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 ( Psalms 106:33 ), and in consequence he was not permitted to lead them into Canaan. To Joshua a harder task was assigned. He was not only to lead the Israelites, but to lead them in battle, and against foes more numerous and better prepared for war than themselves. Yet the sense that he had been marked out for the task, as well as his determination to obey the orders he had received, sustained him. He was never known to waver but once ( Joshua 7:1-26 ), nor did the confidence of his followers in him ever falter. So may all those who have received a charge from God rest assured that they will be able to execute it.

II. HE REPOSED UPON GOD 'S PROMISE . He "believed God," and it was not only "counted unto him for righteousness," but his faith led him to victory. Nothing could have nerved him for such a task but the consciousness that God was with him. For he had no personal ambition ( Joshua 19:49 ), such as often stimulates men to great tasks. Thus the Christian warrior of today, who contends not for himself but for his Master, may emulate Joshua's courage and confidence, for the same promises are his as were Joshua's ( Hebrews 13:5 , Hebrews 13:6 ; Ephesians 6:10 ; 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ).

III. HE WAS DILIGENT IN THE STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES , AND HE GUIDED HIMSELF BY THEIR INJUNCTIONS . He had only the law of Moses, but he kept it ( Joshua 5:1-15 ; Joshua 6:1-27 ; Joshua 7:1-26 ). He had been warned to extirpate the Canaanites, and he obeyed the command to the letter ( Joshua 10:1-43 ; Joshua 11:15 ). The Christian who would conquer in his conflict with the powers of evil must be diligent in his study of God's Word, and careful to frame his life by its precepts. He must "meditate therein day and night (cf. Psalms 1:2 ; Psalms 119:1 ; 97-99; also Deuteronomy 4:9 ; Deuteronomy 11:18-20 ; Deuteronomy 17:18 , Deuteronomy 17:19 ), and must take heed to carry out the lessons he has learned."

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