FocusCommission, crossing, and covenant signs
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Joshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin.
interpretation Joshua 1:6
KJVBe strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Read it in context
God Instructs Joshua
Start reading at Joshua 1:1 (Joshua 1:1 to Joshua 1:9).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Joshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin.
- 1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
- 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
- 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
- 1:4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
- 1:5 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.
- 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
- 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
- 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
- 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Joshua is the traditional principal author, and Joshua 24:26 credits him with writing covenant words. The closing record of his death and later events means the completed account includes a later contribution. Biblical references: Joshua 24:26; Joshua 24:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Joshua 1:1–1:18): The LORD commissions Joshua; Joshua then addresses the officers and the eastern tribes about crossing Jordan. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel living in the land and later generations learning how the land was allotted and why covenant faithfulness mattered. No individual first recipient is known. Biblical references: Joshua 4:6; Joshua 4:21; Joshua 24:24. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? God Instructs Joshua. Read Joshua 1:1 through Joshua 1:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Joshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account follows Moses' death and proceeds through the entry, campaigns, allotments, and Joshua's final covenant addresses. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The people cross from east of Jordan into Canaan. Campaign locations, tribal boundaries, and cities are distinct settings within that broader movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in God Instructs Joshua (Joshua 1:1 to Joshua 1:9). Start reading at Joshua 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Hebrews 4 distinguishes the rest associated with Joshua from the rest still discussed in its exhortation. In the KJV of Hebrews 4:8, the name Jesus refers in context to Joshua. See Joshua 1:1, Hebrews 4:8, Hebrews 4:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take the repeated calls to faithfulness and obedience seriously. Historical warfare commands to Israel should not be converted into permission for a reader's private violence. interpretation
Cited: Joshua 1:1, Joshua 1:9, Hebrews 4:8, Hebrews 4:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Joshua (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book records that Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God.
Joshua 24:26
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Joshua.
What is debatedThe closing verses record Joshua's death and later events, so a later hand completed the book.
Related passages
- Be strong Josh 1:7,9 1 Sam 4:9 1 Kgs 2:2 1 Chr 22:13 1 Chr 28:10 2 Chr 32:7-8 Ps 27:14 Isa 35:3-4
- divide Num 34:17-29
- which I sware Gen 26:3
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Joshua 1
Joshua concerns Israel's entry into Canaan, the distribution of the land, and covenant exhortations. It identifies Joshua's leadership and records his writing in Joshua 24:26, but that does not establish that he wrote every later event in the book. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Joshua 1:1 Joshua 24:26 Joshua 24:29
Joshua Takes Charge
Joshua 1:10–18FocusCommission, crossing, and covenant signs
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Joshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Joshua
Joshua concerns Israel's entry into Canaan, the distribution of the land, and covenant exhortations. It identifies Joshua's leadership and records his writing in Joshua 24:26, but that does not establish that he wrote every later event in the book.
Joshua 1:1 Joshua 24:26 Joshua 24:29
FocusCommission, crossing, and covenant signs
Connection to the wholeJoshua's commission and the Jordan crossing lead into renewed covenant signs before the campaigns begin.
interpretation Conflict and the taking of the land
Joshua 5:13–12:24FocusVictory, failure, and the LORD's commands
Connection to the wholeThe campaigns include both victories and Israel's failure concerning the devoted things; the record ends with a list of defeated kings.
interpretation The land distributed
Joshua 13:1–21:45FocusInheritance and provision
Connection to the wholeBoundaries, allotments, refuge cities, and Levitical cities describe the ordering of Israel's inheritance.
interpretation The tribes and the covenant
Joshua 22:1–24:33FocusUnity, loyalty, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholeThe closing events and Joshua's speeches urge the tribes to serve the LORD and warn against abandoning the covenant.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.