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David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Guzik adds "The leader: Joshua as a type of Jesus. Remember that the Greek name Jesus simply translates the Hebrew name Joshua. Their names are identical. Whatever Israel received in the Promised Land, they received through the hand of Joshua; whatever we receive from God we receive through Jesus Christ, our Joshua." Those are fittest to rule, who have learned to obey -- Matthew Henry Gaebelein divides Joshua simply - I. The entrance to the land and the conflict.—Chapters 1–12. II. The division of the land.—Chapters 13–24. Matthew Henry Concise - vv1-4. Joshua had attended upon Moses. He who was called to honour, had been long used to business. Our Lord Jesus took upon Him the form of a servant. Joshua was trained up under command. Those are fittest to rule, who have learned to obey. The removal of useful men should quicken survivors to be the more diligent in doing good. Arise, go over Jordan. Guzik - Joshua was prepared by faithful service in small things, in being Moses’ assistant.Redpath tells of a motto over a kitchen sink: “Divine service is conducted here three times daily.” The motto is true, and great men and women are prepared by faithfulness to the small things. W R Newell - This is the first great lesson we must learn: that Joshua, not Moses, leads the people into the land. Joshua's name means "Salvation of Jehovah," or "Jehovah Salvation" and the New Testament form of it is Jesus (see Matt . 1:21 and the meaning of the name). Oh, that all Christians would simply trust their faithful Joshua, leaning only upon Him, and His atoning work, following only Him! How quickly would He lead them all into the full realization in experience of what He has so wondrously purchased for us in His Cross! May Moses (our works) die now with each of us that we may know none else hereafter as our Leader but our Joshua, our Lord Jesus Christ! For He not only "bare our sins in his own body on the tree" (1 Pet . 2:24), but our connection with Adam the first was ended at the cross (see Rom. 6: 6) . GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3) Now after the death of Moses, &c. The literal rendering of the Heb. is, ‘And it was (or happened) after the death of Moses, and the Lord spake, &c.’ This rendering discloses more perfectly the use of the copulative ‘and’ in the original, which is so employed as to bring this book into immediate connexion with the foregoing, and thus makes it a regular continuation of the sacred narrative begun and carried on by Moses in the five preceeding books. In like manner the book of Ruth commences with a similar phraseology, ויהי And it came to pass, &c., although it cannot be questioned that there are other instances, as in the opening of the books of Esther and Ezekiel, where the ו v cannot have a copulative, but merely a conversive sense; i. e., it converts, according to a peculiarity of the language, the future into the past or pretorite sense.—The time referred to at the opening of this book, was probably at the conclusion of the thirty day’s mourning for Moses, spoken of Deut. 34:8; or it might have been during that period; in which time also it is the opinion of some commentators that the spies (chap. 2:1) were sent out. The servant of the Lord. A high and honorable title, applied to Moses, not merely in the sense in which it is applied to pious and good men generally, who may justly be styled servants of the Most High, inasmuch as it is the grand aim of their lives to serve and obey him; but in this connexion carrying with it, a reference to the peculiar nature of the service in which Moses was employed, viz., that of a minister, mediator, deputy, or vicegerent of God, the honored organ through whom he communicated his will to his chosen people and managed all their varied interests. It is in this character that he stands so highly commended in the sacred volume, having received the divine testimony to his being ‘found faithful in all God’s house as a servant,’ and being expressly distinguished by this title, not only here, where God himself is pleased so to denominate him, v. 2, but also in Rev. 15:3, where it is said of the company standing upon the sea of glass, that they ‘sing the song of Moses the servant of God.’ On the sense of ministerial ruling oftentimes involved in the term servant, see Note Gen. 24:2. The Lord spake unto Joshua, &c. The name of this illustrious leader of Israel appears in a somewhat different form in several different connexions in which it occurs. In Num. 13:16, we are informed that ‘Moses called Oshea the son of Nun, Jehoshua,’ where the original is in the first instance הושע hoshëa, the same name with that of the Prophet Hosea, and in the second יהושע yehoshua, having the first letter of ‘Jehovah’ (יהוח) appended. The first of these the Gr. of the Sept. represents by Αυση, Ausè, the other by Ιησους Jesus. The Hebrew root of the name has the import of salvation, and from this the sense of Saviour has been transferred into the Greek Ιησους, Jesus. In Neh. 8:17, we have still another form; ישוע yeshua, Jeshua, where the Gr. preserves the usual form Ιησους Jesus. It was doubtless from this current usage of the Septuagint that the New Testament writers have in two instances applied to Joshua the name of the Saviour, of whom he was undoubtedly an eminent type. The first is Acts 7:45, ‘Which also our fathers, that came after, brought in with Jesus,’ i. e. Joshua. The other is Heb. 4:8, ‘For if Jesus (Joshua) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.’ This change of names, in the case of various Scripture personages, appears to have been governed by a change of relations, either to God or to man, as in the case of Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Daniel, Paul, and others. See Note on Gen. 17:5. Of the manner of the communication now made to Joshua, we are not expressly informed. From the fact that Moses and Joshua, just before the death of the former, were summoned together into the ‘tabernacle of the congregation,’ Deut. 31:14, that the dying charge of Moses might be given to his successor, it seems highly probable that the instructions and encouragements imparted on this occasion were delivered from the same place. Moses’ minister. Heb. משרת משה meshâreth Moshëh, he that served, or ministered to, Moses. The original שרת shârath, to minister, is used with the accusative of the person ministered to, and is found for the most part in those connexions, where the service of God is spoken of, especially that which was rendered by the Priests and Levites. Joshua was Moses’ minister in the sense of an immediate attendant, one who waited upon his person, and assisted him in business; one of whose services he availed himself in a variety of ways, as Elisha, of those of Gehazi. In Deut. 1:38, it is expressed by a different, but equivalent phrase העמד לפניך hâomëd lepânëkâ, who standeth before thee, a usual mode of expressing the idea of ministration. The word is rendered in some copies of the Greek, ὑπεργος, an under-workman, in others, θερἀπων, one that waits, attends upon, ministers to. Previous to the death of Moses, Joshua had been specially designated to the office which he is now called to assume, Deut. 1:38; 31:3, 6–8; and for which he was peculiarly qualified by his long familiarity with Moses, and by the training which he would naturally receive in the station occupied under him. An humble and devoted spirit, a willingness to serve God in the meanest employments, is the best preparative, and often the surest precursor to posts of honor and dignity in the church. Wherever this is the case, no previous lowness or obscurity of origin is, in God’s sight, an obstacle to advancement. Persons of this character are often surprised to look back, and see from what small beginnings they have been raised step by step, under the guidance of Providence, to stations of the most extensive influence and usefulness.
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Guzik - Biblically, the land over the Jordan—the Promised Land—does not speak of heaven. Hebrews 3–4 shows Canaan as a picture of the rest and victory that can be enjoyed by every believer. In this sense, F. B. Meyer connects the Book of Joshua with the Book of Ephesians. Both describe a spiritual walk of promise, wealth, and victory that are ours with Jesus. This also shows that the deliverance from Egypt was only in preparation for the enjoyment of Canaan. In our Christian life, we are brought out of sin so that we might be brought in to abundant life. The wilderness is never God’s permanent destination for us. Even as an entire generation of Israel died in the wilderness, so many Christians die in the desert dryness of spiritual experience, never walking in the fullness of what God has for them. THOUGHT - Are you in the wilderness beloved? You do not have to remain there! Richard Hess has a variation on Joshua 1:1-9 as a summary of the entire book writing “This text [Josh 1:2–5] summarizes the book. Verse 2 describes the crossing of the Jordan as found in Josh 1:1–5:12. Josh 1:3 outlines the ‘conquest’ of Josh 5:13–12:24. Verse 4 implies the distribution of the land in Josh 13:1–22:34. The emphasis on all the days of Joshua’s life in Josh 1:5 is found at the end of Joshua’s life in the final two chapters of the book. These verses also introduce the character of the LORD God of Israel. He is one of the main actors in the book. Here he reveals himself through his promises on behalf of Joshua and Israel.” (Joshua - Tyndale Old Testament) INAPPROPRIATE APPLICATION OF THE SCRIPTURE - Below is an example two Hymns which interpret crossing Jordan River as death and entrance into Canaan as into Heaven. Beautiful hymns but not beautiful theology! Note the line " Land me safe on Canaan’s side". Israel was hardly "safe" on Canaan's side, for the land was filled with godless, idolatrous pagans who had to be defeated in battle. Canaan is better seen as a picture of the spiritual warfare of the believer on earth and before Heaven. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand; Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more, Feed me till I want no more. Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow; Let the fire and cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through; Strong deliverer, strong deliverer, Be Thou still my strength and shield, Be Thou still my strength and shield. When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death and hell’s destruction, Land me safe on Canaan’s side; Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever give to Thee, I will ever give to Thee. HERE'S ANOTHER EXAMPLE On Jordan's Stormy Banks by Samuel Stenett "On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye To Canaan's fair and happy land where my possessions lie I am bound for the promised land, I am bound for the promised land. When shall I reach that happy place and be forever blest? When shall I see my Father's face and in His bosom rest? I am bound for the promised land, I am bound for the promised land." Swing Low, Sweet Chariot go: I looked over Jordan, and what did I see Comin’ for to carry me home? A band of angels, comin’ after me Comin’ for to carry me home. Introduction from Paul Apple OVERVIEW Spiritual Victory is the great theme of the Book of Joshua as God fulfills His covenant promise to lead Abraham’s descendants into possession of the promised land of Canaan despite tremendous obstacles and powerful enemies. The people under Joshua’s leadership needed to engage the enemy by trusting fully in the Lord and turning away from sin. The distribution of the conquered land reminds us of the spiritual rest that comes to God’s people as they enjoy the blessings of victory. This account stands in contrast to the Book of Numbers which highlighted the failure and the wandering in the wilderness of a people who did not inherit the blessing because of unbelief. Consecration is the essential preparation for spiritual conflict. Victory gained must still be maintained by an ongoing commitment of faith and obedience. BIG IDEA Claiming God’s promises for spiritual victory requires engaging and conquering the enemy by grace through faith. Joshua 3:5 “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” BASIC OUTLINE I. (Joshua 1:1 – 5:15) ENGAGING THE ENEMY -- ENTERING THE PROMISED LAND A. (Joshua 1:1-18) Commission to Go to War – Transition from Moses to Joshua B. (Joshua 2:1-24) Avoiding the Grasshopper Mentality – The Mission of the Two Spies C. (Joshua 3:1-17) Avoiding the Victim Mentality – Crossing the Jordan D. (Joshua 4:1-24) Avoiding the Bigshot Mentality – Commemorating Spiritual Milestones E. (Joshua 5:1-15) First Things First – Stepping Out in Faith Requires Submission to the Sign of the Covenant II. (Joshua 6:1 – 12:24) ELIMINATING THE ENEMY – TAKING POSSESSION OF THE PROMISED LAND A. (Joshua 6:1-27) Faith Celebrates Victory Before the Walls Even Fall B. (Joshua 7:1-26) Sin Snatches Defeat From the Jaws of Victory C. (Joshua 8:1-35) Regaining Lost Ground – the Spirit Succeeds Where the Flesh Failed D. (Joshua 9:1-27) Rash Commitments – Deception Takes Advantage of Our Limited Perception Spiritual Victory is Compromised When We Make Rash Commitments Apart from Seeking the Guidance of the Lord E. (Joshua 10:1-27) Unlimited Divine Weapons and Resources – We Can Rout Our Enemies By Relying on the Lord’s Unlimited Weapons and Resources F. (Joshua 11:1-15) Victory in Obedience to the Lord’s Commands God Provides the Victory When We Obey His Commands by Taking Courage and Taking Action in Faith G. (Joshua 11:16 – 12:24) Summary of the Victorious Campaigns III. (Joshua 13:1 – 22:34) EARMARKING THE PROMISED LAND FOR ITS DIVINELY INTENDED PURPOSE – DISTRIBUTING IT AMONG THE VARIOUS TRIBES A. (13:1-7) Joshua’s Final Clean-Up Instructions From the Lord – Specific Areas of Canaan Still Needed to be Conquered and Possessed B. (Joshua 13:8-33) Earmarking Land for the Eastern Tribes (Reubenites and Gadites) -- Transjordan C. (Joshua 14:1 – 19:51) Earmarking