Joshua 1

Joshua 1:1

I. THE OCCUPATION OF THE PROMISED LAND (Chaps. 1-12) A. Preparations for Crossing the Jordan (Chap. 1)1:1-9 The LORD first delivered a solemn charge to Joshua the son of Nun concerning the task ahead of him. The land had been promised to Israel, but they must possess it, from the Negev at the south to Lebanon in the north, and from the Mediterranean on the west to the River Euphrates on the east (see vv. 3, 4). Joshua must be strong, very courageous, and obedient. Now, as then, we are assured of good success when we fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word and obey it (v. 8). Three times Joshua is told by the Lord to be strong and very courageous (vv. 6, 7, 9). The size and duration of the task ahead, the pressures of leading such an obstinate people, and the absence of his spiritual mentor, Moses, were perhaps heavy on Joshua’s mind at this time. But the Lord was not calling him without enabling him. There were good reasons for Joshua to be strong: God’s promise (vv. 5, 6), a sure victory; God’s Word (vv. 7, 8), a safe guide; God’s presence (v. 9), a sustaining power. T. Austin Sparks writes: The real battle of faith is joined here. Not what we are, but what He is! Not what we feel, but His facts. 1:10-18 The people were to prepare provisions for their journey into the land of Canaan. As for the two and a half tribes which were settling east of the Jordan, the men were reminded by Joshua that they must help in the conquest of the land; then they could return to their families (vv. 12-15). To this they readily agreed (vv. 16-18). Any who turned back would be put to death. In some hymns, crossing the Jordan is likened to death and the land of Canaan pictures heaven. But there was conflict in Canaan, whereas there is no conflict in heaven. Actually the land of Canaan pictures our present spiritual inheritance. It is all ours, but we must possess it by obeying the Word, claiming the promises, and fighting the good fight of faith.