Joshua 1:1–11, 16–18

Explore the Bible
Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

A COMMISSION TO LEADERSHIP

Joshua 1:1–11, 16–18
In Israel’s history, the succession of leadership from Moses to Joshua is well documented. Numbers 27:23 and Deuteronomy 31:23 record Moses and the Lord commissioning a successor. In Joshua chapter one, God grants Joshua the place of leadership, and the people of Israel acknowledge his position.

Joshua neither sought nor coveted his place of service. He practiced no political maneuvering to become leader over the tribes. The son of Nun demonstrated faithfulness and humility, serving as Moses’ right-hand man for 40 years, from the wilderness of Sinai through the wilderness wanderings of Kadesh Barnea to the wilderness of Moab. He had no ambition to lead either an army or a nation, though he had the character and developed the qualities to do both.

Rely on God’s Promise (1–5a)
The Promised Land is a small strip no wider than the narrowest section of south Alabama between Florida and Mississippi. This mountainous, rocky region would provide little promise of farmland to cultivate crops, raise livestock or rear children. Why would any leader guide his people to such a land? God promised this land to Abraham and later to Moses. 

In this passage, the reader is reminded of God’s faithfulness to keep His promises. Here one comes face to face with the brevity of human life (“Moses my servant is dead”), the certainty of opposition (“stand against you”), and the reliability of God to do what He says (“I will not leave you or forsake you”). God had been with Moses, and He would be with Joshua.

Rest in God’s Favor (5b–9)
Be strong and courageous. These words are a crucial and repetitive encouragement (1:6, 7, 9, 18) to Joshua as he takes on this onerous task of leading Israel. He recognized the consistent nature of God, the complaints lodged against Moses from all sides and the challenge of leading hard-hearted people to follow God’s instructions. As with any spiritual leader, Joshua would have to remind himself of God’s commission when times got tough.

The kind of strength necessary for this leadership task could only be developed through absolute dependence on God. The Lord promised that He would be with Joshua, the same promise offered to Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:12). Resting in God’s favor is being courageous enough to trust God even when circumstances overwhelm you. 

Respond to God’s Command (10–11)
Almost 40 years had passed since the great exodus from Egypt. Parents and grandparents of the adults Joshua led had already died before they approached the Promised Land. This generation knew of the land promised to Abraham and to Moses and now they would follow Joshua’s leadership into their new land. 

The men of Israel would have to trust Joshua. God was commanding Joshua, and he in turn passed on instructions. Joshua was not a top-down leader who needed to lord over others in order to prove his authority. Instead, Joshua had traveled, camped and fought alongside his fellow Israelites. They knew that God had appointed Joshua to lead, and they would follow.

The families of Manasseh, Reuben and Gad had their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan. The men of the army from these tribes, however, would join their fellow Israelites in taking the land on the western side. These men willingly followed their fellow soldier, who had been given a new assignment. They recognized that God was with him.

Receive Affirmation from Believers (16–18)
Israel’s army had confidence in Joshua’s leadership. Their words demonstrated their commitment. First they promised to follow Joshua’s commands. Second they prayed that God would bless Joshua as He had blessed Moses. Third they prepared to deal with disobedience through swift judgment. Finally they pled with Joshua to be strong and courageous, the very words of God’s commission to him.