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Matthew Henry

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 1:6

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

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:1-9

Joshua the successor of Moses. The very name Joshua, Jesus, "God's salvation," is enough of itself to awaken special interest in the man who, on the page of Scripture, first bears it. It is suggestive at once of the nature of his life work, and it leads us to anticipate some points of analogy between him and the Savior of the world. Joshua is one of the few Old Testament characters against whose name there is no reproach. Not that this Book presents any formal delineation of his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:5-6

The leader's promise. Such is God's word to Joshua when commencing his great task. He needed the urgent precept and the supporting promise. He was no youthful dreamer, but one long past middle life, who had no exaggerated estimate of Israel's faithfulness, and no illusions about its task. He needed, and here he gets, the quickening influence of a sacred charge. As God spake to him, so he would speak to all who are constrained by a sense of duty to God or man to undertake some task that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:5-9

The source of Joshua's confidence. I. HE HAD BEEN CHOSEN BY GOD . Moses was dead, and Joshua's heart might well have failed him. For the great lawgiver had found the task of leading the Israelites from Egypt to the borders of the promised land too much for his strength and spirit ( Exodus 18:13-17 ; Numbers 11:11-17 ; Deuteronomy 1:9-15 ). Constant rebellions and murmurings had weakened his hands. "They provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:6

Be strong and of a good courage. Literally, be strong and vigorous. The word does not refer so much to the character of Joshua as to his actions. He was to be a man of action, alert, prompt, ready to act when occasion demanded (see Deuteronomy 31:6 , Deuteronomy 31:7 , Deuteronomy 31:8 , Deuteronomy 31:23 ). Which I sware unto their fathers (see note on verse 3). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:6-9

A renewed covenant. The covenant made with the patriarchs, and afterwards with their descendants when they came out of Egypt, is here renewed in almost the same words. The promises are identical ( Joshua 1:4 , Joshua 1:5 ), and also the conditions of their fulfilment, which are summed up in fidelity and obedience: " Observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded thee" ( Joshua 1:7 , Joshua 1:8 ). This renewal to each generation of the covenant between... read more

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