Lead with Courage and Faith

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The book of Joshua begins immediately after the death of Moses, Israel’s great leader who brought them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Joshua, Moses’ assistant, is now appointed to lead the people into the land God promised their ancestors. This transition marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, moving from wandering to possession of the land. Understanding this leadership change and the covenant promises given to Israel helps us grasp the significance of Joshua’s charge and God’s faithfulness to His word.

What You'll Learn

• God’s promise of presence and victory empowers Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land.
• Obedience to God’s law is essential for success and prosperity in fulfilling His covenant.
• The inheritance of the land is a tangible fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs.
• Courage and strength are commanded as vital qualities for leadership and obedience.
• The unity and support of the tribes reinforce God’s plan for Israel’s conquest and settlement.
• God’s faithfulness to Moses continues through Joshua, assuring His people of ongoing guidance.

God commissions Joshua to lead Israel with courage and obedience, assuring His presence and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Joshua 1:1 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,

Joshua 1:2 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.

Joshua 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

Joshua 1:4 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.

Joshua 1:5 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.

Joshua 1:6 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.

Joshua 1:7 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.

Joshua 1:8 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.

Joshua 1:9 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.

Joshua 1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

Joshua 1:11 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.

Joshua 1:12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,

Joshua 1:13 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.

Joshua 1:14 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;

Joshua 1:15 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.

Joshua 1:16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

Joshua 1:17 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.

Joshua 1:18 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.

Joshua 1:1

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,

Study: This opening verse marks a significant transition in Israel’s leadership after Moses’ death, emphasizing God’s sovereignty as He directly commissions Joshua. The phrase 'servant of the LORD' highlights Moses’ faithful role, setting a standard for Joshua. God’s speaking to Joshua underscores divine authority and personal calling, reminding readers that God raises leaders to fulfill His covenant promises.

Joshua 1:2

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.

Study: God commands Joshua to 'arise' and lead the people across the Jordan, signaling a call to action and responsibility. The land promised to Israel is reaffirmed, connecting Joshua’s mission to the covenant with their ancestors. This verse reveals God’s faithfulness in continuing His plan despite Moses’ death, encouraging trust in God’s unchanging purpose.

Joshua 1:3

Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

Study: The promise that every place Joshua’s foot treads is given to Israel emphasizes God’s sovereign grant of the land. This assurance links directly to the covenant promises made to Abraham and Moses, reinforcing God’s faithfulness. The physical act of stepping on the land symbolizes possession and authority under God’s command.

Joshua 1:4

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.

Study: God defines Israel’s territorial boundaries from the wilderness and Lebanon to the Euphrates and the western sea, highlighting the vastness of the promised inheritance. Mentioning the Hittites and specific landmarks roots the promise in historical geography, reminding Israel of God’s expansive blessing. This detail assures the people of the comprehensive nature of God’s gift.

Joshua 1:5

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.

Study: God’s promise that no man will stand before Joshua all his life echoes divine protection and support, mirroring His presence with Moses. The assurance 'I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee' reveals God’s unchanging faithfulness and covenant loyalty. This verse encourages courage by affirming God’s personal and continual presence in leadership.

Joshua 1:6

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.

Study: The command to be 'strong and of a good courage' links inner strength with the task of dividing the land, emphasizing the seriousness of Joshua’s leadership role. The inheritance is tied to God’s oath to the patriarchs, reminding Joshua that his mission fulfills God’s covenant promises. This connection encourages faithfulness and boldness in obedience.

Joshua 1:7

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.

Study: Joshua is urged to be 'very courageous' and to strictly obey the Law given through Moses, highlighting obedience as the key to success. The warning against turning 'to the right hand or to the left' stresses the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands. This verse teaches that prosperity depends on wholehearted commitment to God’s covenant.

Joshua 1:8

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.

Study: Meditating on the Book of the Law 'day and night' underscores the necessity of constant reflection and application of God’s word. This practice is linked to prosperity and success, showing that spiritual discipline leads to God’s blessing. The verse reveals the Law’s central role in guiding Israel’s life and Joshua’s leadership.

Joshua 1:9

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.

