Joshua had been Moses’ faithful attendant throughout Israel’s long journey through the wilderness. Now Moses was dead. Joshua was the new leader who was to bring his people into the Promised Land. God gives him encouragement and direction for the pathway.

There would be many a battle before Israel could enjoy the land which God was giving them. We believers today also face constant conflict with Satan’s dark hosts of principalities, authorities, and spiritual powers of wickedness in the heavenlies. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory by our Lord Jesus Christ!

Joshua was to be strong and courageous. He would cause the people to inherit the land God had sworn to give their fathers. In order to do this, the land would first have to be conquered.

God promised to give Joshua victory, but not easy, effortless victory: he must conquer the land step by step, foot by foot.

But there was something more difficult yet: he must keep all the Law God had given through Moses. God’s Word must be kept exactly as He has commanded. Joshua was not to turn from it to the right or to the left. Right and left mean the same today. To turn to the right is to add to God’s Word. The Pharisees added their traditions to God’s commands. Turning to the left is taking away from God’s Word. The Sadducees did this, not believing in the resurrection, in angels, or in spirits. Neither is acceptable to God if we are to prosper. May we be careful to obey God’s Word!