Joshua 1

2 now therefore arise. Whilst Moses was living, Joshua had been designated to this work (see Numb. xxvii. 18; Deut. i. 38; iii. 28; xxxi. 23); he now receives his public commission.

this Jordan. The people were now encamped at Shittim (ii. 1), on “the plains of Moab” (Deut. xxxiv. 1), near the Jordan.

4 the wilderness. The desert which covers a large part of the Arabian peninsula formed the southern boundary of Canaan.

this Lebanon. Or, “yonder”; Lebanon being in the extreme distance on the north. It was visible from the Israelitish camp: see note on Gen. xv. 18.

the Hittites. The “Hittites,” who inhabited the south of Canaan from Beersheba to Hebron, and who had been described by the spies as the most formidable of the people of the land, seem to be here put for all the nations of Canaan.

the Great Sea. That is, the Mediterranean; the largest sea known to the Israelites.

5. I will not fail thee. Formidable as the enterprise was, God’s presence would be an all-sufficient help. This promise is aptly quoted in Heb. xiii. 5 to calm the anxieties of believers.

8. This book of the law. Not only “the law,” but a “book” was already known to Israel in the days of Joshua.

11 victuals. Food for a march of some days. within three days. Or, “and yet three days.” Within the three days they were to move down to the Jordan, so as to cross as soon as the command was given (iii.). Probably they were to wait three whole days after the command was given: see iii. 2.

14 all the mighty men of valour. Not necessarily all the warriors of these tribes, but all that were required, and these doubtless picked men.

THIS is a book of action, a story of war and conquest, a record of faith and courage. It centres round the later life of Joshua after the death of Moses.

The name Joshua, or Jehoshua, is in itself an inspiration and a message. It means “The Eternal is Salvation”; and the Greek form of it is the word we know as “Jesus,” the name applied to Joshua by Stephen (Acts vii. 45), and in the Epistle to the Hebrews (iv. 8).

The previous history of Joshua shows us what manner of man he was, and how he was prepared for the great leadership which was entrusted to him. He was the helper or servant of Moses (Ex. xxiv. 13) and was with him on Sinai (Ex. xxxii. 17). He and Caleb were among the “spies” sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan, who brought in the “minority report” (Num. xiii. 30; xiv. 6-9) and encouraged the people to go up and possess the land (cp. Josh. xiv. 6, 14).

This book shows that his faith stood the test. He acts promptly upon the command of God (i. 11). Not to himself, but to God, he gives the glory (iii. 5; iv. 21-24). In time of defeat and disappointment he turns to God in humiliation and prayer (vii. 6-9). He is loyal to God’s commandments and seeks to win the people to similar loyalty (viii. 32-35). The closing words of his life are an earnest appeal to the people, urging trust in God and fidelity to Him (xxiii. 6, 8; xxiv. 14, 15, 23), recalling God’s help in the past (xxiii. 3, 9, 14), and promising, with absolute confidence, the continuance of that help in the future (xxiii. 10).