CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 1:1 Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/06_Jos_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 1:1 - God Commissions Joshua" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/joshua/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/joshua/1-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/34-12.htm" title="Deuteronomy 34:12">◄</a> Joshua 1:1 <a href="/joshua/1-2.htm" title="Joshua 1:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/joshua/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/joshua/1.htm">New International Version</a> After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses&#8217 aide: <a href="/nlt/joshua/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, <a href="/esv/joshua/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, <a href="/bsb/joshua/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, <a href="/kjv/joshua/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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, <a href="/nkjv/joshua/1.htm">New King James Version</a> After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: <a href="/nasb_/joshua/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, <a href="/nasb/joshua/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses&#8217 servant, saying, <a href="/nasb77/joshua/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, <a href="/lsb/joshua/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ attendant, saying, <a href="/amp/joshua/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant (attendant), saying, <a href="/csb/joshua/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’s assistant: <a href="/hcsb/joshua/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> After the death of Moses the LORD&#8217s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses: &#8220 <a href="/asv/joshua/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the servant of Jehovah, that Jehovah spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, <a href="/cev/joshua/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Moses, the LORD's servant, was dead. So the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had been the assistant of Moses. The LORD said: <a href="/erv/joshua/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, <a href="/gwt/joshua/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After the death of the LORD's servant Moses, the LORD said to Moses' assistant Joshua, son of Nun, <a href="/gnt/joshua/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> After the death of the LORD's servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Moses' helper, Joshua son of Nun. <a href="/isv/joshua/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> After Moses, the servant of the LORD, had died, the LORD spoke to Nun's son Joshua, announcing to him, <a href="/msb/joshua/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses? assistant, saying, <a href="/net/joshua/1.htm">NET Bible</a> After Moses the LORD's servant died, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant: <a href="/nheb/joshua/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying, <a href="/wbt/joshua/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses's minister, saying, <a href="/web/joshua/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Now after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass after the death of Moses, servant of YHWH, that YHWH speaks to Joshua son of Nun, minister of Moses, saying, <a href="/ylt/joshua/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass after the death of Moses, servant of Jehovah, that Jehovah speaketh unto Joshua son of Nun, minister of Moses, saying, <a href="/slt/joshua/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be after the death of Moses, the servant of Jehovah, Jehovah will say to Joshua, son of Nun, serving Moses, saying,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Josue the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, and said to him: <a href="/cpdv/joshua/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, it happened that the Lord spoke to Joshua, the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, and he said to him: <a href="/nabre/joshua/1.htm">New American Bible</a> After Moses, the servant of the LORD, had died, the LORD said to Moses’ aide Joshua, son of Nun: <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AFTER the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, <a href="/hpbt/joshua/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And after Moshe the Servant of LORD JEHOVAH died, LORD JEHOVAH said to Yeshua son of Nun, the Minister of Moshe<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying: <a href="/sep/joshua/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass after the death of Moses, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Naue, the minister of Moses, saying, <a href="/parallel/joshua/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/1.htm">God Commissions Joshua</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Now</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">after</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: mō·wṯ (N-msc) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">the death</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of His</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘e·ḇeḏ (N-msc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">spoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bin- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/5126.htm" title="5126: nūn (N-proper-ms) -- Father