Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
9. Have not I commanded thee?] Observe the repetition of the words of exhortation. The Hebrew leader is reminded again and again that it was not his work but God’s work, which he had been raised up to carry out. Comp. Deu 31:7-8; Deu 31:23.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Have not I commanded thee; I whom thou art obliged to obey; I who can carry thee through every thing I put thee upon; I of whose faithfulness and almightiness thou hast had large experience?
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Have not I commanded thee?…. The above things, to go over Jordan with the people into the land of Canaan, and to observe the law of Moses in all things, and to be of good courage, which is again repeated; consider who it is that has given these orders and instructions, the great Jehovah, the everlasting I AM, who is faithful to his promises, and able to perform. The consideration of which would serve to animate him to the work he was called unto, to encourage his faith in God, to engage in his service cheerfully and readily:
be strong, and of a good courage; [See comments on Jos 1:6];
[See comments on Jos 1:7].
be not afraid, nor be thou dismayed; at his enemies, numerous and powerful, nor discouraged at anything in himself, any unfitness for such service, as he might think, or at any difficulties he might fear from the people he had the government of, and was to lead on; it was enough that the divine Presence was promised him, and which is repeated:
for the Lord thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest: or, as the Targum of Jonathan,
“for thy help is the Word of the Lord thy God;”
[See comments on Jos 1:5].
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
In conclusion, the Lord not only repeats His exhortation to firmness, but the promise that He gave in Jos 1:5 and Jos 1:6. “ Have I not” ( nonne) is a rhetorical mode of saying, “Behold, I have,” the assurance being clothed in the form of an affirmative question. On the words “ be not afraid,” etc., see Deu 31:6 and Deu 31:8.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
9. Have not I commanded, etc Although in Hebrew a simple affirmation is often made in the form of a question, and this phraseology is of very frequent occurrence, here, however, the question is emphatic, to give an attestation to what had previously been taught, while the Lord, by bringing his own authority distinctly forward, relieves his servant from care and hesitancy. He asks, Is it not I who have commanded thee? I too will be present with thee. Observe the emphasis: inasmuch as it is not lawful to resist his command. (24) This passage also teaches that nothing is more effectual to produce confidence than when trusting to the call and the command of God, and feeling fully assured of it in our own conscience, we follow whithersoever he is pleased to lead.
(24) French, “ C’est bien pour certain avec grande signifiance que ceci se dit d’autant qu’il n’est pas question de resister a son commandement;” “It is certainly with great significancy that this is said, inasmuch as there is no question of resisting his command.” — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
[9.
Have not I commanded thee? Such an emphatic interrogation is often the strongest possible form of affirmation.
Thy God is with thee As the soldier’s valour is stimulated by the eye of his captain, so a vivid realization of the immediate presence of God is the best safeguard against unmanly terror.]
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
“ Have not I commanded you? Be strong, and of a good courage. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for YHWH your God is with you wherever you go.”
God had pointed to the land he was to possess (Jos 1:2-4), He had pointed to the enemy (Jos 1:5), He had pointed to the purpose (Jos 1:6), He had pointed to the word of God and the need for obedience (Jos 1:7-8), now He pointed to Himself. It is He Who has commanded. That is why Joshua can have strength and courage. That is why he need not be afraid, because YHWH his God was with him wherever he went.
He had, of course, indirectly pointed to Himself all the way through. ‘I give it to them — to you I have given it — I was with Moses — I will be with you — I will not fail you or forsake you — I swore to your fathers to give them’, God was in it all, but here He laid the greatest stress on it, ‘is it not I Who have commanded? — it is YHWH your God Who is with you’. YHWH, ‘the One Who is there’, ‘the One Who causes to be’, the One Who always is, the God of creation, the God of battle, remember that it is He Who is with you, and with you wherever you go.
“Do not be afraid, nor be you dismayed.” He would face many problems, many enemies, many seemingly insurmountable difficulties, but he need not fear any, he need not be dismayed at any, because it was his God YHWH Who would be with him wherever he went. And He can surmount anything.
With these words God bolstered the courage of Joshua, who was apprehensive as a result of taking over the role of Moses and apprehensive as he looked across at that unknown land. What did lie before them? But knowing that he had God with him, what else could he need? He was content.
These words have much to say to us. Whatever our calling in life God calls us to be strong and courageous. He also calls us to meditate in His word day and night with a view to obeying all His commands. We must remember that obedience is better than sacrifice (1Sa 15:22). If we are not obeying Him in the details of our lives there is little point in making great offerings.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Ver. 9. Have not I commanded thee? &c. These are the grounds of that intrepid courage which was to animate the soul of Joshua 1 st, The calling wherewith God had dignified him. 2nd, The positive promise of a lasting protection.
