Joshua 1:5

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 distribution of the land in Joshua 13:1 to Joshua 22:34. The emphasis on all the days of Joshua’s life in Joshua 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." [Note: Hess, p. 68.]