Joshua 1:18
Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!"
Anyone who rebels against your order
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to leadership, particularly in the context of the Israelites entering the Promised Land under Joshua's command. The Israelites had a history of rebellion, as seen in their wilderness wanderings (Numbers 14:2-4). This command emphasizes the need for unity and submission to God's appointed leader to ensure success in their mission.

and does not obey your words
Obedience to Joshua's words is equated with obedience to God's commands, as Joshua is God's chosen leader. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's word as a path to blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). The authority given to Joshua is reminiscent of the authority given to Moses, highlighting continuity in God's leadership.

all that you command him
The comprehensive nature of this obedience is crucial. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where blessings are contingent upon full adherence to God's law (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). This also prefigures the New Testament call to obey all that Christ commands (Matthew 28:20).

will be put to death
This severe consequence for disobedience underscores the seriousness of the covenant and the need for holiness among God's people. It reflects the Old Testament principle of justice and the need to purge evil from the community (Deuteronomy 17:12). This foreshadows the ultimate judgment for sin, which is spiritual death, as addressed in the New Testament (Romans 6:23).

Above all, be strong and courageous!
This exhortation is a recurring theme in Joshua 1 (verses 6, 7, 9) and serves as a divine encouragement to Joshua. It emphasizes reliance on God's strength rather than human ability. This call to courage is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). Joshua's leadership is a type of Christ, who perfectly embodies strength and courage in fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
- The central figure in this passage, Joshua is the leader of the Israelites after Moses. He is tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land.

2. Israelites
- The people of God who are preparing to enter the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. They are expected to follow Joshua's commands as they did with Moses.

3. Promised Land
- The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites are on the brink of entering this land.

4. Rebellion
- The act of defying or resisting authority, which in this context refers to disobeying Joshua's commands.

5. Courage and Strength
- Key themes in the book of Joshua, emphasizing the need for Joshua and the Israelites to trust in God's promises and act with bravery.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God-Ordained Leadership
God places leaders in our lives for guidance and direction. Just as the Israelites were called to obey Joshua, we are called to respect and follow the leaders God has placed over us.

The Seriousness of Rebellion
Rebellion against God’s appointed leaders is taken seriously in Scripture. It is important to understand the gravity of disobedience and its consequences.

Strength and Courage in God’s Promises
The call to be strong and courageous is a reminder that our strength comes from trusting in God’s promises. We are encouraged to face challenges with faith and confidence in God’s provision.

Unity and Community
The success of the Israelites depended on their unity and collective obedience. In our communities, unity in following God’s direction is crucial for achieving His purposes.

Faithfulness in Transition
As the Israelites transitioned from Moses to Joshua, they were reminded to remain faithful. In times of change, we must hold fast to God’s commands and trust His guidance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command to obey Joshua reflect the importance of leadership in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate strength and courage in our daily walk with God?

3. How does the concept of rebellion against authority apply to our current societal context, and what can we learn from this passage?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure unity and obedience within our faith communities?

5. How can we apply the lessons of faithfulness during transitions in our personal lives, such as changes in job, family, or church leadership?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 31:6-8
This passage parallels the call for strength and courage, as Moses encourages Joshua before his leadership begins.

Romans 13:1-2
This New Testament passage discusses the importance of submitting to governing authorities, which can be related to the Israelites' need to obey Joshua.

Hebrews 13:17
This verse speaks to the importance of obeying leaders, which aligns with the command for the Israelites to follow Joshua.
Joshua and the ReubenitesE. De Pressense Joshua 1:10-18
Brave ResponsesA. B . Mackay.Joshua 1:12-18
Fidelity to EngagementsW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 1:12-18
Joshua's Demand for the Services of the Trans-Jordanic TribesA. B. Mackay.Joshua 1:12-18
Prayers for Men in Public OfficesJohn Erskine, D. D.Joshua 1:12-18
The Moral Advantages of Good OrganisationJ. -Parker, D. D.Joshua 1:12-18
LoyaltyS.R. Aldridge Joshua 1:16-18
People
Gadites, Hittites, Israelites, Joshua, Manasseh, Nun, Reubenites
Places
Euphrates River, Great Sea, Jordan River, Lebanon, Moab
Topics
Anyone, Attention, Command, Commandest, Commandment, Courage, Courageous, Death, Disobeys, Doesn't, Goes, Hearken, Hearkeneth, Heart, Listen, Mouth, Obey, Orders, Provoke, Rebel, Rebellious, Rebels, Strong, Whatever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 1:18

     6224   rebellion, against authority
     8220   courage, facing enemies
     8416   encouragement, promises

Joshua 1:12-18

     7266   tribes of Israel

Joshua 1:16-18

     5276   crime

Library
The New Leaders Commission
'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, 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. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord
'Only be then strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded thee... that thou mayest prosper wheresoever thou goest. 8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shall 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.'--JOSHUA i. 7,8. This is the central portion of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Finding of Moses
Many long years had passed since the days when Joseph's brothers and their families had settled in the land of Egypt. They were a great nation in numbers now, but the Egyptians still ruled over them, and used them as servants. The Pharaoh who had been so kind to the shepherds from Canaan was dead long ago, and the new kings, or Pharaohs as they were called, hated foreigners, and began to treat the Israelites very harshly. There were too many of them, they said; it was dangerous to have so many strong,
Amy Steedman—The Babe in the Bulrushes

Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Getting Ready to Enter Canaan
GETTING READY TO ENTER CANAAN Can you tell me, please, the first step to take in obtaining the experience of entire sanctification? I have heard much about it, have heard many sermons on it, too; but the way to proceed is not yet plain to me, not so plain as I wish it were. Can't you tell me the first step, the second, third, and all the rest? My heart feels a hunger that seems unappeased, I have a longing that is unsatisfied; surely it is a deeper work I need! And so I plead, "Tell me the way."
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

The Routing of Giant Doubt
THE ROUTING OF GIANT DOUBT Doubts! doubts! doubts! Just a company of them around me all the time worse than Job's miserable comforters. What can I do with them? I should like to dismiss them, but it seems I can not. They make me much trouble, but it seems I can not get them to leave me. Especially are the doubts concerning my entire consecration aggravating, and those, too, concerning my entire cleansing. I fear to come out boldly and declare that I believe that Christ fully saves me now. I believe
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to Germany in 1822
In 1822 John Yeardley went to reside in Germany. As his residence abroad constituted one of the most remarkable turns in his life, and exercised a powerful influence on the rest of his career, we shall develop as fully as we are able the motives by which he was induced to leave his native country. By means of his Diary we can trace the early appearance and growth, if not the origin, of the strong Christian sympathy he ever afterwards manifested with seeking souls in the nations on the continent of
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Great Commission Given.
(Time and Place Same as Last Section.) ^A Matt. XXVIII. 18-20; ^B Mark XVI. 15-18; ^C Luke XXIV. 46, 47. ^a 18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. ^b 15 And he said unto them, Go ye ^a therefore, ^b into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. ^a and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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