REFLECTIONS.Moses had been a faithful servant; but death is the common lot of man. By removing from the people this most useful minister, God will call them off from dependance on, and attachment to men. Joshua must arise; and, though conscious of great inferiority of abilities, yet at God’s command he may comfortably address himself to the work, assured that he who sends will strengthen him. Note; (1.) It is a comfort to the people of God, that, though ministers die, Jesus their Lord for ever lives to provide for and direct them. (2.) Those whom God calls to succeed eminent ministers, though they may feel their own insufficiency, must not be discouraged, but rely upon his grace and strength who gives the mission. 1. Here is the work enjoined him, to pass Jordan, and to possess the land of Canaan. An arduous task! how shall he cross this deep river, without bridge or pontoons, especially now, when overflowing its banks? and how possess a land where all the inhabitants are mighty? here he must rely upon God: if he commands, he will make the way plain and easy. Note; Divine faith overcomes the greatest difficulties; and they can do all things, who have Christ strengthening them. 2. The promises made to him for his encouragement, [1.] The gift of the land is confirmed to the children of Israel. It was their own, as certainly as if they were in possession. The bounds are wide and extended; and had they been faithful to God, he had not suffered a tittle to have been unfulfilled: if they never occupied the whole, they must blame their own unbelief and disobedience. [2.] God assures Joshua, that his never-failing presence and blessing shall be with him, as they had been with Moses; and the consequence of these must be victory. He shall tread on the necks of his enemies, and divide the land, to be possessed in peace by the tribes of Israel. Note; They who have God’s presence with them, may cheerfully and confidently go forth against a host of enemies. (3.) Victory over all the powers of evil is obtained for us by our divine Joshua, and we may triumph already in our glorious head over sin, and death, and hell, as vanquished enemies. (4.) He bids him be of good courage, repeats it again and again, and urges it with renewed assurances that he would be with him: and need there was of such encouragement, though his valour had been tried and known, for his difficulties were now greater than ever. His own insufficiency for such an enterprize, the people’s well-known rebellious spirit, his enemies’ power and numbers, might shake the most confirmed constancy; but fear is banished, whilst he who supremely commands inspires him with strength and courage irresistible. Note; (1.) The strongest have need of daily support and encouragement from God, or their strength would quickly prove but weakness. (2.) When we go forth to fight the Lord’s battles, as ministers, we should take with us that encouraging promise, Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. (3.) When God is pleased to work, none shall hinder: the mountains of difficulty shall, before our divine Zerubbabel, become a plain.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Jos 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Ver. 9. Be strong and of a good courage. ] Joshua was not faint hearted, but lowly minded: and hence he is so often cheered up and encouraged to the work. See on Jos 1:6 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Joshua
THE NEW LEADER’S COMMISSION
Jos 1:1 – Jos 1:11
The closest connection exists between Deuteronomy and Joshua. The narrative may be read as running on without a break. It turns away from the lonely grave up on the mountain to the bustling camp and the new leader. No man is indispensable. God’s work goes on uninterrupted. The instruments are changed, but the Master-hand is the same, and lays one tool aside and takes another out of the tool-chest as He will. Moses is dead,-what then? Does his death paralyse the march of the tribes? No; it is but the ground for the ringing command, ‘Therefore arise, go over this Jordan.’ The immediate installation of his successor, and the uninterrupted continuance of the advance, do not mean that Moses is not honoured or is forgotten, for the narrative lovingly links his honorific title, ‘the servant of the Lord,’ with the mention of his death; and God Himself does the same, for he is thrice referred to in the divine command to Joshua, as the recipient of the promise of the conquest, as the example of the highest experience of God’s all-sufficing companionship, and as the medium by which Israel received the law. Joshua steps into the empty place, receives the same great promise, is assured of the same Presence, and is to obey the same law. The change of leaders is great, but nothing else is changed; and even it is not so great as faint hearts in their sorrow are apt to think, for the real Leader lives, and Moses and Joshua alike are but the transmitters of His orders and His aids to Israel.
The first command given to Joshua was a trial of his faith, for ‘Jordan was in flood’ Jos 3:15,-and how was that crowd to get across, when fords were impassable and ferry-boats were wanting, to say nothing of the watchful eyes that were upon them from the other bank? To cross a stream in the face of the enemy is a ticklish operation, even for modern armies; what must it have been, then, for Joshua and his horde? Not a hint is given him as to the means by which the crossing is to be made possible. He has Jehovah’s command to do it, and Jehovah’s promise to be with him, and that is to be enough. We too have sometimes to face undertakings which we cannot see how to carry through; but if we do see that the path is one appointed by God, and will boldly tread it, we may be quite sure that, when we come to what at present seems like a mountain wall across it, we shall find that the glen opens as we advance, and that there is a way,-narrow, perhaps, and dangerous, but practicable. ‘One step enough for me’ should be our motto. We may trust God not to command impossibilities, nor to lead us into a cul de sac .
