Joshua 1

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with God's commission to Joshua, telling him to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-9). God promises to be with Joshua and to give him success, just as He was with Moses. Joshua is instructed to meditate on the law day and night, and to be careful to obey all of God's commands. The Israelites are then encouraged to prepare to cross the Jordan River, and the chapter ends with Joshua's charge to the people to follow God's commands and to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:10-18).

Context for the Chapter

The book of Joshua is a historical narrative that tells the story of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. The chapter is set after the death of Moses, and it marks the beginning of a new era in Israel's history. The chapter is also closely tied to the book of Deuteronomy, which contains Moses' final instructions to the Israelites before his death.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's presence and promises, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. It also highlights the importance of faith and obedience, and the need to meditate on God's commands and to obey them.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

The chapter is about God's promise to be with Joshua and the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land. God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous, and to meditate on the law day and night. The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's presence and promises, and to obey His commands.

Voices from the Church

“The presence of God is the greatest comfort that a believer can have. It is the source of all strength and courage, and it is the foundation of all faith and trust.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The law of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It guides us and directs us, and it shows us the way of righteousness and obedience.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. God's Commission to Joshua (Joshua 1:1-9) — God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, and promises to be with him and to give him success.
2. The Importance of Faith and Obedience (Joshua 1:6-8) — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and obedience, and the need to meditate on God's commands and to obey them.
3. The Preparation for the Conquest (Joshua 1:10-15) — The Israelites are encouraged to prepare for the conquest of the Promised Land, and to follow God's commands and to obey them.
4. The Charge to the People (Joshua 1:16-18) — Joshua charges the people to follow God's commands and to obey them, and to be strong and courageous in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
5. Conclusion (Joshua 1:18) — The chapter concludes with a final encouragement to the people to be strong and courageous, and to trust in God's presence and promises.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of God's Presence

The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's presence with believers, which is a source of comfort and strength.

The Doctrine of Faith and Obedience

The chapter highlights the importance of faith and obedience, and the need to meditate on God's commands and to obey them.

The Doctrine of Leadership

The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership and the role of Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites.

The Doctrine of the Promised Land

The chapter is set in the context of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land, which is a type of the heavenly kingdom that believers will inherit.

Lessons from Joshua 1

1. The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches that faith is essential for believers, and that it is the foundation of all trust and obedience.
2. The Role of Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership, and the role of Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites.
3. The Need for Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience, and the need to meditate on God's commands and to obey them.
4. The Promise of God's Presence — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's presence and promises, and to obey His commands.
5. The Conquest of the Promised Land — The chapter is set in the context of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land, which is a type of the heavenly kingdom that believers will inherit.

Themes from Joshua 1

1. God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's presence with believers, which is a source of comfort and strength.
2. Faith and Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and obedience, and the need to meditate on God's commands and to obey them.
3. Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership, and the role of Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites.
4. The Promised Land — The chapter is set in the context of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land, which is a type of the heavenly kingdom that believers will inherit.
5. Trust and Courage — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to obey His commands, and to be strong and courageous in the face of challenges and uncertainties.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the chapter teach about God's presence with believers?
2. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faith and obedience?
3. What is the role of leadership in the chapter, and how does it relate to the broader biblical narrative?
4. How does the chapter encourage believers to trust in God's promises and to obey His commands?
5. What are some ways in which the chapter applies to the life of a believer today?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Joshua 1

	Sermon	Description
	(1 Peter - Part 18): On Laying Aside Certain Things by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is God who infuses the element of eternity into everything. Without God's intervention, mortality and corruptibility are inevitable.
	Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus
	Four Wonderful Discoveries by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the providence of God and how He prepares and guides His people. He emphasizes that if God has led someone to a particular church or ministry,
	Fresh Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living according to the revelation God has given to individuals. He encourages listeners to follow God's personal instructi
	(Covenant Word Ministries) Ask and It Shall Be Given You by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of not just hearing the word of God, but also putting it into action. He challenges the congregation to reflect on what they wi
	(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Rote, Rut, and Rot! by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to break free from spiritual stagnation and move forward in our relationship with God. He acknowledges that people often prefer spe
	Esther #4 Ch. 8-10 by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being diligent and responsible in our actions, rather than using religious excuses for laziness. He uses the examples of Jo
	The Morning Watch - Part 2 by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time in both reading the Word of God and praying. He encourages listeners to start their day by immersing themselv
	God Answers Man's Suffering: Companionship by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when we face difficulties in life, it is because God has a glorious purpose to fulfill. He compares our lack of understanding to Job, w
	The Man Who Lived on Promises by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son breaking his leg while being heroic at a low-budget camp. He emphasizes that explanations don't make us feel bette

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 1

Matthew Henry's commentary on Joshua 1 emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's presence and promises. He notes that the commission of Joshua is a type of the commission of Christ, and that the conquest of the Promised Land is a type of the heavenly kingdom that believers will inherit. He also emphasizes the importance of meditating on the law and obeying God's commands, and the need to trust in God's power and protection in the face of challenges and uncertainties. Overall, Henry's commentary highlights the significance of Joshua 1 as a chapter that encourages believers to trust in God's presence and promises, and to obey His commands. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?