Land for the Western Tribes D. (Joshua 20:1-9) Designation of the 6 Cities of Refuge E. (Joshua 21:1-45) Designation of the 48 Levitical Cities F. (Joshua 22:1-34) Dismissal of Eastern Tribes Back to Their Homes IV. (Joshua 23:1 – 24:33) EXHORTING THE NATION OF ISRAEL ONE FINAL TIME TO CONTINUED COVENANT OBEDIENCE A. (Joshua 23:1-16) Farewell Charge from Joshua – Call to Covenant Obedience B. (Joshua 24:1-28) Final Review of Covenant History at Shechem C. (Joshua 24:29-33) Epilogue – Association of Joshua’s Burial with those of Joseph and Eleazar – All in the Promised Land as a Testimony to the Faithfulness of God WHY STUDY THIS BOOK? To understand the intensity of the spiritual warfare of the believer (both as an individual and corporately as a local church) and what faith steps we need to take to successfully engage the enemy and overcome all obstacles To consecrate our hearts and then develop a commitment to courage and obedience in following the Lord’s battle plan To appreciate that God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ as we step out in faith and trust Him rather than in our own resources To learn lessons about spiritual leadership To grow in our confidence that God is faithful to keep His promises To take our sin seriously in the light of the holiness of God who cannot compromise with sin To acknowledge God’s sovereignty over all the nations and over all the forces that would oppose His kingdom agenda To expect God to accomplish great things NOTABLE QUOTES Dale Ralph Davis: The Book of Joshua contains at least four important theological themes which have practical values for today. First, the book is a lesson on the covenant faithfulness of Jehovah. The power of God was not only declared in covenant agreement, but also demonstrated. Secondly, the book demonstrates the importance of the written word of God (Josh. 1:8; 8:32-35; 23:6-16; 24:26-27). There was an authoritative body of written Scripture in the days of Joshua and this consisted of the books of Moses. There is no appeal to contemporary customs or oral tradition. Thirdly, the book points out the utter failure of human effort apart from divine directives. When Joshua and the children of Israel were faithful to God’s word and His will, there was victory. When they abandoned His will in favor of their own genius, there was failure and frustration. Finally, the book is a commentary of God’s holiness and His judgment of sin. The destruction of the cities of Canaan with their inhabitants was not merely to give Israel military control of the area, but it was, in effect, a judgment of God upon the wickedness of that land (cf. Gen. 15:16; Deut. 7:5-6). (Joshua: No Falling Words Focus on the Bible) John
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Guzik - Victory is assured not because Joshua is a great leader, or because Israel is a great nation, but because God is a great God, and He says to Joshua, I will be with you. This is enough for any man seeking to do God’s will. Jensen - Joshua was now sovereignly appointed as the man of the hour, but he was not to forget the one he was succeeding. God reminded him of three important truths concerning Moses’ experience: first, that to Moses was spoken God’s promise of the land (Josh 1:3); second, that God was with Moses in his ministry of leadership (Josh 1:5); and third, that the law of God delivered by Moses was to continue as the people’s law of life (Josh 1:7). These vital reminders to Joshua were certainly to serve him often in the arduous and trying years to come as he would reminisce about his service to his human master Moses and about this day of divine appointment. (Joshua- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Rest-Land Won) Just as I have been with Moses I will be with you; I will not fail (NET - "abandon") you or forsake you (NET = "leave you alone") - God wants Joshua first to recall the many times God had stood by His servant Moses, often in very difficult, testing circumstances. Just as God was sufficient for Moses, He would be sufficient for Joshua. God promises His presence, His power, His power and His faithfulness. In the Septuagint forsake is translated with the verb huperorao (with absolute negation) meaning God would absolutely not disregard Joshua as unworthy of notice, a strong affirmation of God's "watchcare" of Joshua. THOUGHT - God's commitment of his presence and power to always be with us is powerfully encouraging, and it never changes. God made the same promise to Jacob (Ge 28:15). In Dt 31 God made the identical promise to Joshua. Now God is saying it again to him. The promise will be repeated one day to the fearful Gideon, hiding in a winepress. David will repeat the promise to his son Solomon. It will be repeated again to the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to their homeland. Best of all, God has made the identical promise to us as his people today. Remember, the gospel of Matthew opens with the promise of Emmanuel, "God with us." And it concludes with the Lord Jesus' saying to us, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Mt 28:20) Hebrews 13:5 quotes this same truth applying it to us as Christians today. This truth should encourage us to keep moving forward in God's will, for as we do, we can be absolutely assured of God's presence and power. We can experience the truth of Ro 8:31:that "If God is for us, who is against us?" There is no opposition that God can't or won't take us through. What battle are you waging today? Is your battle greater than the power of the Lord? He will walk through the battle with you. Davis on I will be with you - It is interesting to note that these simple words were spoken once before to a very reticent, backward, excuse-making, ask-George-not-me sort of fellow, that is, Moses, in Exodus 3:12+, when he was called to face both Israel and pharaoh. The same God now gives the same assurance in similar threatening circumstances to Joshua. (Joshua: No Falling Words Focus on the Bible) THOUGHT - And beloved same God now gives the same assurances He gave to Moses and Joshua in whatever threatening, fearful circumstances you find yourself today! As Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Count on it (HIM)! Davis adds "Note how this assurance keeps reappearing throughout the book (Joshua 2:24; 3:7, 10; 4:14; 6:27; Josh 10:14, 42; 13:6; 14:12; Josh 21:44; Josh 23:3, 10). (Joshua: No Falling Words Focus on the Bible) Note that not only did God promise to be with Joshua but go ahead in of him into the enemy occupied territory! “The LORD is the One Who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Dt 31:8+ Fail (Lxx translates with egkataleipo in Josh 1:5) (07503) raphah means to sink, to become slack, to relax, to cease (Jdg. 8:3; 2 Sa 24:16; Neh. 6:9; Ps. 37:8), to desist or leave alone (Ex. 4:26; Dt. 9:14; Jdg. 11:37; Job 7:19), to become discouraged, to become disheartened, to become weak, to become feeble, to let drop or let go (Job 27:6; = figuratively; Pr. 4:13 = figuratively; Song 3:4 = literally), to discourage, to leave alone, to let go, to forsake or abandon someone (Deut. 4:31; 31:6, 8; Josh. 1:5; 10:6; Ps. 138:8), to be lazy (Ex. 5:8, 17; Josh. 18:3; Prov. 18:9). Uses of raphah in Joshua - Jos. 1:5; Jos. 10:6; Jos. 18:3 Forsake (leave, abandon) (05800) 'azab basically means to depart from something -- to leave, to forsake (48x), to leave (26x; "left" 22x), to loose, to depart, to abandon. Things that can left behind or forsaken include persons (Ge 44:22; Nu 10:30; Ru 1:16; 2Ki4:30), people who should left behind (Ge 2:24); places (2Ki 8:6; Jer 18:14; 25:38) and objects (Ge 39:12,13; 50:8; Ex 9:21). Uses of azab in Joshua - Jos. 1:5; Jos. 8:17; Jos. 22:3; Jos. 24:16; Jos. 24:20 William Blaikie - “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,”—an assurance which is extended in the Epistle to the Hebrews to all who believe. We are so apt to view these promises as just beautiful expressions that we need to pause and think what they really mean. A promise of Divine presence, Divine protection and guidance and blessing all the days of our life, is surely a treasure of inexpressible value. It is no slight matter to realise that this is in God’s heart—that He has a constant, unvarying feeling of love toward us, and readiness to help; but we must believe this in order to get the benefit of it; and, moreover, He must be left to determine the time, the manner, and the form in which His help is to come. Alas for the unbelief, the suspicion, the fear that is so prone to eat out the spirit of trust, and in our trials and difficulties make us tremble as if we were alone! What a profound peace, what calm enjoyment and blessed hope fall to the lot of those who can believe in a God ever near, and in His unfailing faithfulness and love! Was it not the secret alike of David’s calmness, of our Lord’s serenity, and of the cheerful composure of many a martyr and many a common man and woman who have gone through life undisturbed and happy, that they could say—“I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved”? God grant us all that, like Abraham, we may “stagger not at the promise of God through unbelief, but that being strong in faith we may give glory to God, and believe that what He hath promised He is able also to perform.” (Joshua 2 The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Joshua 1:5 Woodrow Kroll Never Forsaken by Never Forsaken - In 1970 an Arizona lawyer named Russel T. Tansie filed a $100,000 damage suit against God. The suit was filed on behalf of Mr. Tansie's secretary, Betty Penrose, who accused God of negligence in His power over the weather when He allowed a lightning bolt to strike her home. The woman won the case when the Defendant failed to appear in court. I wonder if she ever collected? When trials come or disaster strikes, it's easy to feel as if God is being negligent. When something we can't explain happens, we believe God has let us down. But the Bible makes it very clear that this is not true. God told Joshua that He would not leave nor forsake him. Actually, in the Hebrew language, the negative comes first and makes the thought even stronger: "not will I leave you" and "not will I forsake you." The order of these words emphasizes the fact that, no matter how difficult Joshua's circumstances might become, God would not leave and He would not forsake. He was as committed to Joshua as He had been to Moses. Could you use that same kind of commitment from God today? You have it. Read Hebrews 13:5 (note). God's presence doesn't mean that things will always go smoothly. Christians don't walk around with protective plastic bubbles surrounding them. We experience cancer; we endure sorrow and heartache; we fail in business. God's promise, however, is that He will continue to walk with us and be faithful to us even in our sorrows or failures. His company will bring you comfort that will exceed your understanding (see note Philippians 4:7). Be assured that as God was with Moses and Joshua, He is with you as well. Jesus promised, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). Whatever difficulties you face, you will not have to face them alone. He will never, no never, fail you nor forsake you. That's His promise to you. Only God can say never--and really mean it. Matthew Henry Concise - Verses 5-9. Joshua is to make the law of God his rule. He is charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it. Whatever affairs of this world we have to mind, we must not neglect the one thing needful. All his orders to the people, and his judgments, must be according to the law of God. Joshua must himself be under command; no man's dignity or dominion sets him above the law of God. He is to encourage himself with the promise and presence of God. Let not the sense of thine own infirmities dishearten thee; God is all-sufficient. I have commanded, called, and commissioned thee to do it, and will be sure to bear thee out in it. When we are in the way of duty, we have reason to be strong and very bold. Our Lord Jesus, as Joshua here, was borne up under his sufferings by a regard to the will of God, and the commandment from his Father. Adrian Rogers - the first principle is there is a possession to possess. Now, the second principle is this: There is a promise to plead. Notice verse 5: "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all of the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Joshua 1:5). Now, not only did God tell them about their possession, but God also gave them a promise. And, remember, all these things happen to them for examples to us (1 Corinthians 10:11). Now, look at this promise, and let's analyze it. First of all, the Lord gives the promise of a conquering power. Notice in verse 5: "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life" (Joshua 1:5). There's power to do everything that God ask you to do. You say, "Brother Rogers, I don't have the power to cross the River Jordan. I don't have the power to drive out the giants of fear, and doubt, and lust, and hate, and envy, and jealousy, and worry. I don't have the power." No, but, dear friend, these enemies—these giants—cannot stand before you, if you go in the name of Jesus, if you claim His power. Living victoriously is not your responsibility; it is, rather, your response to God's ability. (ED: See "Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible") This promise is the promise of a conquering power, and it is the promise of a continuing presence. (Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.) ILLUSTRATION - I WILL BE WITH YOU - I love the story of the little boy in Sunday School who interrupted her teacher as he told about David and Goliath. He explained how brave David was to face the giant Goliath. The little boy said, “David was not the brave one. Goliath was.” “Why do you say that?” the teacher asked. The little boy explained, “Goliath had to go out and face David alone, but David had God with him.” And so do we. As we do what God tells us to do, we have the assurance that He is there with us. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3) There shall not any man be able to stand before thee. Heb. לא יתיעב איש lo yithyatztzeb ish, a man shall not plant or station himself. The form of the sentence in our version ‘shall not be able to stand’ comes from the Lat. Vulg., which has ‘nullus poterit vobis resistere.’ The Gr. has οὐκ αντιστήσεται, shall not resist. But the idea expressed in our version no doubt correctly represents the sense of the original, which is not so much to deny the fact that opposition would be made to Joshua and the Israelites, for we know that their enemies did often ‘plant themselves’ against them, but rather to assert the inability of their adversaries to make any successful resistance. No man shall be able effectually to withstand thee, to maintain his ground before thee, or to throw any serious obstacle in thy way. Joshua is, however, admonished that his sufficiency was not of himself. It was solely in consequence of God’s being with him, upholding and prospering him, as he did Moses, that he was to be rendered thus invincible. Those that contended with him were contending with omnipotence, and in this unequal contest they must necessarily be worsted. ‘If God be for us who can be against us?’ What Joshua had himself, on another occasion, said to encourage the people, Num. 14:9, God now says to him. This signal success, moreover, was not only to mark the commencement of his enterprises, but to attend him throughout his whole career. However it might be with Israel when he was gone, yet during his life-time he should be favored with a constant tide of triumphs. If it be asked how this assurance consists with the fact, that he met with such a serious repulse in one of his earliest expeditions, and that so many thousands of Israel were smitten and turned their backs before the men of Ai, the answer is, that they failed in the conditions on which the promises of victory were suspended. These promises were not absolute. They were made with a proviso. They were to be fulfilled on condition of the implicit faith and obedience of the people, with the perfect understanding, at the same time, that God’s grace was sufficient for them, and that if they sought him sincerely, they should never fail to receive an adequate measure of ability to enable them to comply with these conditions. On the occasion alluded to, they had grossly failed in duty, they had sinned and transgressed the covenant and were therefore smitten before the enemy, ‘because they were accursed,’ i. e. laboring under the Divine displeasure, Josh. 7:12. As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. Chal. ‘As my Word was for Moses’ help, so shall my Word be for thy help.’ I will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Heb. לא ארפך lo arpekâ. The original term here rendered ‘fail’ properly signifies to let sink, to let grow slack and fall down, being generally spoken of the hands, and implying a loosing or relaxing of one’s grasp, and the consequent falling down of the hands, as in Josh. 10:6, ‘Slack not thy hands (אל תרף ידך al tēreph yâdekâ) from thy servants.’ It has a meaning directly opposite to that of the word for laying a firm hold, taking a vigorous grasp, of any thing. The other is the usual word for leave, forsake, abandon. The sense clearly is, that God would keep firm hold of his servant, would not let go of him, would not resign him up to the power of his enemies. Moses had before given to Joshua the same assurance, couched almost in the express words of this passage, Deut. 31:6–8; and here God is pleased, in accordance with the character which he elsewhere gives of himself, Is. 44:26, to ‘confirm the word of his servant,’ and engages never to leave or be wanting to Joshua. Joshua 1:6 "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Be strong and courageous: Jos 1:7,9 1Sa 4:9 1Ki 2:2 1Ch 22:13 28:10 2Ch 32:7,8 Ps 27:14 Isa 35:3,4 Da 10:19 Hag 2:4 Zec 8:9 1Co 16:13 Eph 6:10 2Ti 2:1 you shall give this people possession of the land : Nu 34:17-29 which I swore: Ge 26:3 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: NEW TESTAMENT PARALLELS: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14+ Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. (All 5 commands are in the present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey). Ephesians 6:10+ Finally, be strong (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 2 Timothy 2:1+ You therefore, my son, be strong (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. MAN UP JOSHUA! VICTORY IS GUARANTEED! The Septuagint for be courageous is the rare verb andrizo (used in the command in 1Cor 16:13+) and in the present imperative (see need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey - cf Nu 27:18+) calling for Joshua to continually "man up," playing the man and behaving like a man. THOUGHT - This is a good charge for all God's soldiers, men and women. We must continually be filled (with the Spirit Eph 5:18+ and the Word Col 3:16+) so that we might be supernaturally enabled to fight the good fight of faith (1Ti 1:18, 1Ti 6:12+, 2Ti 4:7+). Jensen - The success and prosperity which God promised had their source therefore in God Himself. Without God, there would be defeat; with God, success. But woven into the sovereign design of success for Joshua and the people was the human strand of the condition of their obedience (Josh 1:6, 7, 8, especially all the law...all that is written in it - ED: GOD WAS CALLING FOR COMPLETE OBEDIENCE!). (Joshua- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Rest-Land Won) THOUGHT - Are you experiencing the blessings of freedom in Christ, power of His Spirit, abundance of spiritual life, etc? If not, you might consider doing a "moral inventory" of the past few days, weeks or months. What is your "obedience quotient?" (so to speak). Is it "complete" (notice I did not ask if it is "perfect" for perfection awaits glorification) or is it partial, good in some areas, not so good in others? Partial obedience is disobedience. Confess, repent and return to reliance on the Spirit to obey and then experience the blessing from the good hand of the Lord. Be strong and courageous - These are clear commands, not subtle suggestions! This imperative which God issues to Joshua is a call to courageous, obedient leadership,and is based on the absolute certainty of God's presence, or as we might say in NT terms "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?." (Ro 8:31+). Recall also that Nu 27:18+ says Joshua is "a man in whom is the Spirit." Does this not recall Jesus' words in giving the Great Commission (the greatest spiritual battle in all of history!) in Mt 28:20, promising "lo, I am with you always (HOW? HIS SPIRIT), even to the end of the age.” The grounds for whatever courage Joshua might have (or we might have!) are not in himself (ourself!), but in the powerful encouragement that God would be with him! THOUGHT - God’s commandments all come "pre-packaged" with God’s enablements. Which commandments are you finding it difficult to obey? Perhaps you are relying on your own natural strength and willpower to keep them. You need to learn to jettison natural power and rely wholly on the Holy Spirit to supernaturally empower your desire and power to keep God's commandments (cf Php 2:13NLT+). Guzik - This bold courage would not be in Joshua himself, but in God. We can be full of self-confidence that will take us to ruin, but we should instead be full of a genuine God-confidence. For - Explains the reason for God's commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. You shall give this people possession of the land - While it is ultimately Yahweh Who gives Israel the land, it is Yahweh's servant (cf Josh 5:14, Josh 24:29) who would be instrument of the fulfillment. THOUGHT - God uses men and women to accomplish His purposes. Watch where God is working and join Him in His work. Which I swore to their fathers to give them - God had made a solemn, immutable promise to the Patriarchs (cf Abraham - Ge 13:14–17; 15:18–21; 17:7–8; 22:16–18, Isaac - Ge 26:3–5, Jacob - Ge 28:13; 35:12 and Moses - Ex 6:8), a truth Joshua needed to keep uppermost in his mind, so that he would never doubt the success of his assigned mission. Possession was their's for the taking but Joshua had to lay hold by faith, a faith that was reflected in obedience to God's commands. THOUGHT - This explains the importance of meditating on God's Word day and night (Joshua 1:8). If this was one of the keys for victory in Joshua, is it any less a key our victory in the New Testament (that's a rhetorical question)? Campbell - While in any given generation the fulfillment of this great and significant promise depends on Israel’s obedience to God, there can be no question that the Bible affirms her right to the land. By divine contract the title is hers even though she will not possess it totally and enjoy it fully until she is right with God. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Be strong (02388)(chazaq) conveys the basic meaning of to be or become strong, to make strong or strengthen, in the Hiphil to take hold of or seize ("retain His anger" - Mic 7:18+), in the Hithpael to strengthen oneself (to take courage 1 Sa 30:6). To be courageous. To overpower. Chazaq describes strength - severity of a famine (a "strong" famine) (2 Ki 25:3, Jer 52:6), strength of humans to overpower (David and Goliath 1Sa 17:50, cf 1Sa 17:35 = seized;, Amnon and Tamar = 2Sa 13:14), in a battle, to capture (2Chr 8:3), Samson's last demonstration of supernatural strength in which he asks God to "please strengthen me" (Jdg 16:28). Used in the command "Be strong and courageous" (Josh 1:6, 7, 9,18, Josh 10:25, Dt 31:6-7, 23). Chazaq used 12 times in Ex 4-14 of hardening Pharaoh's heart (cf similar use in Josh 11:20). In a great passage in Da 11:32+ we read "“By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength (chazaq) and take action." The Septuagint translates chazaq with ischuo in all 4 commands in Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18. Courageous (0553)(amets means to be stout, to be strong (Ge 25:23), to be bold, to be alert. Be determined. In short it means to be strong and courageous. (2 Chr 13:18). Uses related to conquering Canaan - Deut. 2:30; Deut. 3:28; Deut. 31:6; Deut. 31:7; Deut. 31:23; Jos. 1:6; Jos. 1:7; Jos. 1:9; Jos. 1:18; Jos. 10:25. The Septuagint translates amets with andrizo in all 4 commands in Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18, the verb calling for them to "act like men!" See use of Paul's 5 commands in 1Cor 16:13-14+ Possession (05157)(nahal) means inherit, get possession of, take as a possession. TWOT says it "basically signifies giving or receiving property which is part of a permanent possession and as a result of succession. Sometimes the idea of succession is absent but the "possessing" carries with it a connotation of permanence (e.g. Ex 34:9; Pr 14:18)." Nahal in Joshua - Jos. 1:6; Jos. 13:32; Jos. 14:1; Jos. 16:4; Jos. 17:6; Jos. 19:9; Jos. 19:49; Jos. 19:51 F. B. Meyer on Be Strong and Courageous (repeated 4x in chapter 1): Joshua afflicted with his inadequacies and so charged here with courage and strength: It is when men are in this condition that God approaches them with the summons to undertake vast and overwhelming responsibilities. Most of us are too strong for him to use; we are too full of our own schemes, and plans, and ways of doing things. He must empty us, and humble us, and bring us down to the dust of death, so low that we need every straw of encouragement, every leaf of help; and then he will raise us up, and make us as the rod of his strength. The world talks of the survival of the fittest; but God gives power to the faint, and increase might to them that have not strength; he perfects his strength in weakness, and uses things that are not to bring to naught things that are. If Ehud had been right-handed, he might never have judged Israel; if Gideon had been the greatest instead of the least in his father’s house, he would never have vanquished Midian; if Paul had been as eloquent in his speech as he confesses himself to have been contemptible, he would never have preached the Gospel from Jerusalem round to Illyricum. Let us consider the sources of Joshua’s strength: I. A Faithful Past – II. A Distinct Call – III. The Sense of the Presence of God – IV. The Indwelling of the Word of God -- GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3) Be strong and of a good courage. Heb. חזק ואמץ hazak veematz. Gr. ἲσχυε καὶ ἀνδρίζου be strong and act the man. The original terms, though nearly related are not precisely synonymous with each other. They both occur, though under slightly different forms, Is 35:3: ‘Strengthen ye (חזקו hazzekū) the weak hands and confirm (אמצו ammëtzu) the feeble knees,’ from which and from other passages, it is inferred that the first, ‘be strong,’ properly implies that strength which is in the hands for grasping and holding firmly any thing, while the latter points primarily to the strength of the knees in steadfastly maintaining one’s position, and withstanding every aggressive assault of the enemy. From this view of the primary and literal acceptation of the words, we obtain a better idea of their import when applied metaphorically, as here, to the acts of the mind. They imply the utmost degree of vigorous and determined action, a spirit and energy directly the reverse of every thing imbecile and pusillanimous. Unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land. Heb. תנחיל tanhīl thou shalt cause to inherit. Which supposes the previous entire conquest of the land; and in this respect a higher degree of honor was vouchsafed to Joshua than to Moses, for he was only permitted to conduct Israel through the wilderness, and bring them to the borders of the promised land, while Joshua had the glory of actually taking possession of, and distributing the land to his people an inheritance. God is pleased, therefore, to make known to him his purposes concerning him, as a reason for his assuming all that strength and courage which he now enjoins upon him. Compare the parallel passage, Deut. 1:37, 38: ‘Also the Lord was angry with me, for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither. Encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.’ This ‘encouragement’ which Moses was to give to Joshua we find embodied in his farewell address, Deut. 31:7, 8, 23: ‘And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and, said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee! The Most High, therefore, in these words emphatically reminds Joshua of the solemn charge which Moses had given him. God will not fail to adopt and enforce as his own those commands which are uttered by his servants in accordance with his will. Charles Swindoll - Finding Courage Joshua 1:6-7, 9 I RECALL THE FIRST TIME I watched the children’s classic movie The Wizard of Oz. I was spellbound by the music and the enchanting way in which the simple themes of family, valuing home, and celebrating individual differences were on display. But perhaps the most hilarious character of all was the lion —the bumbling, wimp of a cat, who cowered in fear at the smallest threat. What he needed was courage! I love it. Who doesn’t, by the way? We all need courage to face another difficult conversation with our employer. To step into a new ministry with a genuine level of confidence. To ask someone special to the dance. To tell the family your unsettling news about the future. Thankfully, God has not left us to ourselves. In fact, at critical junctures in our lives, He offers the assurance of His presence to bolster courage. Remember Joshua, having just stepped into the oversized sandals of the great Moses —leader of Israel? What did he need most? You got it: courage. Knowing that, God stepped in to bolster Joshua’s confidence. Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. . . . This is my command —be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord God is with you wherever you go. JOSHUA 1:6-7, 9 David had it when he slung his sling (1 Samuel 17). Daniel felt it when he laughed at the lions (Daniel 6). Moses showed it when he faced Pharaoh (Exodus 5–10). And Jesus had it when He carried our sorrows. You can know its strengthening power too. Do you need a fresh infusion of divine courage? Facing an uncertain future? Wondering how everything will work out? Feeling inadequate for the task ahead? Don’t faint. Don’t despair. The Lord promises His presence and power if you trust Him. Take courage! (Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk?:) Charles Swindoll - Facing Failures Joshua 1:6-7 ANY THIRD GRADER COULD have told you the vaunted sky cycle leap across the Snake River Canyon on that sultry Sunday afternoon was a triple-A flop —a classic fizzle. The sky cycle, created by Dr. Robert C. Truax, gave up in mid-air; the driver floated to safety beneath a nylon cloud. But he didn’t sit long-faced in a dark corner. As bystanders shouted “Rip off!” he was thinking about write-offs. Anyone who can walk away from a failure with a smile, a bulging rear pocket, and his pride still intact must have something going for him. The six-million-dollar man was a two-wheeled wonder named Evel Knievel. Nobody in the long history of sports ever came off a more abysmal failure better than he. The remains of the flop cycle littered the canyon, but the man who took off like a bird made out like a bandit. There’s an abiding truth in that Idaho extravaganza we ought to capture and cultivate: “The person who succeeds is not the one who holds back, fearing failure, nor the one who never fails, but rather the one who moves on despite failure.” If anyone in Scripture had justification for fear of failure it would have been Joshua. He had some mighty big shoes to fill, following Moses! Yet as he stepped into his new role as shepherd of Israel, God issued the newly minted leader this command: Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. JOSHUA 1:6-7 God didn’t say, “Don’t blow it, Joshua!” There was no warning against failing . . . God understands our human limitations. What He desires is that when we do fail, we remain firm in our resolve to trust Him. To get back up and keep moving . . . not with a tentative, halting attitude, but with a strength and courage that flow from our confidence in Him. If you’ve blown it, don’t sweat it. Make things right today, brush off your sandals and move back out in His strength and courage. It’s not that great a leap. (Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk?:) Joshua 1:7 "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. which Moses My servant commanded you: Jos 1:1 11:15 Nu 27:23 De 31:7 do not turn from it to the right or to the left: De 5:32 12:32 28:14 Pr 4:27 8:20 so that you may have success wherever you go: De 29:9 1Ki 2:3 1Ch 22:13 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Deuteronomy 31:7 Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. GOD'S KEY TO SUCCESS IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE The "key" that opens the door to an abundant land (for Joshua) and an abundant life (for believers today) is possession and practice of the Word of God. It behooves every teacher and preacher to focus their efforts on the pure milk of the Word, because God gives no other source for spiritual growth! (1Pe 2:2+). Not Christian books, not devotionals, not commentaries like you are reading, but His Word, for that alone comes with His sure promise "So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." (Isa 55:6) And may I suggest when you teach disciples, that you assiduously avoid questions like "What does this verse mean to you?" or "How does this verse make you feel?" Focus instead on questions like "What does this passage say?" or "What does this passage teach?" Then you be more actively involving the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit Who inspired the Holy Word that He might grow Holy Saints. Only be strong and very courageous - The second time Joshua hears these divine commands. Be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you - Remember the context is the passing of the baton of leadership from Moses to Joshua (OT version of 2Ti 2:2, making disciples as Jesus commanded in Mt 28:19, something the church has failed at miserably in America in the 21st century) and God's instructions to Joshua as to how he will be able to take the children of Israel into the land victoriously. Hearing (reading) the Word of God is the key. But it is not just hearing the word but heeding it, obeying it without hesitation, for this assures victory and blessing. THOUGHT - James gives us a NT parallel which we can apply and thereby be blessed, writing that the "one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. (Jas 1:25+) This word clearly makes obedience the key to blessing. Don Anderson - The key to victory is one's relationship to the Word. It is interesting to notice the centrality of the Word here in the Lord's message....In verse 7 the Lord's message is to be careful to obey, and to not turn from it to the right or to the left. And now in verse 8 the command is to meditate upon it day and night. The Lord's message to Joshua is that the key to success is to obey the law and to meditate upon it day and night. Be careful is the frequent Hebrew verb shamar (see below) which conveys the idea of watching over something, to guard and protect it from damage or loss. It is repeatedly used in Joshua because Israel was continually in need to be watchful (as we all are beloved!). All uses of shamar in Joshua - Jos. 1:7; Jos. 1:8; Jos. 6:18; Jos. 10:18; Jos. 22:2; Jos. 22:3; Jos. 22:5; Jos. 23:6; Jos. 23:11. The Septuagint translates shamar with the picturesque verb phulasso which means to guard, as guarding someone to prevent them from escaping and is in the present tense calling for one to continually be on guarding ourselves so that we do according to all the law! THOUGHT - Believers need to continually be on guard "to do according to all the law," because our fallen flesh (as well as the world, and the devil) is continually tempting us to turn to the right or to the left! "But I say, walk (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh (present tense - continually) sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are (present tense continually) in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please." (Gal 5:16-17+) Davis makes a great point commenting that "Constant, careful absorbing of the word of God leads to obedience to it. Lack of study results in lack of obedience. Notice how the writer stresses this urgency of obedience to Yahweh’s word in the last chapters as well (Joshua 22:5; 23:6; cf. Joshua 8:30–35). (Joshua: No Falling Words Focus on the Bible) Lack of study results in lack of obedience. -- Dale Ralph Davis Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success (sakal/sākhal) wherever you go.- As part of God's fulfilling his promises, Joshua was called to exercise faith through strong and courageous leadership. Divine sovereignty always expresses itself through human response. God first speaks the word of promise, the indicative statement about who he is and what he'll do; and then that encourages us as his servants to believe, step out, trust, and obey. Joshua wasn't to use these guaranteed certainties as a reason to kick back and wait to see what God would do. No, the promise of effectiveness was powerfully motivational for Joshua, encouraging him to purposeful activity. THOUGHT - The promises of God's presence and activity are fantastic. God is saying to us through these verses, "I won't drop you in the middle of a project that I've given to you." God is not in the business of deserting his people when we get in trouble if we're honestly endeavoring to do his will. God does closes doors, and this promise of his power and presence doesn't preclude disaster, persecution, struggle, or difficulty. Our faith will be tested, we may suffer, our lives will be very hard at times---the work is tough. But God's power will be with us through the good and bad times, and His presence will continually sustain us. Life won't be easy for Joshua, but we're going to see him claim God's power and presence through both bad and good times. Donald Campbell on be strong and very courageous- This command is based on God’s power through His Word. This is a stronger exhortation, indicating that greater strength of character would be required to obey God’s Word faithfully and fully than to win military battles! The emphasis in these verses is clearly on a written body of truth. Many critics argue that the Scriptures did not appear in written form until several centuries later but here is a clear reference to an authoritative Book of the Law. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary)
Josué 1
Guzik - Joshua did not only need to read God’s word. It had to be on his lips (shall not depart from your mouth), in his mind (meditate in it day and night), and he had to do it (observe to do according to all that is written). Adrian Rogers - We are to ponder the Word of God. It's not simply enough to quote it; we are to turn it over in our minds. I never preach a sermon but I take the Word of God, and I chew on it, and I digest it, and I turn it over, and over, and over, in my mind; and, all night long, when I'm sleeping, I am preaching. Did you know that? All last night, before, while I was asleep, I was going over this scripture. And, I wake up, in the morning, conscious of the fact that the Word of God has been going through my mind, up and down through my mind—to ponder the Word of God; to meditate on it. This word meditate has the connotations and the overtone of our word humming. You know, do you ever go around with a little ditty in your mind—a little tune that you just can't get out of your mind, and you just hum it? It's a little tune you can't get out of your mind. The Word of God is to be like that. It's like something that you just hum, that you go over, and over, and just keep the Word of God in your heart and in your mind. You see, it must be absorbed in your system before it can do you any good. Some of you read the Bible and wonder why it doesn't do you any good. You remind me of that definition of education. Do you know education is? Education is that process by which the material in the professor's notebook gets into the student's notebook without going through the mind of either one. Meditation gives you knowledge about God; obedience gives you knowledge of God. There is no way to know God without obeying God. Let me give you a scripture from the New Testament. Let's just turn to it. Read John 14:21...if you will take the commandments of God and begin to keep those commandments, you're going to find out that the Lord is going to manifest Himself to you; the Lord is going to make Himself extremely real to you. And, the reason that God seems distant to some people and that all of this seems unrelated is that they don't keep the Word of God. The reason some people never enter into Canaan; the reason some people never have victory; the reason some people never know the land of corn and wine, the land of milk and honey, the land of figs and grapes and pomegranates, the land of towering mountains and streaming rivers, is that they do not obey the Word of God. (Excerpt from Sermon "God's Plan for Your Prosperity." Meditation gives you knowledge ABOUT God. Obedience gives you knowledge OF God. God's Word is not just to INFORM but to TRANSFORM! God's Word is not to make you a SMARTER SINNER, but to make you MORE LIKE JESUS. --Paraphrase of saying by Dr Howard Hendricks So that (purpose clause) you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it - Kathab is the only general word for "write" and it is widely used (211x). According to R. K. Harrison, Wellhausen still in his day held that the Hebrews did not write before the times of the monarchy (Wellhausen did not seem to be able to read the literal text or better stated to believe the literal text!). Writing began among the Sumerians shortly before 3000 B.C. Hebrews in Palestine had a great advantage over the Egyptians and over those in Mesopotamia who wrote on clay tablets. The Hebrews had an alphabet. Whereas one must know several hundred signs to read Akkadian (See picture) and also a large number to read Egyptian (hieroglyphics), the Hebrews only had to learn twenty-two. F F Bruce writes that "It is worth noticing that it was the (HEBREW) alphabet that made it possible for all classes to be literate; its invention is therefore a landmark of great importance in the history of civilization." Of course the greatest value of Hebrew was to facilitate the spread of the knowledge of God's Word. For then - Term of explanation. What's he explaining? The inestimable value of obedience to the Word of God. You will make your way prosperous - generally expresses the idea of a successful venture, as contrasted with failure. The source of such success is God: "...as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper" (2Ch 26:5). The root means to accomplish satisfactorily what is intended. Campbell - To enjoy prosperity and be … successful in the Conquest of Canaan Joshua was to do three things with regard to the Scriptures: (a) The Law was not to depart from his mouth; he was to talk about it (cf. Deut. 6:7); (b) He was to meditate on it day and night, to think about it (cf. Ps. 1:2; 119:97); (c) He was to do everything written in it, to obey its commands fully and to act by it (cf. Ezra 7:10; James 1:22–25). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) THOUGHT - In our lives as Christians, success and prosperity are not to be measured by the physical, material standards of the world. The issue for us is spiritual blessing; spiritual prosperity. We can choose to set out on our own to become materially successful. In the words of our text, that would be turning to the right hand or to the left. But the reality is that we can achieve the goal and live to regret it. George MacDonald once said "In whatever a man does without God, he must fail miserably or succeed more miserably." It is possible to know physical and material success and yet be an absolute failure spiritually. Meditating on the Scriptures will help us evaluate our motives in decision-making with regard to success and prosperity. We will learn to ask ourselves the right questions out of the word of God. Am I totally committed to the will of God in this action, this choice, this endeavor? Am I relying completely on the Spirit of God to empower me, or am I trusting my own resources? Am I serving for the glory of God? If I can answer those questions with a yes, then my ministry, my activity, my relationships will be successful in God's eyes, no matter what people think and no matter what the physical, material outcome is. And then - Continues the narrative explaining the value of obedience to God's Word. You will have success (sakal/sākhal) - This is the true "prosperity gospel!" It is not speaking of material success as much as spiritual success. The Hebrew word for success is translated in the Lxx with Greek word "sunesis" meaning understanding, and means to put together the pieces and make sense out of a set of facts presented to one's mind. It's the idea of putting "2" and "2" together so to speak and thus describes the ability to assess a situation and decide what practical course of action is necessary. And in the context of Joshua 1:8 this "ability" is integrally related to the constant intake, meditation and practice of the pure milk of God's Word. THOUGHT - Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission (Overseas Missionary Fellowship) said "God’s work done in God’s way will not lack God’s supply.” Note God's sovereignty interacting with man's responsibility. God’s presence and power is essential for success in His work (cf Jn 15:5), but men must also work in His (Spirit's) power according to His revealed will. It is easy to fall into the trap of substituting human wisdom and understanding for simple, unhesitating obedience to God’s Word. Dale Ralph Davis - There is no escape! Indeed, the Torah should be our delight (cf Ps 1:2+). Life in the kingdom of God must be lived out by the Word of God. Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-3+ alike tell us that a life pleasing to God does not arise from mystical experiences or warm feelings or from a new gimmick advocated in a current release from one of our evangelical publishers; no, it comes from the Word God has already spoken and from obedience to that word. (Joshua: No Falling Words Focus on the Bible) Donald Campbell - Joshua’s life demonstrates that in a practical way he lived according to the teachings of the Law of Moses, the only portion of the Word of God then in written form. This alone explains the victories he achieved in battle and the success that marked his entire career. In one of his farewell addresses to the nation just before he died he urged the people to live in submission to the Scriptures (Josh. 23:6+). Tragically they heeded this charge for only a short time (ED: SEE Judges 2:8-12+). In succeeding generations the people of Israel refused to be guided by God’s authoritative revelation, and they all did what they chose (Jdg 21:25+ = "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."). Rejecting an objective standard of righteousness (ED: GOD'S HOLY WORD), they chose a subjective one characterized by moral and spiritual relativism. (ED: What is moral relativism? | GotQuestions.org) This in turn plunged the nation into centuries of religious apostasy and moral anarchy (ED: THE BOOK OF JUDGES IS ONLY 21 CHAPTERS BUT COVERS ALMOST 300 YEARS OR ~25% OF ISRAEL'S HISTORY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT!). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Irving Jensen - The charge to Joshua is filled with lessons for Christians on enjoying spiritual success and prosperity. Successful living is a promise of God, a gift of God, attainable by the help of God. Its potentialities are enormous, waiting only to be appropriated. Enemies of the soul--Satan, the world, and the flesh--need to be driven out, but they are enemies of God, and so He promises all the help needed for conquering them. The condition laid to the Christian is costly but absolutely necessary: living in constant obedience in the light of God's Word. The blessings of victorious living come by invitation to the Christian, but the conditions for its fulfillment come by mandate. Christians, like Joshua, cannot escape the divine words loud and clear: "Have not I commanded thee?" (1:9). Success (prudent, wise) (07919) sakal/sākhal primarily means to act with insight, to be prudent, to give insight, to teach, to prosper, to consider, to ponder, to understand, to act prudently, to act with devotion. The primary sense of sakal/sākhal is to be prudent, which means "marked by wisdom or judiciousness, shrewd in the management of practical affairs, marked by circumspection." One who manifests prudence is more likely to have success. The Key to "Good Success" -- Woodrow Kroll Joshua 1:8 - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. The Key to Good Success - My local newspaper reported that a man and woman who tried to hop a Union Pacific train from North Platte, Nebraska, to Omaha were being held in Dawson County jail on trespass charges. But the couple wouldn't have gotten to Omaha even if they hadn't been apprehended; the train was headed to Kansas City. Many people who think they're on the train headed for success are really going in the opposite direction. History is awash with examples of men and women who found a form of success, but lived to regret it. It was not what the Bible calls "good" success (ED: KNOCK OUT AN "O" = "GOD SUCCESS"). Lord Byron, who achieved fame both as a poet and a libertine, wrote at the age of 35 (ED: HE DIED SOON AFTER AT AGE 36, HARDLY A "GOOD SUCCESS"!): My days are in the yellow leaf, The flowers and fruits of love are gone; The worm, the canker, and the grief Are mine alone. God's success is far different; it's always headed in the right direction. Joshua was assured that if he lived consistent with what was written in God's Word, he would achieve success--but not just any success. God's promise to Joshua, as well as to you and me, is that if we live by all that is written in the Bible, we will achieve "good" success. The key to good success is obedience to God's Word. If you conform your life to God's will, as it is revealed in His Word, you'll experience the kind of success that will be a blessing rather than a burden. Only a good God can give good success. (ED: AND HE ALWAYS DOES SO TO THE ONE WHO EXHIBITS "GOOD OBEDIENCE!") Brian Harbour - If they followed the law, Joshua explained, “Then you will be prosperous and successful” (1:8). Some proponents of the health and wealth Gospel have used this verse as their justification for suggesting that if we just have enough faith, God will bless us materially and physically. That goes beyond the meaning of this verse. This verse is simply a reminder that we have been made for a certain kind of living, a kind of living outlined in the parameters of the Ten Commandments, and living within these parameters will enable us to experience life as God intended it to be. C. S. Lewis captures this idea in his usual succinct style in Mere Christianity: “A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” (Mere Christianity - online without restrictions or here) Even on the Golf Course January 30 Those needing strength often turn to Joshua 1:1–11, a potent passage given to Joshua as he assumed the leadership of Israel : Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people. … As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. … Be strong and of good courage. … Tom Lehman, PGA Tour Player of the Year in 1996, has often spoken of this verse. He came to Christ in high school when a friend invited him to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting. After playing golf in college, he joined the PGA Tour briefly but didn’t play well enough to continue. In 1991 he won three tournaments on the Ben Hogan Tour and was named Player of the Year, qualifying him again for the PGA Tour. Then in 1995, he got a scare. Doctors discovered precancerous colon polyps. Tom and his wife got down on their knees and committed the matter to God. Joshua 1:9 sustained him : Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Surgery was successful, and Lehman resumed his golf. The following year, he and Steve Jones were playing the 18th hole during the final round of the U.S. Open. Both men longed to win their first major championship, and they were tied for the lead. The situation was tense, but the men calmed themselves by quoting Scripture to each other, Lehman reminding Jones of Joshua 1:9. Jones won out by one stroke. But, remembering his verse, Tom shook off the discouragement and entered the British Open. He arrived in England quoting Joshua 1:9 to himself. This time, he won a two-stroke victory. “In every difficult situation,” he said, “even on the golf course, I remember Joshua 1:9.” Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Robert
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Guzik - The final encouragement, repeated from Joshua 1:5, reminds us that Joshua’s success did not depend solely on his ability to keep God’s Word. It depended even more on God’s presence with him. Tremble (dread, cause terror, shock) (06206) arats means to cause to tremble, to be alarmed, to be terrified, to dread, to be struck with awe or dread. Isaiah says the splendor of the majesty of Jehovah make the earth tremble (Isa 2:19, 21). Deuteronomy and Joshua repeatedly reminded the Israelites before battle to not fear because God would be with them - Dt. 1:29; Dt 7:21; Dt 20:3; Dt 31:6; Josh. 1:9). Each time, Israel was admonished not to fear the nations who dwelt in the Promised Land, and each admonishment was followed by a reason for the maintenance of courage. Arats - 15v - Deut. 1:29; Deut. 7:21; Deut. 20:3; Deut. 31:6; Jos. 1:9; Job 13:25; Job 31:34; Ps. 10:18; Ps. 89:7; Isa. 2:19; Isa. 2:21; Isa. 8:12; Isa. 8:13; Isa. 29:23; Isa. 47:12 The Septuagint of Joshua 1:9 uses the verb deiliao which means to be cowardly, timid, afraid, and is used once in the NT commanding His disciples (INCLUDING US TODAY - WHO LIKE JOSHUA WOULD BE ENTERING INTO MAJOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE!) "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled (tarasso), nor let it be fearful (both verbs = present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey)." (Jn 14:27) Dismayed (discouraged; Lxx translates in Josh 1:9 with phobeo - be afraid)(02865) chathath basically refers to breaking or shattering like a boe (Jer 51:56) or ground cracked by drought (Jer 14:4). This idea of shattering is used figuratively of God shattering nations (Isa 7:8). It can also mean to fright or terrify (Isa 30:31, Job 7:14). The first use in the OT is God's word through Moses to Israel - "See, the LORD your God has placed the land before you; go up, take possession, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has spoken to you. Do not fear or be dismayed." (Deut. 1:21) The second use is similar Moses charging Joshua at his commissioning "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” ." (Dt 31:8) This same Hebrew word is used two more times in Joshua... Joshua 8:1 Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. Joshua 10:25; Joshua then said to them, “Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.” ILLUSTRATION - FEAR - One of the great preachers of Scottish Presbyterianism in the seventeenth century was John Livingstone (1603–72). When he was a young man in his twenties he doubted whether he had a call to the ministry; he had a great fear that God had not set him apart to that work. When he was twenty-seven years old he still had no ministerial charge. A neighbouring minister one day engaged him to preach on a Sunday at his church in Shotts. The morning of the sermon Livingstone had such a fit of fear and panic that he sought to flee before the service. He took heart, however, knowing that fleeing would show distrust for God, and courageously