Words of Encouragement (Joshua 1)
In the very first few verses of the book of Joshua, we see a theme that repeats itself throughout the book as God leads and guides and Joshua follows and obeys. Right away, God calls Joshua and tells him, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses … ” (Joshua 1:2–3).
And what had God promised to Moses but had been prevented from giving him because of his people';s stubbornness? He goes on to tell Joshua:
Wherever he walked, he would be on the land God had given him (Joshua 1:3).
No one would be able to stand up against Joshua for as long as he lived (1:5).
God Himself would be with Joshua and would never fail him or abandon him (1:5).
He would be the one to lead the people of Israel as they possessed the land God had promised their ancestors (1:6).
There were, however, conditions to these promises, namely that Joshua be strong and filled with courage and that he obey everything God had commanded him and his people to do:
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7–9)
Joshua wasted no time in getting the people ready to move out. First he called together the officers of Israel and told them to go through the camp and tell the people that they would be crossing the Jordan River in three days to take the land. Then he called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh and gave them words of encouragement and instruction.
The people didn';t argue, question, or resist anything Joshua said. Instead, they enthusiastically told him, “We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us” just as they had Moses.
With that, Joshua and the people made final preparations to do what their forefathers had been denied doing themselves because of their rebellion: Take the land God had promised them!
Study Questions
What precisely were Joshua';s instructions for the people of Israel as he took the mantle of leadership in leading them at long last into the Promised Land?
How did the people of Israel respond to Joshua';s leadership as he instructed them what to do next?
