Joshua 1:9

This was not just good advice. Joshua was receiving orders from his Commander. Trembling or fearing would betray lack of confidence in God.

Notice the chiastic structure of God’s charge to Joshua.

A I will be with you (Joshua 1:5).

B Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6-7).

C That you may have success (Joshua 1:7).

D This book of the law (Joshua 1:8).

C’ Then you will have success (Joshua 1:8).

B’ Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9).

A’ The Lord your God is with you (Joshua 1:9).

This structure emphasizes the centrality of the book of the law of God as the key to Israel’s success, Joshua’s effective leadership, and God’s enabling presence with His people. With this challenge Joshua could advance into Canaan confidently.

This passage contains the principles necessary for spiritual success in every age. We must know what God requires, maintain perpetual awareness of that, and be consistently and completely obedient to it in our daily experience to gain victory over our spiritual adversaries. [Note: See Harry Foster, "Joshua, Walking into Battle," Toward the Mark 11:6 (November-December 1982):116-19.]