Joshua Becomes Leader

Joshua Chapter One

The book of Joshua is divided into two main parts: the first narrates the events surrounding the conquest of Canaan. The second records the assignment and settlement of captured territory. The book ends with Joshua's farewell address and death.

After the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun. He told Joshua that he must lead the people across the Jordan River into the promised land. The Lord said, "I promise you what I promised Moses: everywhere you go, you will be on land I have given you - from the Negev Desert to the Lebanon mountains and from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea and all the land of the Hittites.
No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them and you will be successful in all you do. Study this Book of Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. "

Joshua commanded the leader of Israel to go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready because in three days they would cross the Jordan. Then he called the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh and told them to remember what Moses commanded them, "The Lord your God is giving you rest and has given you this land. Your wives, children and cattle are to remain here on the east side of the river, but your warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory.Stay with them until the Lord gives rest to them as he has given rest to you and until they, too, possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. Only then, may you settle here on the east side of the river."

They answered Joshua, "We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us. We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your word and does not obey your every command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!"

BIBLE NOTES SHOW that Joshua was well qualified to succeed Moses. God appointed him. He was one of two eyewitnesses to the Egyptian plagues and the Exodus from Egypt. He was Moses' personal aide for 40 years. And of the 12 scouts, only he and Caleb showed confidence that God would help them conquer the land.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh had asked Moses if they could settle just east of the Promised Land. Moses said yes, on condition that they help their fellow tribes enter and conquer the Promised Land. Now was the time for them to live up to the agreement.

Given rest by God was a wonderful thing to a people who had been on the move for their entire lives.

When God commissioned Joshua he told him three times to be strong and courageous.Then the same kind of encouragement came from the people.

How does this chapter relate to us today? Remember always that God can give us courage and strength to do whatever is right. God can conquer our fears and show us the right thing to do. All we have to do is what the Israelites did- be willing to support and obey your God. And agree to his plan, know his plan, and carry it out. We must do this on a daily basis through daily prayer and honoring your connection to God. He will never fail us!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
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Spiritual Uplifting: Gail, Mary
Restoration of faith: Al, John
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