of Joshua. Or Nown; from nuwn; perpetuity, Nun or Non, the father of Joshua.">of Nun,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses’</a> <a href="/hebrew/8334.htm" title="8334: mə·šā·rêṯ (V-Piel-Prtcpl-msc) -- To minister, serve. A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to.">assistant,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> 2“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/34-5.htm">Deuteronomy 34:5-9</a> So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. / And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab facing Beth-peor, and no one to this day knows the location of his grave. / Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished. ... <a href="/exodus/24-13.htm">Exodus 24:13</a> So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God. <a href="/numbers/27-18.htm">Numbers 27:18-23</a> And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/31-7.htm">Deuteronomy 31:7-8</a> Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” <a href="/deuteronomy/31-23.htm">Deuteronomy 31:23</a> Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.” <a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm">1 Kings 2:1-4</a> As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, / “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man. / And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn, ... <a href="/1_chronicles/22-13.htm">1 Chronicles 22:13</a> Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. <a href="/1_chronicles/28-20.htm">1 Chronicles 28:20</a> David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished. <a href="/acts/7-45.htm">Acts 7:45</a> And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, <a href="/hebrews/4-8.htm">Hebrews 4:8</a> For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. <a href="/2_timothy/2-1.htm">2 Timothy 2:1-2</a> You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. / And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well. <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a> I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10</a> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a> Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a> For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/11-28.htm">Aide</a> <a href="/numbers/11-28.htm">Attendant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-7.htm">Death</a> <a href="/exodus/18-4.htm">Helper</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-9.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-12.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/10-29.htm">Moses's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-9.htm">Nun</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-5.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-48.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-5.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/9-25.htm">Aide</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-18.htm">Attendant</a> <a href="/joshua/1-18.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-26.htm">Helper</a> <a href="/joshua/1-10.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-11.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/joshua/1-2.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Moses's</a> <a href="/joshua/2-1.htm">Nun</a> <a href="/joshua/1-2.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/joshua/3-6.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/joshua/1-13.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 1</div>1. <a href="/joshua/1-1.htm">The Lord appoints Joshua to succeed Moses</a> 3. <a href="/joshua/1-3.htm">The borders of the promised land</a> 5. <a href="/joshua/1-5.htm">God promises to assist Joshua</a> 8. <a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">He gives him instructions</a> 10. <a href="/joshua/1-10.htm">Joshua prepares the people to pass over Jordan</a> 12. <a href="/joshua/1-12.htm">He puts the two tribes and a half in mind of their promise to Moses</a> 16. <a href="/joshua/1-16.htm">They promise him allegiance</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now after the death of His servant Moses Moses is referred to as "His servant," highlighting his role as a faithful leader and prophet who served God and the Israelites. His death marks a significant transition in Israel's history, as Moses was the one who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. This phrase sets the stage for a new chapter in Israel's journey. Moses' death is recorded in <a href="/deuteronomy/34.htm">Deuteronomy 34</a>, where it is noted that he died in Moab and was buried by God. The term "servant" is a title of honor, later used for other key figures like David and the prophets.the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun Joshua, whose name means "The LORD is salvation," is introduced as the new leader. He is the son of Nun, from the tribe of Ephraim. Joshua had been a close aide to Moses and was one of the two faithful spies (along with Caleb) who trusted in God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan (<a href="/numbers/14-6.htm">Numbers 14:6-9</a>). The LORD speaking to Joshua signifies divine endorsement and guidance, ensuring continuity of leadership. This divine communication is a common theme in the Old Testament, where God directly instructs His chosen leaders.Moses’ assistant Joshua is described as Moses' assistant, indicating his long-standing role as a supporter and learner under Moses' leadership. This apprenticeship prepared him for the monumental task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua's role as an assistant is first mentioned in <a