went forth and preached on Ezekiel 36:25–26. Five hundred people ascribed their conversion to that sermon. Joshua 1:9 Step Into The River Is Wide - Tony Beckett and Woodrow Kroll Knowing and doing are two different things. One can know what to do and fail to do it because of fear. At times, obedience is incomplete due to fear. The Israelites were concluding 40 years in the wilderness due to fear (Nu 13:31-33). What they saw as impossible kept them from doing what God had wanted (and promised was possible!. Now the nation was once again on the brink of entering the land. A new leader stood before them. His frequent challenge was, "Be strong and courageous." That phrase is repeated four times in chapter 1 (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9 and 18) and expressed in slightly different terms in other verses. It was time to move out. They knew what they were to do and now they were to do it! Notice what happened next. The spies brought back an encouraging report (Joshua 2) and the people prepared to move out. Their first steps, though, were into a flooded river-where their sandals were to meet the mud, so to speak. "Be strong and courageous" was put to the test when they stepped into that dangerous river. But they obeyed and God blessed (Joshua 3:15-16). There will be times in our life of obedience that our courage will be tested. Be ready to step into the river. God is faithful even when the river is wide. "Today and every day, Lord, give me the courage to obey. I need the strength You give." QUESTION - Does God’s promise to Joshua and Israel in Joshua 1:9 apply to us? ANSWER - In Joshua 1:9, God commanded Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Does this promise apply to Christians today? In one sense, the promise in this passage was specific to Joshua’s role as leader of the Israelites as he took them into the Promised Land. Joshua had a tremendous task to fulfill after the death of Moses—the responsibility of leading an entire nation into a new land. God’s words of boldness and encouragement served as an important message to strengthen Joshua as the leader of God’s people. While the promise that God would be with Joshua was specific to Joshua, the principle extends to us today. First, God expects His followers to live strong and courageous lives. In the New Testament, we find the apostle Paul telling Timothy, “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). In Acts 1:8 Jesus told His followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” In addition to living bold and courageous lives as Christians, we are called to live without fear. Jesus taught, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). When Paul was imprisoned, he wrote, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (Philippians 1:14). While there is a sense in which we are called to fear God, meaning to live in respect and reverence of Him, Scripture is clear that we are to live with confidence in God’s promises and power. Third, the reason we can live courageously and without fear is that God is with us wherever we go. What God commanded Joshua is also seen in the Great Commission: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Also, we have the promise of Hebrews 13:5: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” In summary, while the promise of Joshua 1:9 was specific to Joshua, the principle is affirmed elsewhere in Scripture as applicable to all believers today. God calls us to live courageously, without fear, knowing that God is with us at all times. GotQuestions.org Charles Swindoll - Stay in the Kitchen Joshua 1:9 NOT LONG AGO I was reading through Psalm 78 when my eye fell upon verse nine. I was intrigued by the strange stroke of the psalmist’s pen. See if you get the same vibes: The warriors of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned their backs and fled on the day of battle. (Ps 78:9) Like foxes hunted by hounds, they ran. The only weapon they used to restrain the enemy was a cloud of dust they stirred up as they retreated en masse, in a hurry, while “armed with bows.” What an indictment! When these trained fighters should have charged with confidence into the fray of conflict, instead, they fell back in fearful retreat. They caved under pressure. They allowed fear to override their confidence and they turned tail and ran. How sad! Yet that’s how many believers respond in the heat of their own time of adversity and struggle. Notice, though, what the Bible says should be our attitude in battle: This is my command —be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. JOSHUA 1:9 Are you facing some difficult challenge today? Don’t run! Stand still . . . and refuse to retreat. You are under command to “be strong and courageous.” Look at it as God looks at it and draw upon His power to hold up under the blast. Sure, it’s tough. Nobody ever promised you a rose garden. I’ve never been much of an admirer of Harry S. Truman —but I did, at times, appreciate his gristle. The political battle often raged during his presidency, and on one occasion he responded to it with the words: If you don’t like the heat, get out of the kitchen! I’ve not met anyone who was able to stay strong without some time in the heated kitchen. The Ephraimites cut and ran as soon as things heated up. My advice is a slight revision of President Truman’s: stay in the kitchen so you can learn how to handle the heat! (Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk?:) COMMENT - In fairness to Ephraim it is notable that the great general Joshua was from the tribe of Ephraim, so not all of the Ephraimites were retreaters! Joshua 1:9 Woodrow Kroll - Strong and Courageous Strong and Courageous - A child had to walk each evening past a dark, spooky house. Some adult friends tried to give him courage. One handed him a good-luck charm to ward off the ghosts. Another installed a light at a particularly dark corner near the house. A third took a more spiritual approach, saying, "It's sinful to be afraid. Trust God and be brave!" It was good advice, but not much help. Then one friend said with compassion, "I know what it is to be afraid. I'll walk with you past the house." Instantly the child's fears were gone. This was what God did for Joshua. Joshua faced the fearful task of leading a group of nomads against the trained armies of established kingdoms. That was enough to make even the bravest man tremble. But God did more than give Joshua a battle plan or a pep talk; He reassured him, saying, "I will be with you wherever you go." God does not promise He will not lead you into fearful situations. He may call you to serve Him in a land far from your friends and family. For most of us this challenge could be frightening. Or God may ask you to stand against the tide of popular opinion on your school board or at a city council meeting. And again your knees may knock and your voice tremble. But just like Joshua, you can do it because God also has given you the solution for your fears: He has given you Himself. In Christ you have strength for every weakness and the courage for every fear. The psalmist said, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death [literally, the valley of dark shadows], I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Ps. 23:4 -
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Guzik applies three days to believers - The waiting for God is often the most difficult part for us, but days of waiting are always days of preparation in God’s work. There is no wasted time with God. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3) Prepare you victuals. The Heb. term צדה tzëdah, prey, from צוד tzūd, to hunt, primarily and properly denotes that which is taken in hunting. But the usage in several places proves that it is taken with more latitude, and implies provisions in general. In the present instance it doubtless refers somewhat widely to the subsistence, technically termed viaticum, such as the corn, oxen, sheep, &c., which they were now enabled to obtain in the more inhabited region which they had reached. For although the manna was their main dependence during their sojourn in the wilderness, yet they do not appear to have been forbidden to supply themselves with other kinds of food when they had an opportunity, Deut. 2:6, 28; and at this time, when they had come into a land inhabited, where they could procure such provisions, it is probable that the manna did not fall so plentifully, or they did not gather so much as previously, so that they were now commanded to lay in a store of other eatables to supply the deficiency. Certain it is, however, that the manna did not entirely cease falling till they had entered the land of Canaan, and eaten of the old corn of the land, ch. 5:12. Within three days. Heb. בעוד שלשת ימים within unto three days. The exact import of the Hebrew is not easily determined, and it is variously rendered in the versions. The Chal. which Kimchi approves, has ‘at the end of three days;’ the Lat. Vulg. ‘post triduum,’ after three days; Luth. ‘ùber drei Tage,’ over three days. The prevailing sense of עוד, denoting time not yet elapsed, favors the rendering in our version, but Winer and others suppose the phrase will admit the sense of three days complete. The probability we think is, that the passage over the Jordan was not made till after the lapse of three days, and that it took place on the fourth: the three days, therefore, here mentioned, are to be reckoned exclusive of that on which the proclamation was made, ch. 2:22; 3:1. Or, as the original for ‘shall pass,’ is literally ‘shall be passing,’ it may mean simply, that within the space of three days they should have broken up from their present encampment, and commenced their march, although the actual passage of the Jordan may not have occurred till a day or two afterwards. The confidence with which Joshua speaks of the event, shows the undoubting character of his own faith in the promise of God. Augustin thinks that Joshua acted too much on his own responsibility in fixing the definite period of three days for passing the river. But it is not to be supposed that he would order a step of this nature without being prompted by Divine dictation. This was no doubt a part of the instructions now given him, though not expressly recorded. Which the Lord your God giveth you. Heb. נתן nothën, is giving; i. e. is even now in the act of giving. It would tend greatly to animate the faith and zeal of the people, and to secure their vigorous co-operation, to see God, as it were, girding himself to the work, and actually putting forth his power in the execution of his promises. It would not do for them to be remiss when omnipotence was visibly engaged in their behalf. This language would teach them too that the result was not to be brought about by their own strength, and, consequently, that they could not take the glory of it to themselves. To possess it. Heb. לרשתה lerishtâh, to inherit it; i. e. not only to occupy it as something which had happened to come into their possession, but deriving their right from the grant of the Supreme Proprietor of heaven and earth, to enter upon as if they had received it by inheritance from their forefathers. Viewed in this light the language is peculiarly expressive. Provisions (06730)(tsedah) means a supply of something such as food, especially food provided for people on a journey. Preparing a supply of food was part of the preliminaries for warfare as here in Joshua 1:11 and then with Gideon in Jdg 7:8 (cf Jdg 20:10). Used in 9v - Gen. 42:25; Gen. 45:21; Exod. 12:39; Jos. 1:11; Jos. 9:11; Jdg. 7:8; Jdg. 20:10; 1 Sam. 22:10; Ps. 78:25 Possess (03423) yarash to take possession of, inherit, dispossess, to drive out. Possession of the land was directly connected to a person's relationship with the Lord; breaking the covenantal relationship led to dispossession. But even in exile, Israelites awaited the day when they would repossess the land (Jer. 30:3). In Israel's history the root takes on its double force, to inherit and to dispossess, in relationship to the covenant. God made a covenant with Israel that they would become his own special people (e.g. Ex 19:5f.). A major benefit on Israel's side was the promise of an inheritance, namely a land where they could develop into a holy nation (Genesis 15:8; Exodus 6:8). Israel, however, became a people in Egypt before they occupied a land. Therefore to become a nation they had to gain possession of a land. They left Egypt, agreed to the covenant at Sinai and then proceeded to take Palestine as their possession. However, forty years passed between Sinai and the first successful attempt at conquest. In Joshua 1:11 the Septuagint translates possess with the verb katecho which means to hold fast. Uses of yarash in Joshua - Jos. 1:11; Jos. 1:15; Jos. 3:10; Jos. 8:7; Jos. 12:1; Jos. 13:1; Jos. 13:6; Jos. 13:12; Jos. 13:13; Jos. 14:12; Jos. 15:14; Jos. 15:63; Jos. 16:10; Jos. 17:12; Jos. 17:13; Jos. 17:18; Jos. 18:3; Jos. 19:47; Jos. 21:43; Jos. 23:5; Jos. 23:9; Jos. 23:13; Jos. 24:4; Jos. 24:8; Joshua 1:12 To the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries EXHORTATIONS TO THE TRIBES SETTLING EAST OF JORDAN Davis gives an interesting analysis of why so much of chapter 1 is devoted to the two and one-half tribes writing - One might think there is little theological meat in these verses, but when they are read in light of Numbers 32 they take on new significance. When the two (or two and one-half) tribes request Moses to assign them an inheritance to the east of the Jordan, Moses suspects that their query hides a fresh conspiracy to abort the fulfilment of God’s promise. In a flash of white heat he lambastes them as a ‘brood of sinful men’ (Num. 32:14), apparently content to possess their land now, sit out the Cis-jordan conquest, allow the other tribes to fend for themselves, and thus to discourage and dishearten (Num. 32:7) the majority of God’s people. So, Moses says, there will be another Kadesh-barnea! Numbers 13–14 all over again! It is in the light of the peril of rebellion against Yahweh that the unity of God’s people becomes