Joshua 1:1-16
Introduction: So,
a new generation has moved into the promised land with a new leader. Joshua. The book of Joshua begins and ends with characteristically Deuteronomistic speeches and narratives. (Joshua 1; 22-23; 24:29-31).
The opening consists of three speeches. In this first speech, Yahweh is commissions Joshua; in the second Joshua gives his first order to his army officers; and in the third, the two and a half Transjordanian, or east-bank, tribes declare their willingness to obey Joshua’s orders and to guarantee obedience from other on pain of death.
I. Call to Transition
– 1-2
After the death of Moses
‘Moses my servant is dead…’
Application
: In everything there are seasons.
To everything
there is
a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
2
A time
[a]
to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck
what is
planted;
3
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
4
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
5
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
6
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
7
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
8
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.
In the case of the Israel, it’s a time or season of change.
II. Creation for Opportunity
– 3-5
‘I will never leave you nor forsake you!’
As I was, so shall I be!
Transition
: With every season, and every promise, comes the eventual challenge.
III. Challenges for Change
– 6
‘
strong
…’ –
chazaq
{khaw-zak’}
Meaning:
1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore.
‘and of good
courage’
amats
{aw-mats’}
Meaning:
1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard 1a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold.
‘I will divide among them what I have promised!’
Transition
:
IV. Re-Distribution of Orders – v. 7
‘So that you might prosper wherever you go!’
‘Meditate in it day and night that you mat observe to do according to all that is written in it’.
‘For then,’
‘Then’
Meditate –
hagah
{haw-gaw’}
Meaning:
1) to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to roar, growl, groan 1a2) to utter, speak
Transition
:
V. Reminder of Condition
– 9
‘Have I not commanded you?’
‘Be strong and of good courage.
VI. Pledge an Allegiance to Carry out Purpose
– 16-18
Conclusion
: Seasons, transitions, opportunities, challenges, pledges!
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