Joshua Chapter 1 — The Commissioning of Joshua
After Moses' death, God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, commanding him to be strong and faithful to the Law.
1Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD,*When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh). 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.
3I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses.
4From 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.
5No 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.
7Only 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.
8This 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.
9Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God†The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim). is with you wherever you go.”
10Then 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.’ ”
12Joshua 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.
14Your 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
15until 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.’ ”
16They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.
17Just 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.
18Whoever 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.”
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Joshua 1:8
“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.”
This verse emphasizes that spiritual discipline and obedience to God's word are the foundations for leadership and success.
Joshua 1:9
“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.”
This is one of the most famous calls to courage in the Bible, rooted in the promise of God's constant presence.
Chapter Summary
Following the death of Moses, the Lord speaks to Joshua, commissioning him to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into the land promised to their ancestors. God assures Joshua of his success, promising that no one will be able to stand against him and that the divine presence will remain with him just as it was with Moses. A central command in this transition is for Joshua to be 'strong and courageous' and to strictly adhere to the Law given through Moses. Joshua is instructed to meditate on this law day and night to ensure prosperity and success. Joshua then organizes the people, instructing his officers to prepare for the crossing in three days. He specifically reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their commitment to fight alongside their brothers before settling in their own lands east of the Jordan. The people respond with a pledge of absolute loyalty to Joshua's leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main message is the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the importance of courage and obedience to God's Law. God promises to be with Joshua as he leads Israel into the Promised Land, provided he remains faithful to the instructions given to Moses.
It refers to the mental and spiritual fortitude needed to lead a nation into battle and into a new land. God repeats this phrase to reassure Joshua that his strength comes from divine support and faithfulness to the Law rather than just physical might.
These tribes had requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. Joshua reminded them of their previous agreement with Moses to cross the river and help the other tribes conquer the Promised Land before they could return to their own inheritance.
Study Note
The command to 'be strong and courageous' is repeated four times in this single chapter, highlighting the gravity of the leadership transition and the military challenges ahead.
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