Be strong and of a good courage. Literally, be strong and vigorous. The word does not refer so much to the character of Joshua as to his actions. He was to be a man of action, alert, prompt, ready to act when occasion demanded (see Deuteronomy 31:6 , Deuteronomy 31:7 , Deuteronomy 31:8 , Deuteronomy 31:23 ). Which I sware unto their fathers (see note on verse 3). read more
A renewed covenant. The covenant made with the patriarchs, and afterwards with their descendants when they came out of Egypt, is here renewed in almost the same words. The promises are identical ( Joshua 1:4 , Joshua 1:5 ), and also the conditions of their fulfilment, which are summed up in fidelity and obedience: " Observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded thee" ( Joshua 1:7 , Joshua 1:8 ). This renewal to each generation of the covenant between... read more
Be very courageous . The word is the same as is translated "be of good courage" above. Knobel remarks that the phraseology here is similar to that of Deuteronomy, but "strange to the other Books" of the Pentateuch. This may be from the fact that Deuteronomy is throughout hortatory, while the other Books are historical. But the recurrence of the hortatory phrases of Deuteronomy here is at least remarkable (see verse 3). Prosper . Rather, perhaps be wise (cf. Deuteronomy 29:9 , though,... read more
This book of the law. The law was, therefore, embodied in a written document when the Book of Joshua was written; and as the antiquity of this Book may be regarded as proved, we may quote thus an early authority for the genuineness of at least some portions of the Pentateuch. There was a "book of the law" in Joshua's time, according to this early testimony, and we may conclude from verses 3-7 that Deuteronomy formed a part of it (see also Deuteronomy 17:19 for a similar precept. And for... read more
The study of the Bible. Who without secret misgiving could succeed to the position of Moses, that large-hearted, clear-sighted, faithful servant of God? How overwhelming the anxiety of him who would aspire to be leader of the Israelites; a fickle people who, "like bees about to swarm, were ready to alight on any bough." He who summoned Joshua to occupy the vacant post promised to stand by and strengthen him. He gave him the direction contained in the text, to study well the book of the... read more
Prosper - See the margin. The literal rendering should be retained here since the notion of prosperity is separately introduced by a different word in Joshua 1:8. read more
Joshua 1:6. Be strong and of a good courage Joshua, though a person of great courage and resolution, whereof he had given sufficient proof, yet needed these exhortations, partly because his work was great, and difficult, and long, and in a great measure new; partly because he had a very mean opinion of himself, especially if compared with Moses: and remembering how perverse and ungovernable that people were, even under Moses, he might very well suspect the burden of ruling them would be too... read more
Joshua 1:7. Commanded thee Remember, that though thou art the commander of my people, yet thou art my subject, and obliged to observe all my commands. To the right hand or to the left That is, in any kind, or upon any pretence; which plainly shows, that God’s assistance, promised to him and the Israelites, was conditional, and might justly be withdrawn upon their breach of the conditions. Whithersoever thou goest That is, whatsoever thou doest. Men’s actions are often compared to... read more
Joshua 1:8-9. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth That is, thou shalt constantly read it, and upon occasion discourse of it, and the sentence which shall come out of thy month, shall in all things be given according to this rule. Day and night That is, diligently study, and upon all occasions consider what is God’s will and thy duty. The greatness of thy place and employments shall not hinder thee from this work, because this is the only rule of thy private actions and... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 1:5-9
The source of Joshua's confidence. I. HE HAD BEEN CHOSEN BY GOD . Moses was dead, and Joshua's heart might well have failed him. For the great lawgiver had found the task of leading the Israelites from Egypt to the borders of the promised land too much for his strength and spirit ( Exodus 18:13-17 ; Numbers 11:11-17 ; Deuteronomy 1:9-15 ). Constant rebellions and murmurings had weakened his hands. "They provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips ( ... read more