The promise to Moses Deu 2:24 is repeated almost verbally in Jos 1:4 . The boundaries of the land are summarily given as from ‘the wilderness’ in the south to ‘this Lebanon’ in the north, and from the Euphrates in the east to the Mediterranean in the west. ‘The land of the Hittites’ is not found in the original passage in Deuteronomy, and it seems to be a designation of the territory between Lebanon and the Euphrates, which we now know to have been the seat of the northern Hittites, while the southern branch was planted round Hebron and the surrounding district. But these wide boundaries were not attained till late in the history, and were not long retained. Did the promise, then, fail? No, for it, like all the promises, was contingent on conditions, and Israel’s unfaithfulness cut short its extent of territory. We, too, fail to possess all the land destined for us. Our charter is much wider than our actual wealth. God gives more than we take, and we are content to occupy but a corner of the broad land which He has given us. In like manner Joshua did not realise to the full the following promise of uniform victory, but was defeated at Ai and elsewhere. The reason was the same,-the faithlessness of the people. Unbelief and sin turn a Samson into a weakling, and make Israel flee before the ranks of the Philistines.
The great encouragement given to Joshua in entering on his hard and perilous enterprise is twice repeated here: ‘As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee.’ Did Joshua remember how, nearly forty years since, he had fronted the mob of cowards with the very same assurance, and how the answer had been a shower of stones? The cowards are all dead,-will their sons believe the assurance now? If we do believe that God is with us, we shall be ready to cross Jordan in flood, and to meet the enemies that are waiting on the other bank. If we do not, we shall not dare greatly, nor succeed in what we attempt. The small successes of material wealth and gratified ambition may be ours, but for all the higher duties and nobler conflicts that become a man, the condition of achievement and victory is steadfast faith in God’s presence and help.
That assurance-which we may all have if we cling to Jesus, in whom God comes to be with every believing soul-is the only basis on which the command to Joshua, thrice repeated, can wisely or securely be rested. It is mockery to say to a man conscious of weakness, and knowing that there are evils which must surely come, and evils which may possibly come, against which he is powerless, ‘Don’t be afraid’ unless you can show him good reason why he need not be. And there is only one reason which can still reasonable dread in a human heart that has to front ‘all the ills that flesh is heir to,’ and sees behind them all the grim form of death. He ought to be afraid, unless-unless what? Unless he has heard and taken into his inmost soul the Voice that said to Joshua, ‘I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee: be strong and of a good courage,’ or, still more sweet and peace-bringing, the Voice that said to the frightened crew of the fishing-boat in the storm and the darkness,’ It is I; be not afraid.’ If we know that Christ is with us, it is wise to be strong and courageous; if we are meeting the tempest alone, the best thing we can do is to fear, for the fear may drive us to seek for His help, and He ever stretches out His hand to him who is afraid, as he ought to be, when he feels the cold water rising above his knees, and by his very fear is driven to faith, and cries, ‘Lord, save; I perish!’
Courage that does not rest on Christ’s presence is audacity rather than courage, and is sure to collapse, like a pricked bladder, when the sharp point of a real peril comes in contact with it. If we sit down and reckon the forces that we have to oppose to the foes that we are sure to meet, we shall find ourselves unequal to the fight, and, if we are wise, shall ‘send the ambassage’ of a humble desire to the great King, who will come to our help with His all-conquering powers. Then, and only then, shall we be safe in saying,’ I will not fear what man can do unto me, or devils either,’ when we have said,’ In God have I put my trust,’ and have heard Him answering, ‘I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Fuente: Expositions Of Holy Scripture by Alexander MacLaren
Have not I? Figure of speech Erotesis (App-6), for emphasis.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.
with thee. Compare Exo 3:12.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Have: Deu 31:7, Deu 31:8, Deu 31:28, Jdg 6:14, 2Sa 13:28, Act 4:19
Be strong: Jos 1:6, Jos 1:7
be not: Gen 28:15, Deu 20:1, Psa 27:1, Psa 27:2, Jer 1:7, Jer 1:8
for the Lord: Psa 46:7, Isa 43:1, Isa 43:5
Reciprocal: Gen 48:21 – God Exo 13:9 – strong hand Exo 18:19 – God shall Num 13:20 – good courage Deu 1:21 – fear not Deu 31:6 – Be strong Jos 1:5 – as I was Jos 1:18 – only be Jos 6:27 – the Lord Jos 8:1 – Fear not Jos 8:8 – I have Jos 10:25 – Fear not Jos 23:9 – no man Jdg 1:19 – the Lord Jdg 4:6 – Hath Jdg 6:12 – The Lord 1Sa 17:11 – dismayed 2Sa 10:12 – Be of good 1Ki 8:57 – General 1Ch 22:16 – Arise 2Ch 15:7 – ye strong 2Ch 17:3 – the Lord 2Ch 19:11 – Deal courageously Ezr 1:3 – his God Neh 4:14 – General Job 29:5 – the Almighty Psa 60:12 – we shall Isa 28:6 – and for strength Isa 41:10 – Fear Isa 43:2 – I will be Jer 1:19 – for I am Jer 42:11 – for I Jer 46:28 – for I am Dan 10:19 – be strong Amo 5:14 – and so Hag 2:4 – now Act 18:10 – I am Act 28:15 – he thanked 1Co 16:13 – be 2Co 12:9 – My grace Eph 6:10 – be
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
LION-HEARTED
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Jos 1:9
This expression Be strong does not mean Be strong in body, but Be strong in mind; Be strong in spirit; Be brave.
