Joshua 1:5-8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 1:1-9

Honour is here put upon Joshua, and great power lodged in his hand, by him that is the fountain of honour and power, and by whom kings reign. Instructions are given him by Infinite Wisdom, and encouragements by the God of all consolation. God had before spoken to Moses concerning him (Num. 27:18), but now he speaks to him (Josh. 1:1), probably as he spoke to Moses (Lev. 1:1) out of the tabernacle of the congregation, where Joshua had with Moses presented himself (Deut. 31:14), to learn the way... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life ,.... What is promised to the people in common, Deuteronomy 11:25 ; is here particularly promised to Joshua their general; and which was fulfilled in him, and still more in Christ his antitype, who made an end of sin, destroyed the devil, spoiled principalities and powers, abolished death, and overcame the world: as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee ; to counsel and advise, guide and direct, protect... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:6

Be strong, and of good courage ,.... The same exhortation Moses gave him, Deuteronomy 31:7 ; and is afterwards repeated in this chapter, as being of great moment and importance, as it is in the general of an army to show greatness and strength of mind, valour and courage, and not be dismayed at the number and strength of the enemy. As Joshua's work in fighting with the Canaanites, and conquering their land, so Christ's work in the redemption of his people, and subduing their enemies,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong, and very courageous ,.... For though Joshua was a man of valour and courage, as appears by his war with Amalek, yet there was need of this exhortation, and of repeating it, since he was to engage with a people more and mightier than those with him, and who dwelt in strong and fortified places, and had been preparing for some time, having had notice, and were in expectation of the Israelites' attempt upon them: that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth ,.... He was often to read it, frequently repeat it, and speak of it, to refresh his own memory with it, and the memory of those about him. Jarchi restrains it to the book of Deuteronomy now before him: but thou shalt meditate therein day and night ; whenever he had any leisure from the important business of his office, whether by day or night, see Psalm 1:2 , that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 1:5

Be able to stand before thee - Because God shall be with thee, therefore thou shalt be irresistible. This promise was most punctually literally fulfilled. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong , and very courageous - Ισχυε ουν, και ανδριζου σφοδρα . - Sept. Be strong therefore, and play the man to the uttermost. Though God had promised him that no man should be able to stand before him, yet it was on condition that he should use all his military skill, and avail himself to the uttermost of all the means, natural and providential, which God should place within his reach. God will not have them who refuse to help themselves. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth - The law which had already been written by Moses, and from which he and the people were to take all those precepts by which their lives were to be governed. Though there was a copy of the law laid up in the sanctuary, yet this was not sufficient. Joshua must have a copy for himself, and he was to consult it incessantly, that his way might be made prosperous, and that he might have good success. If he kept God's... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 1:5

Verse 5 5.There shall not any man, etc As a contest was about to be waged with numerous and warlike enemies, it was necessary thus to inspire Joshua with special confidence. But for this, the promise of delivering over the land which God had given, would ever and anon have become darkened; for how vast the enterprise to overthrow so many nations! This objection therefore is removed. And the better to free him from all doubt, he is reminded of the victories of Moses, by which God had made it... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 1:6

Verse 6 6.Be strong, etc An exhortation to fortitude is added, and indeed repeated, that it may make the deeper impression. At the same time the promise is introduced in different words, in which Joshua is assured of his divine call, that he might have no hesitation in undertaking the office which had been divinely committed to him, nor begin to waver midway on being obliged to contend with obstacles. It would not have been enough for him diligently to begirt himself at the outset without being... read more

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