Joshua 1
Joshua Chapter 1, Explained
Joshua 1 opens after the death of Moses, as the enormous task of leading Israel into the promised land falls to Joshua. It would be easy to be paralyzed by the weight of it. Instead God speaks courage over him again and again, promising that as He was with Moses, so He will be with Joshua, and that He will never leave nor forsake him.
The courage God commands is not mere positive thinking. It is anchored to God's presence and God's word. Joshua is told to meditate on the book of the law day and night, so that his boldness flows from knowing God rather than from his own strength. Three times comes the charge: be strong and of a good courage.
Key verses from Joshua 1
“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 1:8
“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 1:9
The main point
Joshua 1 is about facing a huge, frightening task with courage that rests on God's presence and God's word.
How Joshua 1 points to Jesus
The name Joshua is the Hebrew form of the name Jesus, and it means the LORD saves. The one who leads God's people into their true rest is Christ, who goes before us and promises never to leave nor forsake those who are His.
Want to sit with this chapter for yourself? Open The Living Bread to read Joshua 1 in full, ask any question about it, and pray with others, free.