Study: God’s direct command to be strong and courageous, coupled with the promise of His presence, addresses Joshua’s potential fears. The triple encouragement to not be afraid or dismayed reflects the human tendency toward doubt and the divine remedy through faith. This verse encapsulates the chapter’s theme of courage rooted in God’s abiding presence.

Joshua 1:10

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

Study: Joshua’s immediate action to command the officers demonstrates his acceptance of leadership and readiness to mobilize the people. The preparation for crossing the Jordan within three days shows urgency and obedience to God’s timing. This verse highlights the practical steps in fulfilling God’s promises.

Joshua 1:11

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.

Study: The command to prepare victuals (food) for the journey reflects practical leadership and the importance of readiness in God’s work. Crossing the Jordan to possess the land is presented as a divine gift, reinforcing God’s sovereignty. This verse connects spiritual obedience with practical preparation.

Joshua 1:12

And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,

Study: Joshua addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, reminding them of Moses’ command and God’s rest given to them. This reference to rest connects to the covenant promise of peace and security in the land. It also highlights the unity and shared responsibility among the tribes.

Joshua 1:13

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.

Study: The reminder that God has given rest and land to these tribes encourages faithfulness and perseverance. It acknowledges their prior inheritance east of the Jordan while preparing them to support their brethren. This verse teaches about God’s provision and the importance of mutual support within the covenant community.

Joshua 1:14

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;

Study: Allowing families and livestock to remain while the men go armed shows a balance between responsibility and trust in God’s protection. The armed men’s role to help their brethren illustrates communal solidarity and shared mission. This verse reveals the practical and spiritual cooperation required to possess the land.

Joshua 1:15

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.

Study: The promise that the armed men will return to their own land after helping their brethren emphasizes God’s justice and fulfillment of promises to all tribes. The phrase 'toward the sunrising' locates their inheritance geographically and culturally. This verse highlights God’s faithfulness to each part of His covenant people.

Joshua 1:16

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

Study: The people’s wholehearted commitment to obey Joshua reflects their recognition of his God-ordained leadership. Their willingness to follow wherever he sends them shows unity and trust in God’s plan. This response models faithful submission to God’s appointed authorities.

Joshua 1:17

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.

Study: The people’s pledge to obey Joshua as they obeyed Moses affirms continuity in leadership and covenant obedience. Their prayer for God’s presence with Joshua mirrors the divine promise, emphasizing dependence on God. This verse teaches the importance of communal support and prayer in leadership transitions.

Joshua 1:18

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.

Study: The warning that rebels against Joshua’s command will be put to death underscores the seriousness of covenant obedience and unity. It reflects the need for order and faithfulness in fulfilling God’s purposes. The closing exhortation to be strong and courageous ties back to the chapter’s central theme, encouraging steadfastness in leadership.

Joshua 1 marks the beginning of a new era as God commissions Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land. God assures Joshua of His presence and commands courage and obedience to the Law for success. The chapter emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises, the importance of faithful leadership, and the unity of the tribes in possessing their inheritance. It sets the tone for Israel’s conquest and settlement under God’s guidance.

Lord, grant us the strength and courage to follow Your commands faithfully, trusting in Your constant presence as we face new challenges. Help us to meditate on Your Word day and night, that we may prosper in all You call us to do. May we submit to Your appointed leaders and support one another in Your covenant community. Guide us to walk boldly in Your promises, knowing You will never forsake us. Amen.

• Pray daily for courage and strength to face your current challenges with faith in God’s presence.
• Read and meditate on Joshua 1:7-8 each morning to focus on obedience and God’s promises.
• Write down a specific area where you need to be more courageous and ask God to help you.
• Encourage a spiritual leader in your life with a note or prayer of support this week.
• Prepare practically for a new step God is calling you to, combining faith with action.
• Reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life and journal how He has kept His promises.
• Share with a friend or family member how God’s Word has encouraged you to be strong.

Joshua 1 introduces Joshua’s leadership as God commissions him to lead Israel into the Promised Land. God’s promises of presence, protection, and victory are central, along with commands to be strong, courageous, and obedient to the Law. The chapter highlights the continuity of God’s covenant faithfulness and the importance of unity and preparation among the tribes. It sets a foundation of trust in God’s guidance for the challenges ahead.

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