"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Introduction

Joshua 1:9 is a pivotal verse in the Old Testament, found in the book of Joshua. This verse is part of God's charge to Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. It encapsulates themes of courage, faith, and divine presence, offering timeless lessons for us.

Joshua 1:9 occurs in the broader narrative of Joshua succeeding Moses as the leader of Israel. Following Moses' death, Joshua is tasked with leading the Israelites into Canaan, a daunting responsibility given the challenges ahead. The context includes God's repeated encouragement to Joshua to be strong and courageous, emphasizing the importance of reliance on God's presence and promises.

Exegesis

1. Command to Be Strong and Courageous:

• The verse begins with a rhetorical question, "Have I not commanded you?" This serves to remind Joshua of the divine authority behind the command.
• "Be strong and courageous" is a directive that acknowledges the challenges ahead but insists on fortitude and bravery. This command is repeated several times in the first chapter (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18), highlighting its importance.
• Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
• 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

1. Prohibition of Fear and Dismay:

• "Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed" directly addresses common human reactions to uncertainty and danger. Fear and discouragement can paralyze and prevent effective action.
• By instructing Joshua not to succumb to these emotions, God is ensuring that Joshua remains focused and resilient.
• Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
• Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

1. Promise of Divine Presence:

• The phrase "for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" provides the foundation for the commands to be strong and courageous and not to fear.
• God's presence is presented as a constant, unchanging support, ensuring that Joshua can undertake his mission with confidence.
• Matthew 28:20: "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
• Hebrews 13:5: "...because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Key Study

1. Divine Authority and Assurance:

• The verse underscores that God's commands come with His authority and assurance. Believers can trust in the directives given by God because they are backed by His power and presence.
• Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
• Romans 8:31: "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

1. Courage in the Face of Adversity:

• The repeated call to courage highlights a key biblical principle: faith in God should inspire courage. The believer's strength is not merely personal resolve but is rooted in the confidence that God is with them.
• 2 Timothy 1:7: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
• Psalm 27:1: "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"

1. God’s Omnipresence:

• The promise of God's omnipresence ("wherever you go") reassures believers that there is no situation or location beyond God's reach. This omnipresence is a source of comfort and encouragement, affirming that God is involved in every aspect of life.
• Psalm 139:7-10: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

1. Human Responsibility and Divine Enablement:

• While God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, He also provides the means to fulfill this command through His presence. This interplay between human responsibility and divine enablement is a recurring biblical theme.
• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
• John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Practical Application

1. Personal Courage and Leadership:

• Individuals in leadership roles can draw inspiration from Joshua 1:9. Leading with courage and faith, especially in challenging circumstances, is vital. Leaders should remind themselves of God's presence and seek His guidance.
• Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

1. Overcoming Fear:

• Fear and dismay are natural responses to life's challenges. This verse encourages believers to confront these emotions with the assurance of God's companionship and support.
• 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

1. Faith and Obedience:

• Obedience to God’s commands, even when difficult, is a mark of faith. Trusting in God’s promises, as Joshua did, helps believers navigate their own "Promised Lands" with confidence.
• James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

1. Community and Support:

• Just as God reassured Joshua, believers are called to support and encourage one another. The community of faith plays a crucial role in helping individuals remain strong and courageous.
• Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Joshua 1:9 is a powerful verse that provides encouragement and guidance. It reminds believers of the importance of strength and courage, the assurance of God’s presence, and the necessity of faith and obedience. By internalizing and applying the principles found in this verse, supported by other scriptures, individuals can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with them every step of the way.