Joshua 1:1-18
Q.1. Where was Moses buried when he died? How did God indicate to Joshua that He was not changing His plans for Israel? What promises did He make to Joshua? – (Josh.1:1-5 c.f. Dt.34:5-6)
Joshua began his leadership after the death of Moses – 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 6 And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day (Dt.34:5-6). Men tend to exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images, so if they had discovered where the body of Moses was, they doubtless would have worshipped his remains. (See Rom.1:23). God renewed the covenant promises regarding the land He had given to Abraham with Joshua, so nothing had changed (see Josh.1:4 c.f. Gen.15:18). He commanded Joshua – … now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all these people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel (Josh.1:2). All this was possible because – No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you (Josh.1:5). This must have been a great reassurance to Joshua, after being called to succeed such a significant leader.
Q.2. Why did God underscore Joshua’s need for courage? How could he be sure of success? What aspect of the instruction to Joshua is still relevant today? – (Josh.1:6-9 c.f. 2 Tim.2:15; 3:15-17)
Joshua had been well trained by Moses. He had led the army of Israel against the Amalekites while Moses, supported by Aaron and Hur, prayed (see Ex.17:8-13). Joshua’s fearfulness was more on account of the nation’s dependence on Moses, of whom it is recorded – since that time no prophet has arisen like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face (Dt.34:10). Joshua needed confidence to lead the people into the Promised land, so God told him –6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go … 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Josh.1:6-7 & 9). Success was promised, as long as Joshua carefully followed the Word of God – This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success (Josh.1:8). God’s Word expresses His heart and His commands. By carefully obeying it, Joshua would not simply follow his own flawed opinions (see Prov.3:5-6; Is.55:8-9). This still holds true for us today. No one can improve on the plans and principles of the Creator-God.
Q.3. Why did the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh delay in settling east of the Jordan River? Were they equally committed to the conquest of the Promised Land? What was their attitude to the change of leadership? – (Jos.1:10-18)
After his encounter with God, Joshua confidently directed God’s people to prepare themselves to possess the Promised Land after three days. The request by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh to settle east of Jordan had previously brought an angry response from Moses. N.B. The rest of the tribe of Manasseh settled in the Promised Land (see Josh.17:1-13 c.f. Num.32:1-15). Moses had been afraid that God might judge His people, as he had done when they refused to enter the land after the discouraging report from ten of the twelve spies (see Num.13:25-14:38). Joshua had been present and was well acquainted with the circumstances. He urged these tribes to keep the promises formerly made to Moses – 13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, `The Lord your God gives you rest and will give you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them, 15 until the Lord gives your brothers rest, as He gives you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to your own land and possess that which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise (Josh.1:13-15). The response of the tribal elders was magnificent, and they expressed their resolve to keep their promises. Beyond this, they promised to obey Joshua as they had Moses, and threatened to punish anyone in Israel who rebelled against his leadership (see Josh.1:16-18).