href="/exodus/24-13.htm">Exodus 24:13</a>, where he accompanies Moses partway up Mount Sinai. His experience and faithfulness in this role demonstrate the importance of mentorship and preparation for leadership.saying, The use of "saying" introduces the direct words of God to Joshua, which follow in the subsequent verses. This phrase emphasizes the authority and importance of the message that God is about to deliver. It underscores the direct communication between God and His chosen leaders, a pattern seen throughout the Bible, where God provides guidance, encouragement, and commands to those He appoints for His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> Known as the servant of the LORD, Moses was the leader who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and led them through the wilderness. His death marks a significant transition in Israel's history. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who speaks directly to Joshua, indicating divine guidance and authority. 3. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The son of Nun, who served as Moses' assistant. He is chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses' death. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of God, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. 5. <a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a> The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. Joshua is tasked with leading the Israelites into this land.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/l/leadership_transition.htm">Leadership Transition</a> God prepares leaders for His people. Just as Joshua was prepared under Moses, God prepares us for roles He calls us to. <a href="/topical/d/divine_calling.htm">Divine Calling</a> Joshua's calling was specific and clear. We should seek God's guidance and confirmation in our own callings and responsibilities. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a> Joshua served faithfully as Moses' assistant before becoming a leader. Faithfulness in small roles prepares us for greater responsibilities. <a href="/topical/g/god's_unchanging_purpose.htm">God's Unchanging Purpose</a> Despite the death of Moses, God's plan for Israel continued. God's purposes are not thwarted by human limitations or changes. <a href="/topical/c/courage_and_obedience.htm">Courage and Obedience</a> As we see in the following verses, Joshua is called to be strong and courageous. Our obedience to God requires courage, especially in times of transition.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 1</a> <a href="/q/how_are_joshua_and_jesus_similar.htm">How are Joshua and Jesus similar?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_god_promise_joshua.htm">What did God promise Joshua?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_servanthood.htm">What does the Bible teach about servanthood?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'yeshua_hamashiach'_mean.htm">What does "Yeshua Hamashiach" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>JOSHUA'S COMMISSION (<a href="/context/joshua/1-1.htm" title="Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,">Joshua 1:1-9</a>).(1) After the death of Moses . . . the Lord spake unto Joshua . . . Moses' minister.--Joshua's commission was the first of its kind, but not the last. No man before Joshua had received orders to regulate his conduct by the words of a written book. Abraham and his household had kept God's laws. Moses had acted by Divine commission. But Abraham and Moses received their orders from the mouth of Jehovah. Joshua and all his successors must fulfil the orders of "this book of the law." Thus Joshua was Moses' minister in more than one sense. He was Moses' confidential agent and personal attendant while he lived, and afterwards the executor of that which Moses had written. But the position of Joshua, though at first unique and without precedent, was the position designed for all his successors, more especially for that great Personage whose name Joshua was the first to bear. Joshua and the Book of the Law come before us together, without introduction, in the same passage of the law (<a href="/exodus/17-9.htm" title="And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.">Exodus 17:9</a>), "Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek;" and in <a href="/joshua/1-14.htm" title="Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but you shall pass before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them;">Joshua 1:14</a>, "Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua." The book was prepared for Joshua; Joshua came to fulfil the words of the book. Compare <a href="/psalms/40-7.htm" title="Then said I, See, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,">Psalm 40:7</a>, "Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God." "Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers" (<a href="/romans/15-8.htm" title="Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers:">Romans 15:8</a>; see also <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm" title="Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.">Matthew 5:17</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Now after the death of Moses. The form of the Hebrew is the usual historical one for the continuation of a narrative before commenced. The Book of Joshua is thus shown to be, and to be intended to be, a continuation of the Book of Deuteronomy, which ends with the death of Moses (see Speaker's Commentary in loc.). This link of connection is lost in the English version. The question forces itself upon the critic, At what time was this consecutive narrative written, as