1. God’s charge to Joshua 1:1-9In one sense Joshua 1:1-9 are a preamble to the whole book. They contain the basic principles that were to guide Joshua and Israel so they could obtain all that God had promised their forefathers. read more
The area described here includes all that God promised to Abraham and the other patriarchs (Genesis 15:18; et al.). The writer apparently referred to the Hittites in a representative sense to describe all the Canaanite tribes (as in 1 Kings 10:29; 2 Kings 7:6; Ezekiel 16:3). This is a figure of speech called synecdoche in which a part represents the whole or the whole stands for a part (e.g., "bread" means food, or "all the world" equals all the Roman world [Luke 2:1]). read more
Many students of the book have called this the key verse. Here God promised Joshua His unfailing power and presence so that he might be completely successful in subduing the Canaanites. Joshua’s failure to be entirely successful was not God’s fault but the Israelites’."This text [Joshua 1:2-5] summarizes the book. Joshua 1:2 describes the crossing of the Jordan as found in Joshua 1:1 to Joshua 5:12. Joshua 1:3 outlines the ’conquest’ of Joshua 5:13 to Joshua 12:24. Joshua 1:4 implies the... read more
God exhorted Joshua on the basis of this promise (Joshua 1:5) to be "strong" and "courageous" (cf. Deuteronomy 31:6). Ownership of the land depended on God’s faithfulness, but occupation of the land depended on Israel’s faithfulness (cf. Deuteronomy 30:20).The writer stressed two major theological points in this book: Yahweh’s faithfulness in giving Israel the Promised Land, and Yahweh’s hatred of sin. [Note: Constable, p. 103.] "The word ’inherit’ ["possession" in the NASB] used to describe... read more
Joshua by Divine Commission Succeeds MosesJoshua 1:1 to Joshua 5:12 record the preparations for the Holy War.1. Now (better, ’and’) after the death of Moses.. it came to pass] These words clearly mark the book which follows as a sequel to Deuteronomy. The book of Judges begins with a precisely similar phrase.The Lord spake unto Joshua] This formula ’the Lord spake,’ which so constantly recurs in the first books of the Bible, corresponds to the more direct formula of the prophets, ’Thus saith... read more
(4) All the land of the Hittites.—The name Hittites may be used here to represent all the Canaanites; but it seems better to understand the land of the Hittites of the northern districts in which Hamath and Carchemish were situated—between Palestine proper and the Euphrates; but compare Note on Judges 1:26. read more
(5) I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.—Compare Genesis 28:15. And consider Hebrews 13:5 as a combination of the two Old Testament passages.(6,7) Be strong and of a good courage . . . that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law.—This command to “be strong,” repeated again and again to Joshua, may perhaps be taken as reflecting light upon his natural character, which might not have led him to desire so prominent a position. But it may also be observed that courage was especially... read more
Joshua Encouraged Joshua 1:1-11 'Be strong and of a good courage' (Joshua 1:6 ). When Luther was summoned before the Diet of Worms, his friends did all that they could to dissuade him from going. They were afraid that his safe-conduct would not be respected. But nothing would keep the brave Reformer back, and what was thought of his courage is shown in the words which a great captain is said to have addressed to him: 'Little monk! little monk! you are venturing today on a more hazardous march... read more
CHAPTER IV.JOSHUA’S CALL.Joshua 1:2-5.JOSHUA has heard the Divine voice summoning him to the attitude of activity - "Arise!" Directions follow immediately as to the course which his activity is to take. His first step is to be a very pronounced one - "Go over this Jordan ": enter the land, not by yourself, or with a handful of comrades, as you did forty years ago, but "thou and all this people." Take the bold step, cross the river; and when you are across the river, take possession of the... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Joshua 1:5
5-9. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee—Canaan was theirs by a divine grant; and the renewed confirmation of that grant to Joshua when about to lead the people into it, intimated not only a certain but an easy conquest. It is remarkable, however, that his courage and hope of victory were made to depend (see on :-) on his firm and inflexible adherence to the law of God, not only that regarding the extirpation of the Canaanites, but the whole divine code. read more