Joshua 1

Joshua 1 begins with God commissioning Joshua as the new leader of Israel after Moses' death. God encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. The chapter sets the foundation for Joshua’s leadership and the task ahead—conquering the land of Canaan.

Joshua 1:1-5 (NKJV)
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying:
2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as 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 territory.
5 No man shall 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 leave you nor forsake you.”

God speaks to Joshua, confirming Moses’ death and charging him to lead Israel across the Jordan into the Promised Land. God promises Joshua victory and success, giving him the assurance that every place they set foot on will belong to them, as promised to Moses. This vast land, stretching from the wilderness to the Euphrates, will be their inheritance. God also reassures Joshua that no enemy will be able to defeat him, just as He was with Moses. The promise of God's presence and support is highlighted in His commitment never to forsake Joshua.

Joshua 1:6 (NKJV)
6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

Joshua is commanded to be strong and courageous as he faces the task of dividing the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. This is not merely a motivational statement; it reflects the heavy responsibility on Joshua's shoulders and the need for unwavering trust in God's promises. The land that Joshua is to allocate is the fulfillment of God’s promise to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Joshua 1:7-8 (NKJV)
7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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.

God emphasizes that Joshua’s success is directly linked to his obedience to the law given through Moses. He must remain focused, without deviation, on God’s commands. Joshua is also instructed to meditate on the law continually, ensuring that his leadership and decisions align with God's will. This is the key to true prosperity and success for Joshua and the nation.

Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Here, God reiterates His command for Joshua to be courageous and unafraid. This time, the emphasis is on the presence of God, which will accompany Joshua wherever he goes. Fear and discouragement are natural human reactions, but with God's presence guaranteed, Joshua is called to rise above them. The assurance of God’s presence is the ultimate source of strength for Joshua.

Joshua 1:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
11 “Pass through 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.’”

Joshua takes immediate action by instructing the officers to prepare the people for crossing the Jordan River within three days. The crossing is symbolic of entering a new phase in Israel’s history. The urgency of preparation reflects the fact that the time of waiting is over; they are about to take possession of the land God has promised.

Joshua 1:12-15 (NKJV)
12 And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh Joshua spoke, saying,
13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.’
14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But you shall pass before your brethren armed, all your mighty men of valor, and help them,
15 until the Lord has given your brethren rest, as He gave you, and they also have taken possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and enjoy it, which Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

Joshua reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh of their commitment made during Moses’ time. Though they have already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, they are to cross over with the rest of Israel and assist them in securing the land west of the Jordan. Only after helping their brethren can they return to their own land. This demonstrates unity and shared responsibility among the tribes.

Joshua 1:16-18 (NKJV)
16 So they answered Joshua, saying, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.
17 Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses.
18 Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.”

The people respond to Joshua with loyalty and commitment, pledging to follow him just as they did Moses. They recognize Joshua’s leadership as being ordained by God, but they also express that his success is dependent on God’s continued presence with him. They affirm the necessity for unity and obedience, declaring that anyone who disobeys Joshua will face severe consequences, reinforcing the gravity of their commitment to God's mission.