is admitted, in various styles, in the language of obviously distinct periods - first composed and palmed off upon the Jews as the genuine work of a writer contemporary, or nearly contemporary, with the events he describes? The servant of the Lord. This term (Keil) is applied to the heavens and the earth (<a href="/psalms/119-91.htm">Psalm 119:91</a>), to the angels (<a href="/job/4-18.htm">Job 4:18</a>), to the prophets (<a href="/jeremiah/7-25.htm">Jeremiah 7:25</a>, etc.), to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to the Jewish people (<a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5</a>), to Zerubbabel (<a href="/haggai/2-23.htm">Haggai 2:23</a>), and even to Nebuchadnezzar (<a href="/jeremiah/25-9.htm">Jeremiah 25:9</a>, etc.), as the appointed minister of God's wrath, and to pious men in general (Gesenius; see Psalm 34:23, etc.). It is also applied to the Messiah (<a href="/zechariah/3-8.htm">Zechariah 3:8</a>; comp. the word παῖς similarly applied in <a href="/acts/4-27.htm">Acts 4:27</a>). It originally implies the position of a slave, whether born in the house or bought with money (see <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39</a>; and <a href="/genesis/9-25.htm">Genesis 9:25</a>; <a href="/exodus/13-3.htm">Exodus 13:3, 14</a>). In all cases it expresses a closer and more familiar relation than the term minister below. Keil says that it is applied so frequently to Moses that it has become almost his "official title" (see <a href="/deuteronomy/34-5.htm">Deuteronomy 34:5</a>, and the Book of Joshua passim, and cf. <a href="/hebrews/3-5.htm">Hebrews 3:5</a>). It is, however, still more frequently applied to David. But it suits well with the special and peculiar mission which Moses had above the rest of mankind. He was, as it were, the household servant of the Most High, His steward and representative, ruling over the family of God in His name, and giving to them the directions of which they stood in need. That the Lord spake unto Joshua. Either by Urim and Thummin, which seems at least probable (see <a href="/numbers/27-21.htm">Numbers 27:21</a>, and <a href="/joshua/9-14.htm">Joshua 9:14</a>). But the great majority of commentators prefer the idea of an inward revelation, since the words are frequently used in this Book of God's revelations to Joshua (<a href="/joshua/3-7.htm">Joshua 3:7</a>; <a href="/joshua/4-1.htm">Joshua 4:1, 15</a>; <a href="/joshua/5-2.htm">Joshua 5:2, 9</a>; <a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Joshua 6:2</a>, etc.). The manner of these inward revelations is also a matter on which much difference of opinion exists. They, no doubt, were frequently made through a vision or dream, as to Abraham at Sodom (<a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1</a>), Jacob at Bethel, and Joshua him. self (<a href="/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13</a>). But it is by no means clear that they were always so. The voice of God in answer to prayer is recognised by Christians in a strong inward persuasion of the desirability or necessity of a particular course. Of this kind would seem to be the answer to St. Paul's prayer in <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>. And it is quite possible that in passages such as <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1</a>, 22:1, 2, nothing more is meant than that the persuasion, by God's permission or inspiration, was strongly felt within. And so it is possible that one so specially and divinely commissioned as Joshua discerned in a strong and apparently irresistible conviction, the voice of God (cf. <a href="/acts/16-7.htm">Acts 16:7</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">2 Corinthians 1:17</a>). Joshua's name was originally Hoshea (like the prophet and the Israelitish king of that name). The name originally meant salvation, or deliverance, but it was changed, either when he entered into Moses' service, or when he was about to fight the Amalekites (<a href="/numbers/13-8.htm">Numbers 13:8, 16</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/32-44.htm">Deuteronomy 32:44</a>), into Jehoshua, or Joshua (either "God shall save," or "God's salvation"). It is not stated in Holy Writ when the name Joshua was given. In <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Exodus 17:9</a>, where Joshua is named for the first time, he is called by the name Moses gave him, and is mentioned incidentally as a person well known to the writer and his readers. The reader need hardly be reminded that in the form Jeshua (Gr. Ἰησοῦς) it was the name of our Blessed Lord Himself, and that the Name which is now above all other names is used of Joshua in two places in the New Testament, in <a href="/acts/7-45.htm">Acts 7:45</a>, in <a href="/hebrews/4-8.htm">Hebrews 4:8</a>. It was a common name in later times, as <a href="/colossians/4-11.htm">Colossians 4:11</a> and <a href="/acts/13-6.htm">Acts 13:6</a> will serve to show. In later Hebrew, as in <a href="/nehemiah/8-17.htm">Nehemiah 8:17</a>, Joshua is called Jeshua, and the names of Joshua and Jeshua are given indiscriminately to the high priest, the son of Josedeeh, who was contemporary with the building of the second temple. For Joshua as a type of Christ the reader may consult a deep passage in 'Pearson on the Creed,' Art. II., from which some of the most striking parts are here quoted: - "First, it was he alone, of all which passed out of Egypt, who was designed to lead the children of Israel into Canaan, which land, as it is a type of heaven, so is the person which brought the Israelites into that place of rest a type of Him who only can bring us into the presence of