Joshua Chapter 1 Verses 1-9: Strong and Courageous

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Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u The Book of Joshua Chapter 1:1-9 PAGEREF _Toc526741912 \h 2Introduction PAGEREF _Toc526741913 \h 2Historical/ Cultural Background of Joshua Chapter 1:1-9 PAGEREF _Toc526741914 \h 3Author of Joshua PAGEREF _Toc526741915 \h 4Date Book was Written and Information Leading to Why it was Written PAGEREF _Toc526741916 \h 4Audience of the Book PAGEREF _Toc526741917 \h 5Literary Background PAGEREF _Toc526741918 \h 5Genre PAGEREF _Toc526741919 \h 6Flow of Thought PAGEREF _Toc526741920 \h 6Themes in the Book of Joshua Chapter 1:1-9 PAGEREF _Toc526741921 \h 8Bibliography PAGEREF _Toc526741922 \h 9
The Book of Joshua Chapter 1:1-9
Introduction
The Book of Joshua came at a point when the Jews were asking themselves what next? It came after the death of Moses, a man who had managed to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and out of slavery. Moses had been chosen by God and it had been made possible for him to lead the Israelites. But he was now dead and the people had no leader. However, just like how God appointed Moses, he appoints Joshua and guarantees him protection and faithfulness. God urges Joshua to be strong and courageous in his eyes and in the eyes of the Jews as he takes over from Moses. However, Joshua is urged to always respect and live according to the law and that the law should always guide and dictate what he says and does. This paper seeks to delve deeper into the chapter and seek greater understanding.
Historical/ Cultural Background of Joshua Chapter 1:1-9
Joshua was born in Egypt when the Israelites were enslaved by pharaoh in the land. The Israelites were released from captivity after God brought the 10 plagues upon the land of Egypt. Pharaoh’s heart had been hardened but after the last plague where he lost his first-born son, he was willing to let the people of Israel go. Joshua, whose real name was Yehoshu the son of Nun, was among the young men who Moses trusted. He was named Joshua by Moses according to the book of Numbers and he served Moses as his assistant. Moses changed the name of Joshua to protect him according to a belief still prevalent in Judaism that a name change can still protect a person from harm. Having learnt and developed as a leader while serving Moses, Joshua was given the difficult task of leading the people of Israel to the promised land, Canaan after Moses passed on.
The book of Joshua chapter 1:1-9 recounts the appointment of Joshua as Moses’s successor and the promise he made to him. As already stated, the book came at a time when the Israelites had no leader and were alone. It came at a time when they were vulnerable and just like he had done, God showed his faithfulness to his people by appointing an able leader. Additionally, just like the Lord had promised Moses to always be by his side, God does the same for Joshua who had already shown great courage before. The Lord asks Joshua to “be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them” (Verse 6).[New International Version. The Book of Joshua. 1978 – Revisions 1984 and 2011.]
Author of Joshua
According to Talmud, Joshua himself authored the book. It is a claim widel...