 | Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. |
 | Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. |
 | "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." |
| Joshua 1:9 |
The Lord first delivered a solemn charge to Joshua the son of Nun concerning the task ahead of him. The land had been promised to Israel, but they must possess it, from the Negev at the south to Lebanon in the north, and from the Mediterranean on the west to the River Euphrates on the east (see vv. 3, 4). Joshua must be strong, very courageous, and obedient. Now, as then, we are assured of good success when we fill our hearts and minds with God's Word and obey it (v. 8).
Three times Joshua is told by the Lord to be strong and very courageous (vv. 6, 7, 9). The size and duration of the task ahead, the pressures of leading such an obstinate people, and the absence of his spiritual mentor, Moses, were perhaps heavy on Joshua's mind at this time. But the Lord was not calling him without enabling him. There were good reasons for Joshua to be strong: God's promise (vv. 5, 6), a sure victory; God's Word (vv. 7, 8), a safe guide; God's presence (v. 9), a sustaining power.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Jos 1:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.Did you know?
Joshua not only was a great military leader, but he was also Israel's spiritual leader. During his years as commander of God's hosts, and as long as he lived, the Israelites remained faithful to the Lord.
Joshua's military strategy is studied in modern war colleges. He first thrust deep into Canaan, dividing the territory, and then dealt separately with southern and northern coalitions of Canaanite kings.Richards, L. (1999). Every man in the Bible (80). Nashville: T. Nelson.