Joshua Chapter 1 Bible Study: God’s Charge to Joshua

Introduction to Joshua Chapter 1

Joshua chapter 1 is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. It marks the transition of leadership from Moses, who has died, to Joshua, his successor. This chapter is a bookend to the book of Deuteronomy and a powerful beginning to the conquest narrative. It contains God’s direct charge to Joshua, giving him the mandate to lead Israel into the Promised Land. The chapter is a testament to God’s faithfulness and a masterclass in leadership, preparation, and divine promise. It establishes the central themes of the book of Joshua: divine promise, human courage, and the importance of meditating on God’s law. The people’s response at the end of the chapter shows their commitment to this new era of leadership.

God’s Command and Promise to Joshua (Verses 1-9)

The chapter opens after the death of Moses, with God speaking directly to Joshua. This is a new beginning. God’s first words to Joshua are a charge to action and courage: “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel.” (Joshua 1:2) God then follows this command with a series of powerful promises:

  • The Promise of the Land: God promises to give Israel every place on which the sole of their foot treads, from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates to the Great Sea. This reconfirms the covenant promise made to Abraham and Moses.
  • The Promise of Presence: God assures Joshua, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5). This is a foundational promise of divine presence that is repeated throughout the Bible (Hebrews 13:5). Joshua is not alone; God Himself will accompany him.
  • The Promise of Success: The promise of the land is conditional on Joshua’s courage and obedience. God commands Joshua three times to “be strong and of good courage.” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9).
  • The Promise of the Law: The key to this success is an unwavering commitment to God’s law. God’s instructions are explicit: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8). This makes it clear that success is not a matter of military might, but of spiritual obedience.

The first nine verses form the core of the chapter, with God setting the stage and giving Joshua all the tools and promises he needs to succeed.

Joshua’s Charge to the People (Verses 10-15)

Following God’s charge, Joshua immediately takes action. He gives a direct command to the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River. He instructs them to get their provisions ready, for in three days’ time they will cross over to take possession of the land. Joshua then specifically addresses the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He reminds them of the agreement they had made with Moses: they were to receive their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, but only after they had crossed over and fought alongside the other tribes to secure their land on the west side (Numbers 32). Joshua holds them to this promise. He emphasizes that they must go armed for war before their brothers, and only after the rest of Israel has taken possession of their land will they be able to return to their homes on the other side of the Jordan. This shows Joshua’s immediate grasp of leadership and his ability to hold the nation accountable to its previous commitments.

The People’s Affirmation of Joshua’s Leadership (Verses 16-18)

The chapter concludes with the people’s resounding and unified affirmation of Joshua’s leadership. They respond to Joshua’s charge with a pledge of loyalty and obedience: “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.” (Joshua 1:16). This response is remarkable, as it shows their trust in God’s chosen successor. They also explicitly tell Joshua that their obedience is contingent on God’s presence with him, saying, “Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the Lord your God be with you as He was with Moses.” (Joshua 1:17). They end their pledge with a final, powerful warning and encouragement: anyone who rebels against Joshua’s command will be put to death, and they repeat the divine command to their new leader, “Be strong and of good courage.” This final exchange seals the transfer of leadership, establishing Joshua’s authority and setting the stage for the book’s narrative of conquest and victory.

Theological Themes

  • The Importance of God’s Promises: The chapter is a testament to God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, from the land given to Abraham to His presence with Joshua.
  • The Link Between Obedience and Success: God makes it clear that prosperity and success are not a matter of chance or human skill, but a direct result of meditating on and obeying His Word.
  • Divine Empowerment for Leadership: Joshua is not a leader by his own merit, but by divine appointment. God’s promises of presence and strength are what make him an effective leader. This teaches that true leadership flows from God’s anointing and empowerment.
  • Continuity in God’s Plan: The transition from Moses to Joshua shows that while leaders may change, God’s plan for His people remains constant and sure. The same promises and principles that applied to Moses now apply to Joshua.

Practical Lessons

  • The Bible is Our Guide: Just as Joshua was commanded to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night, we are called to immerse ourselves in God’s Word. It is the source of our success, our courage, and our direction.
  • God’s Presence is All We Need: When we face new and daunting challenges, we can find courage in God’s promise to Joshua: “I will not fail you nor forsake you.” His presence with us is more powerful than any obstacle in our path.
  • Embrace a God-Given Mission: Joshua was given a clear mission: to lead the people into the Promised Land. We are also given a mission, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). We must be strong and courageous in fulfilling the tasks God has given us.
  • Accountability is Part of Community: Joshua held the eastern tribes accountable to their word, and the people held Joshua accountable to God’s presence. Healthy communities are built on a foundation of trust and mutual accountability.

Relevant Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 31:6-8, 23: Moses’s final charge to Joshua to “be strong and of good courage.”
  • Genesis 12:7, 13:15, 15:18-21: The original promises of the land to Abraham.
  • Hebrews 13:5: The New Testament reiteration of the promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
  • Psalm 1:1-2: The blessed man is one who delights in and meditates on the law of the Lord day and night.
  • Matthew 28:19-20: Jesus’s promise to be with us as we go and make disciples.
  • Numbers 32: The agreement made by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.