Joshua 1

Passage overview

Joshua 1 begins after the death of Moses, as Joshua receives leadership over Israel and prepares the people to cross the Jordan. The chapter includes God's charge to Joshua (verses 1–9), Joshua's instructions to the officers and to the eastern tribes (verses 10–15), and the people's pledge of obedience (verses 16–18).

1verseNow after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying,

2verse“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.

3verseI have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses.

4verseFrom 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.

5verseNo 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.

6verse“Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

7verseOnly 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.

8verseThis 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.

9verseHaven’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.”

10verseThen Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

11verse“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.’”

12verseJoshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying,

13verse“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.

14verseYour 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

15verseuntil 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.’”

16verseThey answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

17verseJust 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.

18verseWhoever 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.”

God's Charge to Joshua

God repeatedly commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. The basis for courage is not Joshua's personal ability alone, but God's promise to be with him as He was with Moses. Joshua is also told to meditate on the book of the law day and night and to act according to it.

The People's Preparation and Response

Joshua commands the people to prepare provisions for crossing the Jordan. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to fulfill their promise to help the other tribes receive their inheritance west of the Jordan. The people respond by pledging loyalty and urging Joshua to be strong and courageous.

Overall Meaning

The chapter presents leadership transition, continuity of God's promise, and the centrality of the law. A new era begins, but it is grounded in the same divine presence and instruction that guided Israel before.

Points for Reflection

  • What gives courage during a major transition?
  • How does meditation on instruction shape wise leadership and action?
  • Why is communal cooperation important at the beginning of a new stage?

Try Applying It to Yourself

  • In a season of change, identify the promise, principle, or responsibility that should guide your next step.
  • Consider how courage and obedience can be practiced together rather than separately.