That You May Be Successful (Joshua, Ch. 1)

The Old Testament book of Joshua was written sometime before 1000 B.C. The earliest Jewish traditions claim that the author is Joshua, except for the final section about his funeral, that was probably written by Eleazar, son of Aaron. The theme of the book is the conquest of Canaan and establishment of Israel in the land promised to them by Moses (Holy Bible: NIV, p. 274).

The book of Joshua begins with him being instructed by the Lord to lead the Israelites to cross the Jordan River into the land that had been promised to them by God since the days of Moses. He was encouraged by the Lord to be strong, courageous, and to obey the laws given by Moses--the Israelites were not to turn from it to the right or to the left that they would be successful in all they do. The Lord said he would never leave nor forsake them.

"Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (1:8).

Joshua told the people they had three days to get supplies ready and to prepare for taking the promised land. To the tribes of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, they had previously been promised the land east of Jordan River as an inheritance. They were told they could rest there, but first they had to be fully armed and cross over ahead of their brothers' tribes to help them, and when the Lord had given them rest, then they could go back to occupy their land east of the Jordan River.

"Your wives, children, and livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but your fighting men must go" (v. 14).

They answered, "Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you" (vv. 16-18).

12 Tribes of Israel in the Promised Land