to live victoriously according to His will.
Joshua 1:10-11
God gives Joshua specific instructions in Joshua 1:10-11 as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the promised land after the death of Moses. This passage reads, “Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, ‘Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, “Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.””
Here, we see Joshua taking on the role of a strong and decisive leader by commanding the officers to prepare the people for the journey ahead. This demonstrates Joshua’s obedience to God’s instructions and his willingness to step up and lead the Israelites into the promised land. The urgency of preparing provisions within three days underscores the imminent nature of their departure, highlighting the importance of readiness and faith in God’s promises.
This passage shows us the importance of preparation and obedience when following God’s plans. Just as Joshua was called to lead the Israelites into the promised land, we are called to trust in God’s guidance and provision in our own lives. “Proverbs 3:5-6 writes, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’”” This verse echoes the sentiment of relying on God’s direction and promises, even when faced with uncertainty or challenges.
The command to cross the Jordan River to possess the land is symbolic of the Israelites leaving their past behind and stepping into a new chapter of God’s blessings and promises. It mirrors the concept of leaving behind our old ways and embracing the new life that God has planned for us. Just as the Israelites had to physically cross the river to enter the promised land, we must also be willing to step out in faith and leave our comfort zones to experience the fullness of God’s blessings. These verses remind us of the importance of heeding God’s instructions, preparing ourselves for the journey ahead, and trusting in His promises even when the path ahead seems daunting. Joshua’s obedience and leadership serve as a powerful example for us to follow as we navigate our own journeys of faith and trust in God’s plans for our lives.
Joshua 1:12-15
Joshua gave instructions to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh who had been granted land east of the Jordan River in Joshua 1:12-15.
Firstly, Joshua, following the guidance of the Lord, instructs the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to go ahead of the rest of the Israelites and assist in conquering Canaan before settling in the land that had been designated for them east of the Jordan River. This instruction is significant as it demonstrates unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel. It shows the importance of working together towards a common goal, even if it meant delaying their own settling in their granted land so they could support their brothers as they took possession of the Promised Land. This unity and willingness to support each other are essential themes that run throughout the Bible – highlighting the importance of unity in achieving God’s purposes.
Secondly, the confirmation of the agreement made by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to help their fellow Israelites conquer Canaan before settling in their own territory signifies the importance of keeping one’s word and honoring commitments. This agreement reflects a sense of loyalty and faithfulness to both God and their fellow Israelites. The tribes displayed an understanding of the collective responsibility they shared in fulfilling God’s promises to the nation of Israel. This act of loyalty is mirrored in various biblical stories, such as the example of Ruth who displayed unwavering loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17).
Lastly, the call for the tribes to obey the commands given by Moses and now by Joshua emphasizes the significance of obedience to God’s word. Throughout the Bible, obedience is a recurring theme that underscores the importance of following God’s laws and directives. The Israelites were repeatedly reminded of the blessings that come with obedience and the consequences of disobedience. This call to obey the commands of both Moses and Joshua serves as a reminder to the Israelites that their success in conquering Canaan and inheriting the Promised Land hinged on their obedience to God’s instructions. The verses in Joshua 1:12-15 highlight themes of unity, loyalty, faithfulness, and obedience that are interwoven throughout the Bible. The actions and responses of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh serve as examples for believers today to prioritize unity, honor commitments, and obey God’s word in order to fulfill His purpose in their lives.
Joshua 1:16-18
The verse in Joshua 1:16-18 divides into three key sections focusing on the response of the people of Israel to Joshua’s leadership and God’s commands as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Starting with verse 16, it states: “And they answered Joshua, ‘All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.’” This response exemplifies the obedience and faithfulness of the Israelites to both Joshua, their newly appointed leader after the death of Moses, and ultimately to God. This demonstrates the importance of obedience and submission to God’s chosen leaders in fulfilling His plans and purposes. Throughout the Bible, God calls for His people to obey Him and those He places in authority over them. While human leaders are fallible, God’s ultimate authority should always be respected and followed. The Israelites’ declaration here sets a powerful example for us today to heed God’s commands and follow His appointed leaders.
Continuing with verse 17, the people pledge their support to Joshua saying: “Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses!” This statement reflects the Israelites’ acknowledgment of the importance of divine presence in their leadership. They recognize that the source of Moses’ authority and success was the Lord being with him, and they now extend this same desire for Joshua. It is a reminder that our success in any endeavor relies on God’s presence and blessing. Joshua leads the Israelites in conquest of the Promised Land, manifesting God’s presence and power. This verse emphasizes the continuity of God’s guidance and provision from one leader to the next, reassuring Joshua of divine support as he embarks on his daunting task.
Lastly, verse 18 concludes with the people’s warning to Joshua: “Whoever rebels against your command and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.” This final statement underscores the severity of disobedience and rebellion in the sight of God. Throughout the Bible, God emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of straying from His commands. The Israelites’ firm stance on rebellion reflects the seriousness of sin and the need for discipline within the community of believers. It also reinforces the recurring theme of strength and courage as seen in Joshua 1:6-9, where God repeatedly encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous in carrying out his leadership role. This admonition reminds us of the spiritual battle we face daily and the importance of standing firm in God’s truth. The Israelites affirm their commitment to Joshua’s leadership under God’s authority in Joshua 1:16-18, encapsulating the themes of obedience, divine presence, and consequences of rebellion. The principles displayed in these verses serve as timeless reminders of the importance of obedience to God and His appointed leaders, the necessity of relying on God’s presence for success, and the seriousness of sin and its consequences. It is a call for us to be strong and courageous in our faith, unwavering in our commitment to God’s commands, and mindful of the gravity of disobedience in our walk with Him.
After Joshua 1
We are reminded of the importance of faith and obedience in the face of adversity as we reflect on the challenges faced by Joshua and the Israelites. Just as God promised to be with Joshua as he led the people into the promised land, we too can trust in His guidance and provision in our own journeys. Joshua’s example encourages us to step forward with faith, knowing that God goes before us and fights our battles. We turn the page to the next chapter of Joshua’s story, filled with anticipation for the victories and trials that lie ahead. We will prepare our hearts and minds for the challenges to come, trusting in God’s faithfulness to lead us through every obstacle. May we be inspired by Joshua’s unwavering faith and determination, as we continue to walk in obedience to God’s will.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.