so crucial (Num. 32:16–27). Now perhaps we can see why the unity of all Israel portrayed in Joshua 1 was so critical. Here Reuben. Gad, and half-Manasseh are models of willing obedience and instruments of encouragement. Indifference on their part or snubbing their noses at the western tribes would have discouraged and disheartened the rest of God’s people and led to rebellion and unbelief (Joshua: No Falling Words Focus on the Bible) To the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said - This is the second group Joshua addressed, for they had received their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan. It would be tempting for them to not join their brethren and cross the Jordan, so Joshua exhorts them to assist their brothers. Read of their prior commitment in Numbers 32:16–32 and Deut. 3:12–20. Alan Carr - Now, Joshua addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad and that half tribe of Manasseh. These tribes had sought, and gotten, permission from Moses to remain East of the Jordan, just outside the promised land. Their reason in making this request? The land east of Jordan was a land that was good for raising cattle, Num. 32:1, 4, 16. Still, Joshua reminds them that they had promised to fight alongside their brethren until the land was conquered, Deut 3:12–20+. These people are challenged to remember their promise and to aid the nation until victory was secured. While these people settled in a land of prosperity, they were also in a land of danger. Years later, when the Assyrian army attacked from the East, these tribes were the first to go away into captivity.. Folks, there is a very powerful lesson for us in these verse. We have literal legions of Christians who are just like these 2 ½ tribes. They are more concerned about making a living than they are about making a life! The primary thing that motivates them is getting ahead in life. In other words, they are materially minded instead of spiritually minded! These people represent those Christians I would call “borderline Christians”. These are people who have trusted Jesus for salvation, but that is about as far as they are will to go. (ED: They need to read and heed 2Co 13:5+) They will come when they want to, tithe when they feel like they can afford to, fight a battle now and again, but most often, they are seen just playing around the edges, refusing to put God first in their lives. By the way, it is this type of Christian who is usually the first to fall in times of attack and temptation! People who live like this can say anything they want to, but the truth is obvious: they have others gods in their lives to whom they have sold their souls! (cf Mt 6:24+) If you really love God this morning, then how about deciding to cross on over today! Make the decision to leave behind anything that is holding you back from serving God like you should. You can rationalize it all you want to, but the truth still remains, many are choosing gold, and other worldly things, over God! If you refuse to line up with the will of God for your life, then you can be assured of the fact that one day, you will fall. My friends, you cannot play around the edge of this long before you fall out. Illustration - Eutychus—Acts 20:9.) (Joshua 1:1-18 This Land Is Our Land) More Christians today living on the wrong side of the Jordan River – closer to the wilderness wanderings than the land flowing with milk and honey -- Paul Apple GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3 12. To the Reubenites, and to the Gadites. Heb. ולראובני ולגדי velârubeni velaggâdi, to the Reubenite, and to the Gadite; the collective singular for the plural, a very common idiom of the original, particularly in speaking of tribes and nations; as if the whole body, from their intimate union, were regarded as one person. This is a peculiarity of the Heb. language, which is of almost incessant occurrence, and as it necessarily escapes the notice of the English reader, though in many cases important to be known, we shall usually indicate it wherever met with. Remember the word which Moses, &c. This engagement on the part of the two tribes and a half, is detailed with all the circumstances attending it, Num. 32:1–42; and it was proper here to remind them of it, as, otherwise, having arrived at the place of their settlement, they might be induced to seek their own ease, by remaining with their wives and families in the rich and fertile region of which they had come into possession. The Lord your God hath given you rest. The two tribes and a half had already received their possessions on the East of Jordan, as we learn from Num. 32:33. These precise words do not occur in the address of Moses to the two tribes and a half, but the sense of them does, and Joshua intended, doubtless, merely to quote the substance of what Moses said. The phrase ‘hath given you rest,’ perhaps merely implies that they were now brought to a place of rest, rather than a positive state of rest, which they could hardly be said to enjoy till they had subdued their enemies. They were at rest, however, in contradistinction from journeying, and in this sense the original word is often employed. Alan Redpath: Look through the terrifying record of the consequences of that choice made by those two and half tribes. Read 1 Chronicles 5:1-26. You will discover that these tribes, who had tasted of God’s best and enjoyed God’s victory, who had led the army of the people of God into the land of blessing, were the first to be captured by Assyrians when they invaded Israel. Taken captive, they never returned. They went down to defeat and into bondage, even though at one time they had led the people of God in the way of blessing. Judges 5:16 says this: “For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.” I should think there were! They chose, they tasted of blessing, they had entered into the land of promise, but they hankered after the world, its pleasures, its indulgence, and its sin, and they were trapped and caught and ensnared in it. (See note on Redpath's book on Resources) QUESTION - Why did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? ANSWER - The Israelites were poised to enter Canaan. Before they crossed the Jordan River and moved west, God spoke to Joshua some words of encouragement. Included was a promise of even more land later (Joshua 1:4). For the time being, though, the land they would inherit would be west of the Jordan (Joshua 1:2). Yet, even before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already staked out their claim—they chose to settle east of the Jordan. Numbers 32:1 reveals one reason why these tribes wanted the land east of the Jordan: “The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock.” The land east of the Jordan River was seen as a prime area for raising livestock. At first, Moses was opposed to the idea of some tribes staying east of the Jordan. He thought these tribes were attempting to avoid helping their fellow Israelites in the military campaign to subdue and settle Canaan. However, these tribes responded with a pledge to help: “We would like to build pens here for our livestock and cities for our women and children. But we will arm ourselves for battle and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place” (Numbers 32:16–17). These tribes kept their promise and helped their brothers in the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 22:1–4). Upon receiving the tribes’ pledge, Moses accepted their request to settle the land east of the Jordan. Numbers 32 concludes with a description of the land meted out: “Moses gave to the Gadites, the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the whole land with its cities and the territory around them” (Numbers 32:33). Sihon and Og, whose kingdoms were east of Jordan, had been defeated earlier, and their land was assigned to the two and a half tribes. In his final blessing on the tribes of Israel, Moses gave this blessing to Gad, one of the tribes that settled east of the Jordan: “He chose the best land for himself; the leader’s portion was kept for him. When the heads of the people assembled, he carried out the LORD’s righteous will, and his judgments concerning Israel” (Deuteronomy 33:21). The land east of the Jordan was a choice area and a blessing to those who lived in it. Moses’ blessing also included positive words concerning Joseph, the father of Ephraim and Manasseh. The words apply to the lands where both tribes of these brothers would settle, including the land east of the Jordan. In Deuteronomy 33:13–16 we find, “May the Lord bless his land with the precious dew from heaven above and with the deep waters that lie below; with the best the sun brings forth and the finest the moon can yield; with the choicest gifts of the ancient mountains and the fruitfulness of the everlasting hills; with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness and the favor of him who dwelt in the burning bush.” There was a strategic reason for Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh to request the land east of the Jordan, and the Lord blessed them in their inheritance. Thus, God’s blessing extended even beyond the Jordan River.GotQuestions.org Joshua 1:13 "Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, 'The LORD your God gives you rest and will give you this land.' Remember: Jos 22:1-4 Nu 32:20-28 De 3:18 Rest in the Bible Dr Walter Kaiser's excellent summary - The Promise Theme and the Theology of Rest - Bibliotheca Sacra: Volume 130 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Deuteronomy 3:18+ “Then I commanded you at that time, saying, ‘The LORD your God has given you this land to possess it; all you valiant men shall cross over armed before your brothers, the sons of Israel. (Read Nu 32:20-28) Nu 32:25, 31-32+ The sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands...31 The sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben answered, saying, “As the LORD has said to your servants, so we will do. 32 “We ourselves will cross over armed in the presence of the LORD into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us across the Jordan.” THE KEY WORD REMEMBER! Remember (zakar) the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, 'The LORD your God gives you rest and will give you this land. - In the Septuagint remember is a command (aorist imperative). Their response in Joshua 1:16-18 indicates that they had not forgotten the former stipulations that must be fulfilled before they could fully enjoy their inheritance (see Nu 32:16–32; Dt. 3:12–20). THOUGHT - Note that REST is given preeminence over LAND (how true: what one possesses can never give true rest and in fact usually ends up possessing the possessor & making him restless!). Moses understood REST...he had prayed to God in Ex 33:13+ for His presence and God answered in Ex 33:14+ that Moses would have His presence and that His presence included REST (in Septuagint katapauo = cessation from activity. When you enter His presence, you enter His rest! Lord, I pray Thee, let the reader enter Thy presence and thus Thy holy refreshing rest. Amen. How sweet His presence is as David say in Ps 16:11 "Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fullness of joy; In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever." Utley on “the LORD your God gives you rest” This was referred to in Deut. 3:18–20. The term “rest” (BDB 628, KB 679) is used in the sense of 1. a resting place a. Exod. 33:14 b. Deut. 3:20 c. Josh. 1:13, 15; 22:4 d. 1 Chr. 23:25 e. Isa. 63:14 2. freedom from enemies a. Deut. 12:10; 25:19 b. Josh. 23:1 c. 2 Sa 7:1, 11 d. 1 Chr. 22:9 Remember (record, mention) (02142) zakar means to recall, call to mind or to be brought to remembrance. The first use of zakar is wonderful for it says "God remembered Noah" remembering His covenant (Ge 6:18), Rest (05117) nuach/nuah means to rest or pause and as noted from the many ways it is translated (see list of words below), nuach has many uses in the OT. Nuach essentially conveys a basic sense of absence of movement and of being settled in a particular place with overtones of finality. The first use in Ge 2:15 describes how God "put" Adam in the Garden. The next use describes a physical setting down of something (Ge 8:4, cp 2Sa 21:10, Ex 10:14, Josh 3:13). The Septuagint translated the Hebrew for rest with the verb katapauo which is used in Hebrews 4:8+ referring to the rest (from warfare) obtained under Joshua. Nuach/nuah uses in Joshua - Jos. 1:13; Jos. 1:15; Jos. 3:13; Jos. 4:3; Jos. 4:8; Jos. 6:23; Jos. 21:44; Jos. 22:4; Jos. 23:1 Joshua 1:14 "Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them, the valiant: De 20:8 Rev 17:4 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TRUSTING THE LORD TO GUARD THEIR FAMILIES Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan - This would require them to trust the Lord and His watchcare and protection of their families on the eastern side of the Jordan while they were at war on the western side of the Jordan But you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them - Note the phrase before your brothers (NET = ahead of your brothers), indicating they were to be the "vanguard" of the military expedition! Utley on battle array - This (BDB 332) seems to come from the Arabic root which means “in a group of five” and possibly refers to the marching order of the army (cf. 4:12; Exod. 13:18; Num. 32:17; Jdgs. 7:11). The order would be (1) the advanced guard; (2) the main body; (3 and 4) two flanks and (5) a rear guard. This is similar to the marching order of the Egyptians (Rameses II) which shows the historicity of these accounts. Moses was trained at Pharaoh’s court. The tribes whose families were safe and settled had to go into battle first (i.e., #1). “valiant warriors” This term is used several times in Joshua to describe the soldiers (cf. Joshua 6:2; 8:3; 10:7; Jdg. 6:12; 11:1). Guzik - you shall pass before your brethren armed, all your mighty men of valor, and help them: This same principle operates in the Body of Christ. When one member has a need, it is the common need of the body (1 Corinthians 12:25–26). We should never refuse to help a brother in need because our own state is settled. