Explore the Bible By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
COMMISSIONED
Joshua 1:1–9
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” William Carey preached a sermon with this title and lived for more than 50 years with this mentality. He was convinced the Great Commission was still relevant for Christians in his generation, just as we are committed to make disciples of all nations in our generation.
In our study for this quarter, we will encounter individuals who were commissioned to specific tasks. Inherent in those commissions was an understanding that God promised to be present with them and that He expected their obedience to His Word. Joshua was commissioned to lead God’s people into the promised land. The judges were commissioned to guide the people in the application of God’s law as they settled in the land. Ruth reminds us that during a time when the judges lost sight of God’s presence and their responsibility to obey, God had a Redeemer for His people.
A New Leader (1–5)
Moses was dead. This stark reality begins our narrative. Joshua, the faithful assistant of Moses, was his logical successor. He stood by Moses through the tribes’ infantile rebellions recorded in Numbers. He stood with Caleb in the minority when the spies from the other 10 tribes said taking the land was impossible. He led the army in military victories that demonstrated the hand of God. Twice in the law (Num. 27:18–20; Deut. 31:23), God indicated that Joshua would lead His people after Moses.
Joshua also heard the complaints. Israelites complained about God, about Moses, about the food and about the discomfort of living as nomads. He saw the results of disobedience to God as spies died, rebels were swallowed up by the earth, a generation of elders died in the wilderness and Moses and Aaron were denied access to the promised land.
The new leader had the ultimate promise from God. It wasn’t the land, though it was promised. It wasn’t the vastness of the inheritance, though that too was promised. God promised to be with Joshua, as He had been with Moses. God would never leave him nor forsake him, which was the sovereign Lord’s ultimate promise to Joshua.
A New Task (6)
“Be strong and courageous.” The words to Joshua echo throughout the chapter. Perhaps it was the magnitude of the task before him. After all, he was preparing to lead an army to take possession of a land promised to their ancestors more than four centuries earlier. Perhaps it was witnessing people rebel against God’s commissioned servant that made him hesitant. That in itself would be sufficient to discourage most men from this mantle of responsibility to take possession and oversee the distribution of the land. Whatever the reason, Joshua was challenged to be strong and courageous, both by God and by the people (1:6, 7, 9 and 18).
A New Trust (7–9)
Keeping the Book of the law was Joshua’s new trust. He was to read this written law, he was to speak it, he was to meditate on it and he was to live it. As the leader over Israel, Joshua was to model a life of faith in God and faithfulness for God. “Carefully observe” required him to follow the instruction obediently. If Joshua did not deviate from the Book, then God would grant him His success. And He did.
“Observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20).
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