Meaning of Joshua 1:7

This verse, Joshua 1:7, marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, delivered by God to Joshua as he is about to assume leadership after the death of Moses. It's a divine commission and a blueprint for success, emphasizing the inseparable link between obedience to God's law and the achievement of His purposes. The imperative "Be strong and very courageous" is not a mere suggestion but a divine empowerment for the daunting task ahead: leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, a journey fraught with challenges and requiring unwavering faith. This strength and courage are directly contingent upon their adherence to the Mosaic Law, highlighted by the instruction to "not turn from it to the right or to the left," signifying a wholehearted and unwavering commitment to God's commands. The promise of success is not presented as a guarantee of ease or personal gain, but rather as the assurance that God's blessing and guidance will accompany them in fulfilling His will, wherever they are led.

Context and Background

This command is given to Joshua immediately following the death of Moses (Joshua 1:1-2). Moses, the great mediator and lawgiver, had led the Israelites for forty years in the wilderness. Now, a new generation stands on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, a land promised to Abraham and his descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey but also inhabited by formidable nations. Joshua, having served as Moses' faithful assistant, is now charged with the immense responsibility of leading this conquest and establishing Israel in their inheritance. The transition of leadership is a critical juncture, and God's words to Joshua are designed to equip him spiritually and psychologically for the immense undertaking.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Empowerment: The call to be "strong and very courageous" is not a demand for innate human bravery but a promise of God's presence and strength. God equips those He calls.
• Unwavering Obedience: The core of success is presented as strict adherence to the Law given through Moses. This obedience is not a rigid, legalistic observance but a life lived in accordance with God's revealed will, encompassing all aspects of their national and spiritual life.
• Holistic Discipleship: The phrase "to the right or to the left" emphasizes that obedience must be complete and without deviation. It implies a comprehensive commitment, avoiding both extremes of adding to or subtracting from God's commands, and staying firmly on the path God has prescribed.
• Promise of Success: The success promised is not necessarily military dominance without struggle, but the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, the establishment of Israel in the land, and the flourishing of their nation under God's rule. This success is intrinsically linked to their faithfulness.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, Joshua 1:7 serves as a timeless principle. The "strength and courage" are not merely for grand conquests but for navigating the daily challenges of life, for standing firm in faith, and for pursuing God's calling. The "Law" given through Moses finds its ultimate fulfillment and interpretation in Jesus Christ and the New Testament revelation. Our obedience to God's will, therefore, involves understanding and applying the teachings of Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit. The call to "not turn to the right or to the left" speaks to the importance of biblical integrity, resisting theological compromises or worldly philosophies that deviate from the truth. True spiritual success is found in a life of devoted obedience to Christ, empowered by His Spirit.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial link in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan. It bridges the era of the Law and the wilderness wanderings with the era of the conquest and the establishment of Israel in the land. It foreshadows the importance of obedience in the history of Israel, a theme that recurs throughout the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, where faithfulness leads to blessing and disobedience leads to exile. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied obedience to God's will and whose redemptive work provides the power for believers to live obedient lives.

Analogies

• A Navigator: Just as a ship's navigator must strictly follow the charts and compass to reach their destination safely, avoiding treacherous reefs or currents (turning "to the right or to the left"), so too must believers adhere to God's Word as their guide through life's complexities.
• A Builder: A builder must follow the architectural plans precisely, ensuring every measurement and joint is accurate, to construct a stable and enduring structure. Deviating from the plans would compromise the integrity of the building. Similarly, our spiritual lives must be built upon the foundation of God's Word.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 6:18: "Do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take possession of the good land that the Lord your God promised to your ancestors." This verse from Moses' farewell address directly echoes the sentiment of Joshua 1:7, linking obedience to God's commands with taking possession of the land.
• Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." This psalm emphasizes the illuminating and guiding nature of God's Word, aligning with the idea of not turning "to the right or to the left."
• Matthew 7:24-27: Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders highlights the critical importance of hearing and doing His words, with the wise builder whose house stands firm being analogous to obedience leading to enduring success.
• 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord will not be in vain." This New Testament passage encourages steadfastness and complete dedication, mirroring the spirit of being strong, courageous, and unwavering in obedience.