Joshua 1:6-9
Summary for Josh 1:6-9: 1:6-9 a For emphasis, God told Joshua three times that he would need to be strong and courageous in order to be successful against the Canaanites, who outnumbered Israel. The people would also need to be careful to obey all the instructions Moses had given them if Israel were to settle the land, establish productive farms, and build homes, villages, and cities. The land is God’s land, as is the whole earth (Ps 24:1 b); God brought Israel into Canaan as tenants, not as owners (Lev 25:23 c). 1:6 d you are the one: God delegated Joshua as the primary agent to fulfill the promise he had given to their ancestors (see Exod 6:8 e).1:8 f This Book of Instruction (Hebrew torah) probably refers to the book of Deuteronomy (see Deut 4:44 g; 29:21 h; 30:10 i; 31:9-12 j). It includes Israel’s foundational law codes as well as God’s moral and spiritual instructions.
• God commanded Joshua to think and speak of God’s instruction day and night—i.e., continually (cp. Deut 6:6-7 k; 17:18-20 l).
1:9 m As the Israelites entered Canaan, they would fight the worshipers of the Canaanite gods, but they were afraid these gods would grant the Canaanites victory in battle. In reassuring Joshua, God used his personal name the Lord (Hebrew Yahweh; see study note on Exod 3:15) to remind Joshua that the Lord was more powerful than any false gods the Canaanites might invoke.
• your God is with you: God’s continuous presence made it possible for Joshua to heed God’s instruction.
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