Joshua 1:1–15

Bible Studies for Life
Associate Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Who Me? A Leader?
Joshua 1:1–15
Studies in September are in the Book of Joshua with focus on Joshua as leader of God’s people. This first study unfolds in two major sections. The first half of the lesson looks at Joshua’s call from God to succeed Moses as leader. The second half looks at Joshua’s early performance as the new leader. In the first part, God called Joshua to step into the leadership gap caused by Moses’ death and then He encouraged Joshua to stand firm in his new role.

Called to Step Up (1–5)
God’s call to Joshua was specific, challenging and encouraging. Joshua’s leadership assignment was to lead God’s people across the Jordan River into possession of the promised land. The assignment encompassed the far-reaching territory marked by specific boundaries. Whatever reluctance or inadequacy Joshua may have felt was met with the promise that God would be with him and no opposition would stand successfully against him.

When God calls a person to step up to a specific task of God’s choosing, God assumes responsibility for the accomplishment of that task. Whom God calls, He equips and he or she should trust God implicitly and follow Him diligently. God’s work done God’s way incurs God’s blessing.

Encouraged to Stand Firm (6–9)
God’s encouragement of Joshua took the form of admonition. First, God admonished Joshua to act with courage. In fact, God admonished Joshua three times to “be strong and courageous.” God followed that thrice repeated admonition with an appeal to Joshua to act with conviction and carefulness in doing all that the Book of the Law commanded. Joshua’s success as a leader depended on him following God’s instructions in Scripture. Specifically Joshua personally was to declare God’s word (“shall not depart out of thy mouth”), to meditate on it devotedly (“meditate on it day and night”) and to do all that the Scripture commands (“careful to do according to all that is written in it”).

Joshua’s success as a leader and the people’s success in their God-given assignment was tied tightly to the place they gave the will of God as revealed to them in the Word of God. The success God promised Joshua was not financial or material but was the success of spiritual leadership of a special people at a special time in their history to accomplish a special task given them by God.

In the second part of the lesson passage, Joshua’s early performance as leader saw him giving clear directions to others and establishing accountability on the part of those whom he led.

Gave Clear Direction (10–11)
When Joshua stepped forth as leader of the people, he clearly and faithfully explained to the officers of the people what they were to do and say. The instructions were specific, leaving no doubt about what their new leader expected of them. The people were to prepare provisions and plan to begin their journey into the promised land in three days. The timeline was specific. Their goal was clear. They were to take possession of the land. Effective leadership, after the manner of Joshua, calls for leaders who understand the task and are able to communicate it clearly to others.

Established Accountability (12–15)
Earlier, when Moses yet lived, a segment of the Israelites asked to receive its apportionment of the promised land east of the Jordan River. Moses had consented but with one provision. The two tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh were to assist the other tribes in taking possession of the land west of the river. Only then were they to return to their allotted territory. When the two and a half tribes reminded Joshua of their prior arrangement with Moses, Joshua agreed to honor it. However, Joshua held them accountable for helping the others win possession of their lands before returning to their own places. Joshua was careful not to release the Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh from fulfilling their earlier pledge.

Strong leaders act responsibly but also hold others accountable for their performance.