Joshua Chapter 1

From The Open Bible Project

1:1 Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of [1] Yahweh, [See Joshua Footnotes 1] that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,

• The Argument - In this book the Holy Spirit sets most lively before us the accomplishment of God’s promise, who as he promised by the mouth of Moses, that a prophet would be raised up to the people like him, whom he wills to obey, (Deuteronomy 18:15): so he shows himself true to his promise, as at all other times, and after the death of Moses his faithful servant, he raises up Joshua to be ruler and governor over his people, that they should neither be discouraged for lack of a captain, nor have reason to distrust God’s promises later. So that Joshua might be confirmed in his calling, and the people also might have no opportunity to grudge, as though he were not approved by God: he is adorned with most excellent gifts and graces from God, both to govern the people with counsel, and to defend them with strength, that he lacks nothing which either belongs to a valiant captain, or a faithful minister. So he overcomes all difficulties, and brings them into the land of Canaan: which according to God’s ordinance he divides among the people and appoints their borders: he established laws and ordinances, and put them in remembrance of God’s revealed benefits, assuring them of his grace and favour if they obey God, and of his plagues and vengeance if they disobey him. This history represents Jesus Christ the true Joshua, who leads us into eternal happiness, signified to us by this land of Canaan. From the beginning of Genesis to the end of this book is 2567 years. For from Adam to the flood are 1656, from the flood to the departure of Abraham out of Chaldea 423, and from then to the death of Joseph 290. So that Genesis contains 2369, Exodus 140, the other three books of Moses 40, Joshua 27. So the whole makes 2576 years.
• (a) The beginning of this book depends on the last chapter of Deuteronomy which was written by Joshua as a preparation to his history.

1:2 "Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you, and all this people, to the land which I give to them, even to the children of Israel.

1:3 I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses.

1:4 From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border.

• (b) Of Zin, called Kadesh and Paran.
• (c) Meaning, the whole land of Canaan.
• (d) Called Mediterranean.

1:5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.

1:6 "Be strong and of good courage; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

1:7 Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

• (e) He shows where true prosperity consists, even to obey the word of God.

1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

• (f) Showing that it is not possible to govern well, without the continual study of God’s word.

1:9 Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your [2] God [See Joshua Footnotes 2] is with you wherever you go."

1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

1:11 "Pass through the midst of the camp, and command the people, saying, 'Prepare food; for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it.'"

• (g) Meaning, from the day that this was proclaimed, (Joshua 3:2).

1:12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying,

1:13 "Remember the word which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, saying, 'Yahweh your God gives you rest, and will give you this land.

• (h) Which belonged to Sihon the king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan.

1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock, shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but you shall pass over before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and shall help them

1:15 until Yahweh has given your brothers rest, as he has given you, and they have also possessed the land which Yahweh your God gives them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession, and possess it, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.'"

• (i) By your request, but yet by God’s secret appointment, (Deuteronomy 33:21).

1:16 They answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

1:17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may Yahweh your God be with you, as he was with Moses.

• (k) They not only promise to obey him as long as God is with him: but to help punish all who rebel against him.

1:18 Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn't listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."