An order like this could not have been a mere mockery, an order which Joshua was unable to obey. The word which bade him be strong was an assurance at the same time that if he would, he might be strong according to his day.
I. The first secret of true courage is to know and be sure that we have some power.Hence the wisdom of the maxim of the ancients, Know thyselflearn to see what thy real capacity is, and knowing that, shrink not from venturing on putting it to the proof. It is not too much to say that all men go wrong by underestimating themselves. For what deeper self-depreciation is there than for a man to live in the world forgetful of what he is brought here forforgetful of his Christian privileges, of his Christian name, of his Christian freedom?
II. We all have some power; the question is, How much and what?That is the question we should ask ourselves every day; it is the great question of our early life especially, for on the right answering of it all our success depends. Our weaknesses guarded against often become our strength; and our best lessons, if we heed them, are our mistakes. Joshuas strength was a knowledge of his weakness. Beware of thinking you have no strength because you are not omnipotent. God says to us all, whatever worthy work we are entering upon, Be of good courage; be strong!
Canon A. Jessopp.
Illustrations
(1) After I had been about two years in London, said George Moore, I had a great and anxious desire to see the House of Commons. I got a half-holiday for the purpose. I didnt think of getting an order from an M.P. Indeed I hadnt the slightest doubt of getting into the House. I first tried to get into the Strangers Gallery, but failed. I then hung about the entrance to see whether I could find some opportunity. I saw three or four members hurrying in, and I hurried in with them. The door-keepers did not notice me. I walked into the middle of the House. When I got in I almost fainted with fear lest I should be discovered. I first got into a seat with the name of Canning on it. I then proceeded to a seat behind, and sat there all the evening. I heard Mr. Canning bring forward his motion to reduce the duty on corn. He made a brilliant speech, and was followed by many others. I sat out the whole debate. Had I been discovered I might have been taken up for breach of privilege. Some men are born great; others have greatness thrust upon them.
(2) An English admiral used to be fond of relating that on leaving his first lodgingshe was then very poorto join his ship as a midshipman, his landlady presented him with a Bible and a guinea, saying, God bless you and prosper you, my lad; and, as long as you live, never suffer yourself to be laughed out of your money or your prayers. The young sailor carefully followed this advice through life, and had reason to rejoice that he did so.
(3) Mrs. Hutchinson, describing certain passages in the Puritan defence of Nottingham against the Cavaliers, adds quaintly, It was a great instruction that the best and highest courages are beams of the Almighty. No one except our Redeemer can redeem us from the sin of cowardice. Jesus Christ is the only man in history who never knew what it was to be afraid. And He demands some element of this same virtue in His disciples.
(4) At the coronation of Edward VI, the boy-king, the sword of state was delivered to him, when he quietly remarked, There is yet another sword to be brought. The lords in attendance looked perplexed, when he added, I mean the Holy Biblethe Sword of the Spirit; without this we are nothing, and can do nothing. King Edward not only prized the Bible for himself, but he insisted on having it read to the people in their native tongue.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
This was not just good advice. Joshua was receiving orders from his Commander. Trembling or fearing would betray lack of confidence in God.
Notice the chiastic structure of God’s charge to Joshua.
A I will be with you (Jos 1:5).
B Be strong and courageous (Jos 1:6-7).
C That you may have success (Jos 1:7).
D This book of the law (Jos 1:8).
C’ Then you will have success (Jos 1:8).
B’ Be strong and courageous (Jos 1:9).
A’ The Lord your God is with you (Jos 1:9).
This structure emphasizes the centrality of the book of the law of God as the key to Israel’s success, Joshua’s effective leadership, and God’s enabling presence with His people. With this challenge Joshua could advance into Canaan confidently.
This passage contains the principles necessary for spiritual success in every age. We must know what God requires, maintain perpetual awareness of that, and be consistently and completely obedient to it in our daily experience to gain victory over our spiritual adversaries. [Note: See Harry Foster, "Joshua, Walking into Battle," Toward the Mark 11:6 (November-December 1982):116-19.]