< Joshua 1 >

With Moses dead, Joshua was instructed by the LORD to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land with the assurance they would inherit all of it. God defined the land when he promised it to Abraham, Genesis 15:18Waiting for response for Genesis 15:18 and its borders were confirmed to Israel before they crossed the River Jordan (Numbers 34). Israel would enter the land and expand southward to the wilderness, northward to the River Euphrates, and westward to the great (Mediterranean) sea.

Joshua also received assurance that God would be with him as he had been with Moses and he was exhorted to “be strong and of a good courage”. This exhortation was repeated four times to Joshua on this occasion and Joshua himself later used the same words to encourage all the people of Israel when facing attacks from their enemies in the land (Joshua 10:25).Waiting for response for Joshua 10:25 This exhortation is vital for all God’s people in all ages.

The successful occupation of the land depended on Joshua and the people listening to the word of God and obeying his commandments, therefore he was urged to do so v8.Waiting for response for Joshua 1:8 This is God’s requirement of all his people in all ages: that they attend to his word and obey his commandments. His commandments for us have not come through Moses but through the Prophet like him (Deuteronomy 18:18),Waiting for response for Deuteronomy 18:18 the Lord Jesus Christ. How wise to heed his word and obey it!

The final part of the chapter deals with the obligation on the two and a half tribes who had taken land on the east of Jordan to go with their brethren into the Promised Land to help them also gain their inheritance. Joshua reminded them of this requirement which was stated by Moses, and they agreed to fulfil their word.