A leader had been appointed, and now a task faced the Israelites. They must conquer and secure the land of the Canaanites in accordance with the promise of land that God had made to Abraham years before. In the Bible, the books of Joshua through Esther are called the historical books, for they chronicle the account of the Israelites entering the promised land to their return from exile years later. These books illustrate that those who honor and serve the Lord will receive His blessings, fulfillment, and satisfaction.
Specifically, the book of Joshua tells of the conquest of the land of Canaan. Some verses seem to refer to the Lord as having fought the battles, but in others it speaks of the people fighting the battles. Whatever the circumstances and the physical happenings at the time, God’s might, power, and presence clearly shine through. Throughout the book, there are examples of “the consequences of human good and evil, and God’s passionate commitment to human redemption and the restoration of the divine-human relationship” (NLT).
Other themes throughout the entirety of the book include God’s fidelity, success as directly attributable to God, importance of godly leadership, and God’s faithfulness to his promises. Interpenetrating the book of Joshua, is joyful optimism, and, “its keynote is the fulfillment of the promise made to the forefathers regarding the possession of the land of Canaan” (NLT).
In the first chapter of Joshua, a major transition takes place. Since leaving Egypt, the Israelites had yet to be without Moses. In his perfect timing, God appointed Joshua to be the new leader. He, with the Lord’s help, would lead the people through the various battles in conquering the promised land. One can see Christ in this passage, for “the conquest of Canaan was not undertaken for the sake of conquest, but to prepare for a Messiah whose mission was to redeem the world” (Harbin).
The stage was set. However, though the Lord stood behind them, the Israelites focused on the masses of pagan Canaanite worshippers in front of them instead of the giant God behind them. In encouragement, and as a commandment, the Lord commended them, saying “Be strong and courageous.” This phrase is written three times in a mere two hundred words, a relatively short address, especially in the Old Testament.
“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Though a command, there is much comfort to be found in these words. It’s directional, but also a promise. The Israelites were told to step forward with confidence, and they felt that they could do so because of the foundation they stood upon. The Lord revealed his promises, fortifying them with his assurance. He empowered them, defeating the doubts of others. He helped them focus on the godly mission they had been called upon for, not the world on which they walked, nor the worries before them.
This school year, let us walk in light of this promise: that He will always be with us. Let us recognize the power of the promises in the Bible. Let us daily, like he commanded the Israelites to do all those years ago, walk in his strength and courage. Let us be empowered by his personal assurance to each of us and his continuous presence next to us. Let us be stewards of his name.
Works Cited:
ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway, 2011.
Harbin, Michael A. The Promise and the Blessing: A Historical Survey of the Old and New Testaments. Zondervan, 2005.
NLT Study Bible. Tyndale House Pub., 2008.
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