Be Strong & Courageous
Joshua 1:1-9 ~ God Commissions Israel’s Next Leader
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
In one of my classes this summer, I will be studying through the book of Joshua. Joshua is one of my favorite books of the Old Testament, and I can’t wait to dig in!
Below are some of my reflections on Joshua 1:1-9 and God’s commissioning of Joshua, the next leader of Israel. Open your Bible or pull up your Bible app and read along as we consider God’s daunting command to Joshua.
Israel approaches the Promised Land. They have been wandering in the wilderness for decades. Moses is dead. The last time they came close to Canaan ended poorly. Now, the word of Yahweh comes to Joshua, son of Nun, assistant to Moses, and the next leader of God's people.
Yahweh now commands his people to go into the land, this land which God will give to them. Everywhere they go will be given to them. God promised this land to their ancestors, and he remains faithful to his promise.
God promised that no one would be able to stand against them. The people of the land, these giants whom ten of the original spies were so afraid of, those heavily fortified cities — nothing in the land could stand in their way.
As God issues this command to Joshua, he promises his presence and continued faithfulness. Just as he was with Moses, he would be with Joshua. While man may be unfaithful, God keeps his promises. As Moses' assistant and one who witnessed the exodus, Joshua surely knew he could trust Yahweh to be faithful.
In light of this daunting task, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. The people will take the land, so Joshua must depend on the one who promised this and always keeps his word. In order to do so, Joshua needed to meditate on and obey God's word. The law was not to leave his thoughts. Only then could he find success.
God ended his commission of Joshua with a reminder of his presence. Joshua and the people were approaching dangerous territory, but Yahweh would be with them, just as he was with Moses, Joseph, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham.
God’s commands are often daunting, but his promises are sure. He will never leave us or fail to keep his word. We should trust his word, lean on his presence, meditate on what he has said, obey his commands, and be strong and courageous. No matter what lies ahead, trust in God.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Caleb Friske