Back to: The Fig Tree (A Study of Historical Accounts)
The book of Joshua begins where the book of Deuteronomy ends, with the death of Moses (see Deuteronomy 34). After the illustrious career of Moses, “the servant of the LORD” (1:1), Joshua is to take over leadership of the Israelites and lead them at last into Canaan, the land God has promised to them. This entry into the land fulfills the promises of the whole Pentateuch–promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as promises to Moses and the first generation of Israelites in the wilderness. As such, the book of Joshua records a momentous time in Israel’s history. The task of leading the people at such a time would seem daunting to anyone. Perhaps that is why Joshua is told by God three times (1:6, 7, 9) and by the people once (1:18) to “be strong and courageous.”
The Task Ahead
As Joshua faced the tremendous task of conquering Canaan, he needed a fresh word of encouragement. From personal observation Joshua knew that the Canaanites and others were vigorous people who lived in strongly fortified cities (cf. Num. 13:28–29). Frequent battles kept their warriors in trim fighting condition. And for the most part the land was mountainous, a fact that would make war manoeuvres most difficult. But when God gives a command, He often accompanies it with a promise, so He assured Joshua a lifetime of continuous victory over his enemies, based on His unfailing presence and help. The words I will never leave you (cf. Josh. 1:9) may be rendered, “I will not drop or abandon you.” God never walks out on His promises.
Strategic Appointing
Flowing from this strong affirmation that God would never let Joshua down was God’s threefold call to courage. First, Joshua was commanded to be strong and courageous (cf. vv. 7, 9, 18) because of God’s promise of the land. Strength and fortitude would be required for the strenuous military campaign just ahead, but Joshua was to keep uppermost in his mind the fact that he would succeed in causing Israel to inherit the land because it had been promised to their forefathers, that is, to Abraham (Gen. 13:14–17; 15:18–21; 17:7–8; 22:16–18), Isaac (Gen. 26:3–5), Jacob (Gen. 28:13; 35:12), and the entire nation, the seed of Abraham (Ex. 6:8), as an eternal possession. And Joshua now at last was to lead the children of Israel into possession of this Promised Land. What a strategic role he was to play at this crucial time in his nation’s history!
While in any given generation the fulfilment of this great and significant promise depends on Israel’s obedience to God, there can be no question that the Bible affirms her right to the land. By divine contract the title is hers even though she will not possess it totally and enjoy it fully until she is right with God. To enjoy prosperity and be successful in the Conquest of Canaan Joshua was to do three things with regard to the Scriptures: (a) The Law was not to depart from his mouth; he was to talk about it (cf. Deut. 6:7); (b) He was to meditate on it day and night, to think about it (cf. Ps. 1:2; 119:97); (c) He was to do everything written in it, to obey its commands fully and to act by it (cf. Ezra 7:10; James 1:22–25).
The Success Of Joshua’s Obedience
Joshua’s life demonstrates that in a practical way he lived according to the teachings of the Law of Moses, the only portion of the Word of God then in written form. This alone explains the victories he achieved in battle and the success that marked his entire career. In one of his farewell addresses to the nation just before he died, he urged the people to live in submission to the Scriptures (Josh. 23:6). Joshua probably had times when he felt weak, inadequate, and frightened. Perhaps he considered resigning before the Conquest even began. But God knew all about his feelings of personal weakness and fear and told Joshua three times, Be strong and courageous (Josh 6–7, 9; cf. v. 18). God also urged him not to be afraid or discouraged (cf. Deut. 1:21; 31:8; Josh. 8:1). These charges with their accompanying assurances (God’s promise, God’s power, and God’s presence) were sufficient to last a lifetime. Believers in all ages can be uplifted by the same three assurances.
Key Verses:
Joshua 1: 5- 6: No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
Joshua 1: 7: Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go
Joshua 10: 11: So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’
