◄ Joshua 1:17 ►
Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses.
Study Bible
Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you
Just as
This phrase indicates a comparison or equivalence, suggesting continuity and consistency in behavior or action. In the context of Joshua 1:17, it reflects the Israelites' commitment to maintain the same level of obedience to Joshua as they did to Moses. Historically, this is significant because it underscores the seamless transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, a critical moment for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The phrase implies trust and confidence in Joshua's leadership, as well as a recognition of the divine authority that has been passed on to him.

we obeyed
The Hebrew root for "obeyed" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear, listen, or obey. This word conveys not just passive hearing but active listening and compliance. In the biblical context, obedience is a central theme, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Israelites' obedience to Moses was a demonstration of their faithfulness to God's commands, and their pledge to obey Joshua signifies their continued commitment to follow God's guidance through His appointed leader.

Moses
Moses is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, serving as the leader who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law from God. His leadership is characterized by his close relationship with God, his role as a prophet, and his intercessory work on behalf of the people. The mention of Moses here serves as a reminder of the divine authority and leadership that Joshua is inheriting. It also highlights the importance of continuity in leadership and the need for the Israelites to remain faithful to God's chosen leader.

in all things
This phrase emphasizes the totality and completeness of the Israelites' obedience to Moses. It suggests that their obedience was not selective or partial but comprehensive. In a spiritual sense, this reflects the ideal of wholehearted devotion and submission to God's will. For the Israelites, obeying "in all things" was crucial for maintaining their covenant relationship with God and ensuring His blessings and protection as they journeyed to the Promised Land.

so we will obey you
This is a declaration of loyalty and commitment to Joshua as the new leader. The Israelites' promise to obey Joshua as they did Moses is significant because it acknowledges Joshua's divine appointment and the continuity of God's plan for His people. It also reflects the trust and respect that Joshua had earned among the Israelites, as well as their recognition of the importance of unity and obedience in achieving their God-given mission. This pledge of obedience is not just to Joshua as a person but to the God who appointed him, underscoring the spiritual dimension of their commitment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The successor of Moses, chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the book of Joshua and is known for his faithfulness and leadership.

2. Moses
The former leader of the Israelites who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He is revered as a prophet and lawgiver.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are preparing to enter the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, a symbol of God's faithfulness and provision.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who promises to be with Joshua as He was with Moses, ensuring His presence and guidance.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God-Appointed Leadership
Just as the Israelites pledged obedience to Joshua, believers are called to respect and follow God-appointed leaders, trusting that God is with them.

The Importance of God's Presence
The assurance of God's presence is crucial for success and courage in any endeavor. Believers should seek and rely on God's presence in their lives.

Continuity of God's Promises
God's promises to His people are consistent and reliable. Just as He was with Moses and Joshua, He is with us today.

Faithfulness in Transition
Transitions in leadership or life stages can be challenging, but faithfulness to God's commands and trust in His presence provide stability.

Encouragement in Leadership
Leaders can draw strength from the knowledge that God is with them, just as He was with Joshua, empowering them to lead with confidence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the obedience of the Israelites to Joshua reflect our own response to spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are aware of and relying on God's presence in our daily lives?

3. How do the promises given to Joshua encourage us in our personal challenges and transitions?

4. What are some practical ways we can support and pray for our leaders, knowing that God is with them?

5. How can we apply the principle of God's unchanging presence and promises in our relationships and community involvement?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Moses charges Joshua to be strong and courageous, assuring him of God's presence, similar to the promise in Joshua 1:17.

Exodus 3:12
God promises Moses His presence, paralleling the assurance given to Joshua.

Hebrews 13:5
The New Testament reiterates God's promise to never leave nor forsake His people, echoing the assurance given to Joshua.
Sermons
Joshua and the ReubenitesE. De Pressense Joshua 1:10-18
Brave ResponsesA. B . Mackay.Joshua 1:12-18
Fidelity to EngagementsW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 1:12-18
Joshua's Demand for the Services of the Trans-Jordanic TribesA. B. Mackay.Joshua 1:12-18
Prayers for Men in Public OfficesJohn Erskine, D. D.Joshua 1:12-18
The Moral Advantages of Good OrganisationJ. -Parker, D. D.Joshua 1:12-18
LoyaltyS.R. Aldridge Joshua 1:16-18
People
Gadites, Hittites, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, Nun, Reubenites
Places
Euphrates River, Great Sea, Jordan River, Lebanon, Moab
Topics
Attention, Hearken, Hearkened, Listen, Listened, Obey, Obeyed, Surely
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 1:12-18

     7266   tribes of Israel

Joshua 1:16-18

     5276   crime

Library
The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord
'Only be then strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded thee... that thou mayest prosper wheresoever thou goest. 8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.'--JOSHUA i. 7,8. This is the central portion of the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Finding of Moses
Many long years had passed since the days when Joseph's brothers and their families had settled in the land of Egypt. They were a great nation in numbers now, but the Egyptians still ruled over them, and used them as servants. The Pharaoh who had been so kind to the shepherds from Canaan was dead long ago, and the new kings, or Pharaohs as they were called, hated foreigners, and began to treat the Israelites very harshly. There were too many of them, they said; it was dangerous to have so many strong, …
Amy Steedman—The Babe in the Bulrushes

Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Getting Ready to Enter Canaan
GETTING READY TO ENTER CANAAN Can you tell me, please, the first step to take in obtaining the experience of entire sanctification? I have heard much about it, have heard many sermons on it, too; but the way to proceed is not yet plain to me, not so plain as I wish it were. Can't you tell me the first step, the second, third, and all the rest? My heart feels a hunger that seems unappeased, I have a longing that is unsatisfied; surely it is a deeper work I need! And so I plead, "Tell me the way." …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

The Routing of Giant Doubt
THE ROUTING OF GIANT DOUBT Doubts! doubts! doubts! Just a company of them around me all the time worse than Job's miserable comforters. What can I do with them? I should like to dismiss them, but it seems I can not. They make me much trouble, but it seems I can not get them to leave me. Especially are the doubts concerning my entire consecration aggravating, and those, too, concerning my entire cleansing. I fear to come out boldly and declare that I believe that Christ fully saves me now. I believe …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to Germany in 1822
In 1822 John Yeardley went to reside in Germany. As his residence abroad constituted one of the most remarkable turns in his life, and exercised a powerful influence on the rest of his career, we shall develop as fully as we are able the motives by which he was induced to leave his native country. By means of his Diary we can trace the early appearance and growth, if not the origin, of the strong Christian sympathy he ever afterwards manifested with seeking souls in the nations on the continent of …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Great Commission Given.
(Time and Place Same as Last Section.) ^A Matt. XXVIII. 18-20; ^B Mark XVI. 15-18; ^C Luke XXIV. 46, 47. ^a 18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. ^b 15 And he said unto them, Go ye ^a therefore, ^b into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. ^a and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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