Joshua was a prepared vessel for the service of the Lord.
The history of His name is interesting. He was born in Egyps and was given the name “Hoshea”—salvation. Later, Moses gave him the name “Jehoshua”—Jehovah salvation.
The Hebrew name Joshua is the equivalent to the Greek name Jesus.
Joshua in many ways is a type of Christ.
Joshua had been chosen by God to succeed Moses—Numbers 27:18-23.
Joshua had been the servant of Moses for many years.
The qualifications of Joshua—“A man in whom is the Spirit.”
Deuteronomy 21:7, 8—Joshua is commissioned before all Israel.
Deuteronomy 24:5, 6—The death of Moses.
Deuteronomy 24:9—Joshua takes up is omission as leader of God’s people. Joshua was assured of God’s presence.
Deuteronomy 34:9—Note that Joshua was full of the Spirit of wisdom.
These must always be the qualifications for the leaders of God’s people.
The result—“The people harkened unto him, and did as the Lord command Moses.”
Note now the complete qualifications of Joshua:
1. Filled with the Spirit
2. Filled with wisdom
3. Filled with the Word
God can only use us to the extent that we are filled with these attributes.
Chapter 1
v.1—The Lord spoke unto Joshua.
Few things are sadder than running without being sent or answering without being called. See 2 Samuel 18:19-33.
v.2—He is instructed to go over Jordan into the land which I will give them.
v.3—Quote and explain. To possess their inheritance they had to put forth an effort in faith.
Note now the promises God made to Joshua.
v.5—“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life.”
“As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Not now God’s admonition to Joshua.
v.6—“Be strong, and of good courage.”
v.7—“Only be strong and very courageous.”
Note now the part that the law was to play in Joshua’s life.
v.8—It was not to depart out of his mouth.
He was to meditate in it day and night.
Then he was to do the things written therein.
For obeying the law, he would make his way prosperous, and would have good success.
The secret of power is to know the Word.
The Word is the raw material of every Christian product.
It is the Word that blesses. It is the Word that sustains, directs and keeps God’s servants.
Joshua was to meditate upon the Law. He was to eat it, chew it, digest it.
Psalm 1:2—The blessed man meditates on the law day and night.
No wonder the next verse says, “And he shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water.”
The secret of knowledge is obedience. God only gives us additional information as we make proper use of the knowledge we have.
v.9—Joshua, like his predecessor Moses, and many others of God’s servants, was very timid.
So once again God hastened to reassure him.
v.10-18—The response of faith.
On the premise of God’s promises Joshua immediately goes into action.
“Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people.”
They in turn commanded the people to “prepare food supplies.”
In these days they would pass over Jordan. But how?
Consider Joshua’s faith here. Food not boats.
Joshua had a special message for the two and a half tribes who had been allotted land on the desert side of Jordan.
Reubenites, Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh.
He first of all reminded them of their promise and obligations to help the other tribes to get settled in the land.
v.16-18—These men were faithful to their word.
They pledge their allegiance to Joshua.
They who disobey, will be put to death.