Joshua 1
Joshua Directed and Encouraged After Moses died, God chose Joshua to lead Israel. Joshua had worked closely with Moses and had learned much from him. Now, God gave Joshua clear instructions and encouragement to take the people into the promised land. This was a new beginning for Israel, and Joshua needed God’s help to succeed. v. 1: The Lord spoke to Joshua after Moses’ death. Joshua had been Moses’ assistant and was now chosen to be the leader of Israel. This showed that God’s work continued, even when great leaders passed away. v. 2: God told Joshua,“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.”God reminded Joshua that his time to lead had come. Even though Moses was gone, God’s promise to give Israel the land remained. Joshua was to lead them across the Jordan River into Canaan. v. 3: God promised Joshua that every place the Israelites set their feet would be theirs, just as He had promised Moses . This meant God would be faithful to His word and would help Joshua just as He had helped Moses. v. 4: The borders of the land were described. It would stretch from the wilderness and Lebanon to the Euphrates River, including all the land of the Hittites, to the Great Sea on the west. This was a large and special inheritance, showing God’s generosity to His people . v. 5: God told Joshua that no one would be able to stand against him all his life. God said,“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.”This was a strong encouragement to Joshua. He could trust God to be with him and help him in every challenge . v. 6: God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, because he would lead Israel to inherit the land God promised to their ancestors. Joshua needed strength and courage because the task ahead would not be easy. v. 7: God repeated that Joshua should be strong and very courageous. He was to obey all the law that Moses had given, turning neither to the right nor to the left. Obedience to God’s word was the key to success . v. 8: God told Joshua to keep the Book of the Law always on his lips, to meditate on it day and night, and to do everything written in it. Then he would be prosperous and successful. God’s word was to guide Joshua’s actions and thoughts at all times . v. 9: God encouraged Joshua again:“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”God’s presence would be with Joshua in every situation, so he did not need to fear . Joshua's Address to the ReubenitesAfter becoming the leader, Joshua quickly began working for the good of the people. He did not use his new power for personal pleasure. Instead, he focused on serving God and leading the Israelites. Good leaders, like good ministers or rulers, are given their roles to work hard and help others, not to be idle (1 Timothy 3:1 a).v. 10: Joshua gave orders to the officers of the people. He told them to get ready to move. The Israelites had camped in the same place for a long time, so it would be difficult to pack up and leave. Joshua used the help of the officers under him, showing that leaders need teamwork. The officers were to pass on his instructions to everyone. We should respect both leaders and those who help them, as the Bible says, be subject to the king as supreme, and to governors as those sent by him (1 Peter 2:13-14 b). v. 11: Joshua told the people they would cross the Jordan River in three days. He was confident because God had promised they would possess the land. He told them to prepare food, not boats, because God would help them cross, just as He brought them out of Egypt on eagle’s wings (Exodus 19:4 c). The manna had not yet stopped, but since they were near inhabited land, they could also get other food. Some Jewish teachers believed this command also meant they should prepare their hearts by repenting of sin and seeking peace with God (Exodus 19:10-11 d). Being ready meant more than just having supplies; it meant being right with God. v. 12: Joshua spoke to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He reminded them that they had agreed to help their fellow Israelites in the coming battles, even though their families and property would stay on the east side of the Jordan . v. 13: Joshua recalled the command of Moses: Remember the word which Moses commanded you . Even though Moses was now dead, his commands were still in effect. The Lord had given these tribes rest and good land. They should think about how to use their blessings to serve God and help their brothers. When God gives us rest and blessings, we should not become lazy. Instead, we should look for ways to help others (2 Samuel 7:1; Psalm 132:4-5 e). v. 14–15: Joshua reminded them of their promise to fight with the other Israelites until everyone had received their land and rest as well (Joshua 1:14-15 f). This agreement was fair because all the tribes belonged together as one nation. Moses had made this command, and Joshua would make sure it was followed. Keeping this promise was also the condition for the tribes to keep their land. They had promised to obey, saying, Your servants will do as my lord commands (Numbers 32:25 g). This teaches us to help and support each other, not just to think about ourselves (Numbers 32:23 h). – The Reubenites' AnswerThis section describes how the leaders of all the people, not just the two and a half tribes, answered Joshua. They were united and happy to support him as their new leader. Their response showed respect for the authority God had given Joshua, and they encouraged him with their loyalty and prayers.v. 16: The people promised to obey Joshua. They said, All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go . They agreed to follow him, just as soldiers listen to their commander (Matthew 8:9 i). This is how we should also follow Jesus, our leader, doing what He commands us and trusting Him. Joshua may have worried that he would not have the same respect as Moses, but the people promised to obey him just like they should have obeyed Moses (Joshua 1:17 j). Even though their obedience to Moses had not always been perfect (Deuteronomy 9:24 k), now they wanted to do better. We should respect our current leaders and not only honor those from the past. v. 17: The people also prayed that God would be with Joshua. They said, Only the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses . It is important to pray for our leaders, asking God to help and bless them (1 Timothy 2:1-2 l). When God is with our leaders, it brings good to everyone. Some people think that the people meant they would only obey Joshua as long as God was with him, but mostly, they were showing full trust in Joshua and God's plan. v. 18: The people made a strong law. They said that anyone who disobeyed Joshua’s commands or rebelled against him would be put to death (Joshua 1:18 m). In times of war, strict rules are very important. If such a rule had existed in Moses’s time, it might have stopped some of the rebellions. This law also reminds us of God’s command that anyone who would not listen to the leader He appointed would be punished (Deuteronomy 18:19 n).Finally, the people encouraged Joshua. They told him, Only be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:18 o). They promised to support him by obeying him cheerfully and bravely. When followers are willing and ready to help, it gives strength to their leader. Joshua accepted this encouragement as a kindness, not an insult.
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