Joshua 1

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying,

“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go across this Jordan, you and all these people, to the land which I am giving to them, even to the children of Israel.

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

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.

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.

“Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful 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.

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

Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

“Pass through the middle 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 the LORD your God gives you to possess.’”

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

“Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God gives you rest, and will give you this land.

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

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

They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses.

Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn’t listen to your words in all that you command him shall himself be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter marks the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the beginning of Israel’s entry into the promised land. With Moses now dead, God calls Joshua to lead the people across the Jordan River, reiterating His covenant promises and charging Joshua to be strong and courageous through unwavering faithfulness to the Law. The people, in turn, affirm their loyalty to Joshua, setting the stage for the conquest.

Flow.

God speaks directly to Joshua, declaring Moses’ death and commissioning him to lead Israel into the land promised to the patriarchs.
The Lord reaffirms the geographic scope of the inheritance and promises His constant presence and victory.
Joshua issues practical commands to the people: prepare to cross the Jordan in three days and summon the eastern tribes to fulfill their pledge to fight alongside their brothers.
The people and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh respond with unified commitment to obey Joshua’s leadership.

Connections.
Following the conclusion of Deuteronomy, where Moses’ leadership ends and the promise of a future prophet like him is given (Deut 34; cf. WCF 7.5), chapter 1 of Joshua begins the fulfillment of God’s sworn oath to bring His people into Canaan. It bridges the gap between promise and action, preparing Israel for the conquest that will unfold in the chapters ahead. The divine command to meditate on the Law day and night (v. 8) sets a foundational principle that chapter 2 begins to test through the narrative of the spies, where faith and obedience are immediately put into practice.

What it teaches.
The Lord, who sovereignly fulfills His covenant (WCF 7.1), raises up Joshua as Moses’ successor, underscoring continuity in leadership while maintaining that divine presence—not human strength—is the source of success (v. 5; cf. WCF 14.5). The land is given by God’s promise, not by military might (v. 3; WCF 3.7), and obedience to the whole Law is essential to walking in blessing (v. 7; WCF 19.5). The promise “I will be with you” echoes divine faithfulness across generations (cf. HC LD 10), grounding courage not in circumstances but in God’s presence, as He is Immanuel “with us” (Athanasian Creed).

Apply.
Act decisively in the callings God has given, trusting His presence more than your preparation.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.