Meaning of Joshua 1:6

This verse, Joshua 1:6, serves as a foundational exhortation from God to Joshua, the successor of Moses, as he stands on the precipice of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. The command to "be strong and courageous" is not merely a psychological pep talk but a divine mandate rooted in the certainty of God's promise and His empowerment. Joshua's leadership is directly linked to the inheritance of the land that God had sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, underscoring the historical and covenantal basis of this momentous undertaking. The strength and courage required are not inherent in Joshua but are to be derived from God's presence and His assurance that He will be with him, just as He was with Moses.

Context and Background

The immediate context for Joshua 1:6 is the death of Moses and the subsequent commissioning of Joshua. Moses, the great liberator and lawgiver, had led the Israelites for forty years in the wilderness, but due to his disobedience, he was not permitted to enter the Promised Land himself. His final charge to Joshua, and God's subsequent direct address to Joshua, marks a transition of immense significance. The Israelites are camped on the eastern side of the Jordan River, poised to cross and conquer Canaan, a land promised to their patriarchs centuries earlier. This moment is fraught with both anticipation and apprehension, as the land is inhabited by powerful nations, presenting a formidable military challenge.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Mandate and Empowerment: The command to be strong and courageous is not optional; it is a direct instruction from God. This implies that God equips those He calls. The strength and courage are not to be self-generated but are to be found in reliance on God's power.
• Covenantal Promise: The inheritance of the land is not a new offer but the fulfillment of an ancient covenant made with the patriarchs. This emphasizes God's faithfulness and the long-term nature of His promises.
• Leadership and Responsibility: Joshua is being set apart for a monumental leadership task. His courage is essential for motivating and guiding a people who will undoubtedly face fear and doubt.
• Faith in the Face of Obstacles: The command inherently acknowledges the daunting nature of the task ahead. It calls for faith that transcends the visible challenges and trusts in God's unseen power and provision.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, Joshua 1:6 resonates as a powerful reminder that God calls us to significant tasks, often involving stepping out of our comfort zones and facing daunting circumstances. Whether it's undertaking a new ministry, confronting personal challenges, or standing for righteousness, the call to be strong and courageous is a recurring theme. This strength and courage are not derived from our own capabilities but from the assurance of God's presence and His promise to empower us. It encourages a posture of dependence on God, recognizing that our effectiveness is not measured by our strength but by His.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a pivotal link in the grand narrative of redemption. It bridges the era of wilderness wandering and the Mosaic covenant with the era of conquest and settlement under Joshua, a foreshadowing of the establishment of God's kingdom. The Promised Land itself serves as a type of the ultimate inheritance God has promised believers through Christ—the heavenly kingdom. Joshua's conquest, though imperfect, anticipates the ultimate victory of God's people over spiritual enemies through the power of Christ. The faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promise to Israel serves as a testament to His ultimate faithfulness in fulfilling His redemptive plan for humanity.

Analogies

One analogy for Joshua's situation is a seasoned athlete being called to captain a team in a championship game. The coach (God) instills confidence, reminding the captain of past victories and the team's training, and assures them of the coach's unwavering support throughout the game. Another analogy is a parent entrusting their child with a significant responsibility, like caring for a younger sibling for the first time. The parent's words of encouragement, "Be brave, I know you can do it," are not just about the child's ability but also about the parent's confidence in the child and their implicit promise of support if needed.

Relation to Other Verses

Joshua 1:6 echoes throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses himself exhorted Israel and Joshua: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." This establishes the precedent and the divine source of Joshua's strength. Later, in Joshua 1:9, God reiterates the command, adding, "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." This emphasis on God's presence as the foundation for courage is a recurring motif, seen also in Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." The concept of inheritance as a reward for obedience and faith is also found in Hebrews 11, the “faith chapter,” which highlights the faithfulness of those who trusted God's promises of an inheritance.