1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,
2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, [even] to the children of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.
12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.
14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;
15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as [he hath given] you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.
17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.
18 Whosoever [he be] that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.
Overview of Joshua Chapter 1
Joshua Chapter 1 marks a significant transition in the leadership of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Following the death of Moses, God commissions Joshua, emphasizing the importance of strength, courage, and adherence to the Law.
Key Themes
- Leadership Transition: The chapter highlights the shift from Moses to Joshua as the leader of the Israelites.
- Divine Commissioning: God’s direct communication with Joshua underscores the importance of divine guidance in leadership.
- Strength and Courage: Repeated exhortations to be strong and courageous serve as a central theme in Joshua’s mission.
- Obedience to the Law: The emphasis on adherence to the Law reflects the necessity of following God’s commandments for success.
- Promise of Land: The assurance of land inheritance reinforces God’s covenant with the Israelites.
Detailed Analysis
1. God’s Commission to Joshua (Verses 1-9)
In the opening verses, God speaks to Joshua following Moses’ death, affirming his role as the new leader. This divine appointment is significant as it establishes Joshua’s authority and responsibility.
- Assurance of Presence: God promises to be with Joshua as He was with Moses, providing reassurance of divine support.
- Geographical Scope: The boundaries of the Promised Land are outlined, indicating the vast inheritance awaiting the Israelites.
- Encouragement to be Strong: God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, emphasizing that success in the conquest of Canaan relies on his strength and faith.
- Adherence to the Law: Joshua is instructed to meditate on the Book of the Law, which is crucial for leading the people correctly.
2. The Role of the People (Verses 10-18)
Joshua’s leadership is not solitary; he calls upon the officers of the people to prepare them for the impending crossing into the Promised Land.
- Preparation for Action: Joshua commands the officers to prepare the people, indicating a collective effort in the upcoming endeavor.
- Reinforcement of Commitment: The people respond to Joshua with a pledge of loyalty, reinforcing their commitment to follow him as they followed Moses.
- Call for Unity: The chapter emphasizes the need for unity among the Israelites as they embark on this significant journey.
Conclusion
Joshua Chapter 1 serves as a foundational moment for the Israelites as they transition into a new era under Joshua’s leadership. The themes of divine guidance, strength, and adherence to the Law are crucial for understanding the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead. This chapter sets the stage for the subsequent events in the conquest of Canaan, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in fulfilling God’s promises.