God, and there prepare our mansions for us. Besides, it is further observable, not only what Joshua did, but what Moses could not do. The hand of Moses and Aaron brought them out of Egypt, but left them in the wilderness. Joshua, the successor, only could effect that in which Moses failed. Moses must die that Joshua may succeed (<a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20-22</a>). The command of circumcision was not given to Moses, but to Joshua; nor were the Israelites circumcised in the wilderness under the conduct of Moses and Aaron, but in the land of Canaan under their successor. Which speaketh Jesus to be the true circumciser, the author of another circumcision than that of the flesh (<a href="/romans/2-29.htm">Romans 2:29</a>; <a href="/colossians/2-11.htm">Colossians 2:11</a>). If we look on Joshua as the 'minister of Moses,' he is even in that a type of Christ, 'the minister of the circumcision for the truth of God.' If we look on him as the successor of Moses, in that he represented Jesus, inasmuch as 'the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.' If we look on him as judge and ruler of Israel, there is scarce an action which is not predictive of our Saviour. He begins his office at the banks of Jordan, where Christ was baptized and enters upon the public exercise of His prophetical office; he chooseth there twelve men out of the people to carry twelve stones over with them, as our Jesus thence began to choose His twelve apostles, those foundation stones in the Church of God (<a href="/revelation/21-14.htm">Revelation 21:14</a>). Joshua smote the Amalekites and subdued the Canaanites, By the first making way to enter the land, by the second giving possession of it. And Jesus in like manner goeth in and out before us against our spiritual enemies, subduing sin and Satan, and so opening and clearing our way to heaven; destroying the last enemy, death, and so giving us possession of eternal life." Pearson quotes Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Theodoret, and others as justifying his view of the history. Theodoret, moreover, in his 'Questions on Joshua,' remarks on the coincidence between <a href="/joshua/1-17.htm">Joshua 1:17</a> and <a href="/john/5-46.htm">John 5:46</a>. And Origen, in his first 'Homily on Joshua,' remarks on the fact that the first time the sacred name meets us in the Book of God, it is as the leader of an army (<a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Exodus 17:9</a>). Another way in which Joshua was a type of Christ is this. Under Moses there are constant murmurings and disputings, for "the law made nothing perfect" (<a href="/hebrews/7-19.htm">Hebrews 7:19</a>). Under Joshua all is confidence and triumph, for "by one offering Jesus hath perfected forever them that are sanctified" (<a href="/hebrews/10-14.htm">Hebrews 10:14</a>). Moses' minister. This word is principally used of service in the house of God. Thus it is used of Aaron and his sons, <a href="/exodus/28-43.htm">Exodus 28:43</a>; <a href="/exodus/39-41.htm">Exodus 39:41</a>, etc.: of Samuel, <a href="/1_samuel/2-11.htm">1 Samuel 2:11</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">1 Samuel 3:1</a>, etc.: of the priests and Levites, <a href="/1_chronicles/6-32.htm">1 Chronicles 6:32</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/16-4.htm">1 Chronicles 16:4</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/14-5.htm">Ezekiel 14:5</a>; <a href="/joel/1-9.htm">Joel 1:9</a>, etc. In these places it seems to be equivalent to the LXX. λειτουργός. But it is by no means confined to such service. In <a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a>, where it is applied to Joshua, it is rendered in the LXX. by θεράπων, and it is quite clear that Joshua's service to Moses was not exclusively of a religious character. Some commentators have suggested the word aide de camp, but this would be equally incorrect in the opposite direction, since Joshua's services (see <a href="/exodus/24-13.htm">Exodus 24:13</a>; <a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a>) were clearly not rendered only in time of war. The word is used of Abishag the Shunamite, <a href="/1_kings/1-4.htm">1 Kings 1:4, 15</a>; and of Elisha, <a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">1 Kings 19:21</a>. <a href="/commentaries/joshua/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be after אַחֲרֵ֛י (’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part the death מ֥וֹת (mō·wṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin of His יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel servant עֶ֣בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant Moses, מֹשֶׁ֖ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel spoke וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites son בִּן־ (bin-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Nun, נ֔וּן (nūn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5126.htm">Strong's 5126: </a> Nun -- father of Joshua Moses' מֹשֶׁ֖ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver assistant, מְשָׁרֵ֥ת (mə·šā·rêṯ) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8334.htm">Strong's 8334: </a> To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to saying, לֵאמֹֽר׃ (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/1-1.htm">Joshua 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/1-1.htm">OT History: Joshua 1:1 Now it happened after the death (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/34-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 34:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 34:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>