Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. Above all, be strong and very courageous.Joshua faced the weight of succeeding Moses and leading Israel into a land occupied by fortified cities and powerful peoples. Courage was required not only for battle but for faithful leadership under God’s authority. The Lord’s presence, promised to Joshua as it had been to Moses, supplied the strength Israel’s new leader needed. Deu 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified… Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Israel’s future in Canaan depended on covenant obedience, not military ability alone. The Law given through Moses governed worship, justice, holiness, and community life, preserving Israel as the Lord’s distinct people. Joshua was to lead by submission to God’s revealed will. Deu 31:12-13 Assemble the people—men, women, children… Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, Undivided obedience would guard Israel from the idolatry, injustice, and self-reliance that marked the surrounding nations. Joshua could not alter God’s commands to suit circumstances, fear, or popular opinion. Faithfulness required remaining on the path God had established. Deu 5:32 So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you;… so that you may prosper wherever you go. Prosperity meant success in fulfilling the Lord’s covenant purposes: receiving the land, establishing Israel in peace, and living under God’s blessing. The promise did not rest on human ambition but on obedient trust in the God who had pledged the land to Abraham’s descendants. 1Ki 2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe central figure in this passage, Joshua is the leader of the Israelites after Moses. He is tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. 2. Moses The servant of God who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law from God. He is mentioned as the one who commanded the law to Joshua. 3. The Law Refers to the commandments and instructions given by God to Moses, which Joshua is instructed to follow diligently. 4. The Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joshua is leading the Israelites into this land. 5. The Israelites The people of God, whom Joshua is leading into the Promised Land. They are the recipients of God's promises and commandments. Teaching Points Strength and Courage in LeadershipGod calls leaders to be strong and courageous, relying on His strength rather than their own. Faithful Adherence to God's Word Observing God's law is crucial for success and prosperity. This requires diligence and commitment. Avoiding Distractions Staying focused on God's commandments without deviation ensures spiritual and practical success. Prosperity through Obedience True prosperity comes from following God's ways, not merely material wealth but spiritual fulfillment. Legacy of Faithfulness Just as Joshua was to follow Moses' example, we are called to continue the legacy of faithfulness in our own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we apply the command to "be strong and very courageous" in our daily lives, especially in times of uncertainty or challenge?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are observing God's law and not turning from it "to the right or to the left"? 3. How does the promise of prosperity in Joshua 1:7 relate to the biblical understanding of success and prosperity in other scriptures? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to meditate on and adhere to God's Word as Joshua was instructed? 5. How can the example of Joshua's leadership inspire us to lead others in our communities or families with strength and faithfulness? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 31:6-8This passage parallels Joshua 1:7, where Moses encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the people. Psalm 1:1-3 This scripture emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's law and not turning from it, similar to the instruction given to Joshua. Proverbs 4:25-27 These verses advise not turning to the right or left, echoing the command to Joshua to stay true to God's path. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Highlights the importance of Scripture for teaching and guidance, reinforcing the need to adhere to God's law. People Gadites, Hittites, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, Nun, ReubenitesPlaces Euphrates River, Great Sea, Jordan River, Lebanon, MoabTopics Act, Aside, Care, Careful, Commanded, Courageous, Goest, Heart, Heed, Law, Mayest, Obey, Observe, Prosper, Servant, Strong, Success, Successful, Turn, Turning, Undertakings, Wherever, Whither, Whithersoever, WiselyDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 1:7 5960 success 5548 speech, divine 5766 attitudes, to life 1615 Scripture, sufficiency 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 The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint. Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements. The Finding of Moses Five Kings in a Cave Brave Encouragements Getting Ready to Enter Canaan The Routing of Giant Doubt Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to Germany in 1822 Sundry Exhortations. A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. Moses and his Writings The Great Commission Given. Joshua Links Joshua 1:7 NIVJoshua 1:7 NLT Joshua 1:7 ESV Joshua 1:7 NASB Joshua 1:7 KJV Joshua 1:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |