Joshua 1

 Let’s begin by answering the first question from our study:  Who is Joshua?

  • Servant of Moses, trained from youth in leadership and warfare
  • A man in whom is the Spirit (Numbers 27:18-23)
  • Moses laid hands on him to set him apart
  • Commissioned in front of Eleazar the priest and the people
  • Invested with some of Moses’ authority, the people obey him
  • Inquires of the Lord through the priest
  • Leads the people into the promised land
  • Old enough that he would have been a slave in Egypt
  • One of the spies originally sent in to Canaan, only he and Caleb believed the Lord 
  • Tribe of Ephraim, son of Nun
  • Cultivates a relationship with the Lord



Read Joshua 1:1-5

  • Who?  The Lord is speaking to Joshua
  • What? The Lord is giving Joshua instructions and encouragement 
  • Where?  The Israelites are camping east of the Jordan River, preparing to go in to the land
  • When?  After the death of Moses (v. 1)
  • Why?  God has promised them the land and He is faithful to fulfill His promise.  Joshua is the new leader, so God gives him directions and encouragement, promising to be with him, so that Joshua can lead under God’s leadership

A few notes:

  • Joshua has already been through the Promised Land as a spy so he knows how hard the task before them will be, but he trusts God.
  • Note that God is giving them the land, they have not earned it and they cannot conquer it on their own
  • We must step out in obedience to claim the inheritance we are given.  The whole land was given to the Israelites, but they only posses what they claim.
  • Leadership can be lonely, but Joshua is not alone.


Read Joshua 1:6-9

Question 2: What phrase does God use to encourage Joshua repeatedly in this chapter?  What instructions does He give Joshua?  “Be strong and courageous” is said repeatedly, here and throughout Joshua.  It is actually said in Deuteronomy as well.  Joshua is to lead the people across the Jordan to possess the land God is giving them.  He is to be careful to follow the law, to meditate on it constantly, and to obey.

  • The Lord continues to encourage Joshua and give instructions.  His key instruction here is to obey the Law.  The only way he can do that is to meditate on it day and night.  
  • vs. 8 is the key verse in this chapter
  • To meditate:  to mutter, muse, ponder -  this is not a cursory reading but a careful, contemplative study
  • THEN - make sure you pay attention to this word; after careful, constant study, THEN the way will be prosperous and successful
  • Be careful not to use an American definition for success.  This word means to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper, to have insight, have comprehension, intelligent, consider.  The idea here is that, when one studies God’s Word, one can be discerning and choose the right path.  See also Hebrews 4:12 and Psalm 37: 3-6
  • Note that God repeats that He is with Joshua.  Joshua is second in command, not first.  One thing a leader must be careful of is not taking over.  God is the One in charge, He is sovereign, He is working.  We just need to be obedient and follow Him.


Read Joshua 1:10-11

Question 3: What actions did Joshua take after receiving the instructions of the Lord?  How might you apply this to your own life?  Joshua immediately obeys God by sending men throughout the camp to prepare everyone for the crossing.  I need to obey immediately when God gives me instructions, too.

  • Who?  Joshua is speaking to the officers of the people
  • What?  He is giving the order to prepare to move out

A few notes:

  • Joshua obeys God immediately.  Even though there was no visible way for them to cross the Jordan, he knew that if God gave and instruction, He would make a way for them to obey.  
  • Everyone except the Reubenites’ families, the Gadites’ families, and the half tribe of Manasseh’s families are going into the Promised Land and they all have a job to do.


Read Joshua 1:12-18

Question 4: What were Joshua’s instructions to the tribes that settled east of the Jordan?  How did they respond?  How would this encourage Joshua and the other Israelites?  He instructed the men to “suit up” and go with them as Moses had commanded.  They were all in, obeying him and promising him loyalty.  This would encourage Joshua as he led and also be a good example for the other Israelites.

  • Who? Joshua is speaking to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.
  • What?  He is reminding them of the charge Moses gave them when he allowed them to posses the land they had conquered east of the Jordan.

A few notes:

  • These tribes had to trust God to watch over their families for years while they were away.
  • These tribes pledge their allegiance to God and to Joshua, although they do refer to God as “the Lord your God” rather than “our God”.  This shows that they are following the human leader more than God.
  • Military discipline is enacted (v. 18)
  • They present a united front as they prepare to enter the land.


Applications for Joshua 1:

  • meditate on the Word
  • keep the Word
  • God is in control
  • We need to obey and do it immediately so that seeds of doubt don’t creep in
  • step out in faith
  • be strong and courageous 

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