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3 Your wives, your little ones, &c., Heb. טפכם tappekem, your babe, collect. sing. for plural. Ye shall pass before your brethren. That is, as the original implies, ye shall pass or cross over before, or in the presence of, your brethren. It does not appear to signify that they should take the front rank or lead the van, for such an intimation respecting them is no where else clearly given; but simply that they should not absent themselves; that they should be present with their brethren, united with them in the expedition. The Heb. phrase is often used in this sense. Armed. Heb. חמשים hamashim, marshalled by five. Of the import of this expression, see Note on Ex. 13:18, where it is rendered harnessed All the mighty men of valor. Not absolutely all the fighting men of these tribes, but the choice of them, the most active, bold and energetic; for as there were only forty thousand of them that passed over, ch. 4:13, while the whole number of warriors was far greater, Num. 26, it is evident that a large body of them must have remained on the other side of the Jordan, to take care of the women, children, and flocks. Probably as many at least as seventy thousand, as the sum total of the men in those tribes able to bear arms was upwards of one hundred and ten thousand. See Num. 26:7, 18, 37. Joshua 1:15 until the LORD gives your brothers rest, as He gives you, and they also possess the land which the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to your own land, and possess that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise." Until: Nu 32:17-22 Ga 5:13 6:2 Php 1:21-26 2:4 then Jos 22:4-9 1Co 12:26 13:5 Rest in the Bible Dr Walter Kaiser's excellent summary - The Promise Theme and the Theology of Rest - Bibliotheca Sacra: Volume 130 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Until - Note it does not say "If" but "until" indicating Jehovah will give them rest from war. The LORD gives your brothers rest, as He gives you, and they also possess the land which the LORD your God is giving them - Note twice we see it is Yahweh Who is the great Giver, of rest and the land. Then - Time phrase. When God had given the other tribes rest in the land. you shall return to your own land, and possess that which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise - They had fulfilled their promise which allowed them to enjoy their land toward the sunrise, the eastern side of the Jordan. We read of the culmination ot this "then" in Joshua 22:4-9 And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as He spoke to them; therefore turn now and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan. 5 “Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” 6 So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents. 7 Now to the one half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given a possession in Bashan, but to the other half Joshua gave a possession among their brothers westward beyond the Jordan. So when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them, 8 and said to them, “Return to your tents with great riches and with very much livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and with very many clothes; divide the spoil of your enemies with your brothers.” 9 The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned home and departed from the sons of Israel at Shiloh which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, to the land of their possession which they had possessed, according to the command of the LORD through Moses. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3 Until the Lord have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you. That is, until he hath brought them to their place of rest; for it could not strictly be said of either company, that the Lord had given them rest, until they had so far conquered their enemies as to be in no danger of being henceforth seriously molested by them. But that was, at this time, by no means the case with the two tribes and a half, nor have we reason to suppose, in respect to the others, that the mere putting them in possession of the promised territory would be ‘giving them rest,’ as long as their enemies remained in great numbers unsubdued. We are led therefore to understand from this expression, simply the bringing them to, or planting them in, a place of rest. The actual enjoyment of the rest was a matter of subsequent favor. Toward the sun-rising. The East; as ‘toward the going down of the sun,’ signifies the West Joshua 1:16 They answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Nu 32:25 De 5:27 Ro 13:1-5 Tit 3:1 1Pe 2:13-15 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Numbers 32:25 The sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do just as my lord commands. Deuteronomy 5:22-29 “These words the LORD spoke to all your assembly at the mountain from the midst of the fire, of the cloud and of the thick gloom, with a great voice, and He added no more. He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me. 23 “And when you heard the voice from the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, you came near to me, all the heads of your tribes and your elders. 24 “You said, ‘Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire; we have seen today that God speaks with man, yet he lives. 25 ‘Now then why should we die? For this great fire will consume us; if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer, then we will die. 26 ‘For who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? 27 ‘Go near and hear all that the LORD our God says; then speak to us all that the LORD our God speaks to you, and we will hear and do it.’ 28 “The LORD heard the voice of your words when you spoke to me, and the LORD said to me, ‘I have heard the voice of the words of this people which they have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken. 29‘ Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever. ENCOURAGING AFFIRMATION FROM THE 2.5 TRIBES They answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go - This is almost like a covenant renewal. The words of their lips did not prove to be "lip service," but life action. Israel had previously said "we will hear and do" (Dt 5:27), but sadly they heard but failed to do! They failed to obey the Word of the Lord and suffered the disciplining hand of the Lord. One can only imagine what went through Joshua's mind as he heard their affirmation - Would they be like their forefathers, or would they trust and obey? THOUGHT - Isn't this the question for all of us? We have heard the good Word of the LORD. We have said in our head and with our lips "I will do it." And then temptations come like a hurricane and sweep our will away and we fall into sin and are defeated in the spiritual battle. And we fall into despair and discouragement. We ALL (your writer especially) need to not just HEAR but also HEED, now enabled by the Holy Spirit Who indwells us, God's Temple, so that "by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.." (Ro 8:13+). Yes, the battle is the LORD's, for He is the only One Who can defeat our inveterate mortal enemies, the world, the flesh and the devil. And yet we are responsible to fight. And so in Romans 8:13 we see the supernatural power is from the Spirit, but this calls for a daily, continual choice of our will (even that enabled by the Spirit giving us the desire to put sin to death - Php 2:13NLT+) to fight the good fight of faith (trust in God's Truth, God's Provision), and slay the sin that so easily seduces us when we fail to rely on the enabling supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. This begs two questions - As you read this note are you being filled with (controlled by) the Spirit?" (Eph 5:18+). And are you walking by the Spirit, because if you are, then (and only then) can you win the battle and refuse to fulfill the desires of your fallen flesh! (Gal 5:16+). Canaan is a land of real military warfare. Christianity is a life of real spiritual warfare! Guzik - Here we see Israel in the kind of unity as a nation that was essential to fulfill God’s calling and promise for them. They overcame the temptation to see the eastern tribes as separate from the rest of Israel. Matthew Henry Concise - Verses 16-18. The people of Israel engage to obey Joshua; All that thou commandest us to do we will readily do, without murmuring or disputing, and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go. The best we can ask of God for our magistrates, is, that they may have the presence of God; that will make them blessings to us, so that in seeking this for them, we consult our own interest. May we be enabled to enlist under the banner of the Captain of our salvation, to be obedient to his commands, and to fight the good fight of faith, with all that trust in and love his name, against all who oppose his authority; for whoever refuses to obey him must be destroyed. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3 And they answered Joshua. This, as some conceive, was not the answer of the two tribes and a half only, but the response of the whole host, who thus concurred heartily with them in their solemn engagements. It is not unlikely that such were the real sentiments of the entire congregation; but it seems more natural, from the connexion, to understand it of those who were directly addressed. They afterwards received the testimony of Joshua, as having fully complied with all their stipulations, ch. 22:2–4. All that thou commandest us we will do, &c. Thus are we required to swear allegiance to Christ, the Captain of our salvation, the Christian’s Joshua, and to bind ourselves to do what he commands us by his word, and to go wheresoever he sends us by his providence. Joshua 1:17 "Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you; only may the LORD your God be with you as He was with Moses. Only may the LORD: Jos 1:5 1Sa 20:13 1Ki 1:37 1Ch 28:20 Ps 20:1,4,9 118:25,26 Mt 21:9 1Ti 2:1,2 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SPIRITUAL AMNESIA Just as we obeyed Moses in all things - Woe! Aren't they having a little spiritual amnesia? None of the 12 tribes obeyed Moses in all things! Yes, this was the Second Generation of Israel out of Egypt, but even this generation disobeyed while camped in the plains of Moab, awaiting orders to enter the land! Read the sordid tale of their disobedience in Numbers 25:1-18+. So we will obey you - They had good intentions and in fact they did join the other 9.5 tribes to fight the enemies in Canaan. Only may the LORD your God be with you as He was with Moses - Note your God which implies they understand that Joshua has a personal relationship with Jehovah. Notice also that this declaration is like a prayer for their leader Joshua. At the very least it is certainly a benediction. They are right to recognize that the triumphs under Moses' leadership were because of the fact that Jehovah was with him. And so they are right in recognizing that Joshua needed to depend on the same God if they were to experience victory. Donald Campbell feels like "there was one condition: they were willing to follow Joshua if he showed clear evidence that he was being led by God (v. 17). This was a wise precaution and one to be carefully followed lest Israel’s leaders turn out to be false prophets or “blind leaders of the blind.“" (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3 According as we hearkened unto Moses, &c. As we obeyed Moses. Nothing is more common than this sense of the word ‘hearken’ in the sacred writers. If it be asked, how this language is to be reconciled with the declaration of Moses himself in regard to their conduct under him, Deut. 9:24, ‘Ye have been rebellious against the Lord from the day that I knew you,’ we answer, that neither the words of Moses, nor of the people, are to be understood as holding good universally, and without any exception. They were sometimes rebellious, and sometimes obedient. What they mean is, that they would be as obedient to Joshua as they ever were to Moses, when they did obey him, when they were in their best moods; as obedient, in fact, as they should have been to Moses, and as many of them generally were. The literal rendering of the original is, ‘According to all (in) which we hearkened to Moses, so will we hearken to thee.’ This perhaps limits the point of comparison to those cases in which they were actually obedient, and excludes those in which they rebelled. Only the Lord thy God be with thee, &c. Chal. ‘The Word of the Lord thy God be for thy help, as he was for the help of Moses,’ &c. This is not to be understood as a condition, or limitation of their promised obedience, as if they should say, ‘We will obey thee as far as we perceive the Lord is with thee, but no farther,’ but rather as an earnest prayer in behalf of Joshua, that he might constantly enjoy the Divine guidance, protection, and blessing; q. d. ‘Do not fear for us. Be assured of our constant obedience. Be solicitous mainly for thyself. This is the matter of our anxiety, that the Lord would be with thee, and prosper thee in all things.’ To pray fervently for those in authority over us, is the surest way to render them blessings to us and to the communities in which we live. Joshua 1:18 "Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous." who rebels against your command and does not obey: De 17:12 1Sa 11:12 Ps 2:1-6 Lu 19:27 Heb 10:28,29 12:25 shall be put to death: Ro 13:1-5 only be strong and courageous: Jos 1:6,7,9 Ezr 10:4 1Co 16:13 Eph 6:10 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries EVEN THE 2.5 TRIBES ENCOURAGED JOSHUA Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death - This declaration indicates their wholehearted commitment to follow Joshua. Note that the "definition" of a rebel in this passage is one who did not obey all Joshua had commanded. They were leaving no "wiggle room" in their affirmation of obedience. It was to be total OR ELSE!