Key Text: 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 (Joshua 1:9).
With the death of Moses and the appointment of Joshua, the people of Israel went on to conquer the Promised Land. The Book of Joshua tells that story and demonstrates that God is well able to keep the promises He made to His people. God needs leaders who are uniquely equipped and He prepared Joshua for leadership: He led the Israelite defense against an attack by the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). As one of twelve spies, Joshua had learned firsthand the topography of Palestine. His trust in God had led him to advise an immediate attack when all the other spies but Caleb urged the people to disobey. Joshua used divine resources, which made the difference between victory and defeat.
Joshua had a promise in God’s stated purpose: “I will give you every place where you set your feet, as I promised David” v 3, the Promised Land. Joshua had a promise of God’s presence: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you” v 5. God had committed Himself to be with His servant and to take on Himself the burden of bringing success. Joshua had the promise of God’s faithfulness: “You will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them” v 6. God had committed Himself to a cause, and He would not let His promise fail. There were admonitions (warnings) required of Joshua: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey the law My servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” v 9. By the way, will God not help those who refuse to help themselves? Joshua was instructed to keep a copy of “the law” and consult it incessantly, “that his way might be made prosperous” v 8. If he kept God’s word, God would keep him in “body and soul” as God’s gift comes to those who have the courage of faith to take it. Joshua would become the executor of the oath which God “swore to their fathers.”
The conquest was to be a joint undertaking of all tribes, including those which previously had received their inheritance east of the Jordan (Numbers 32). Joshua issued the call to prepare “victuals” v 11 and he commanded that his officers (Shoterim in Hebrew) relay that call to the people. Victuals were provisions such as corn, oxen, sheep, etc.; necessary, as they were about to undergo considerable fatigue in a three day march. And “on the third day after the decampment from Shittim ye shall pass over this Jordan” v 11. AMEN!
P.S. “Vittles” is a traditional phonetic spelling and pronunciation of the word victuals, meaning food or provisions (Google search). Today, the word “vittles” is commonly used in country living.
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