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disputes that could arise over such a matter! It is interesting to note a slight change in
`formula' in verse 7:
"Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right
hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest."
Now that Joshua was leader, there would be many occasions when the temptation to
lower the standard of the law would be very strong, when compromise would appear to
be the best course; but true prosperity would not lie that way. Great courage would
sometimes be needed to remain the faithful man he had proved himself to be in the past.
To the end that he might have the required courage Joshua is told:
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate
therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written
therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good
success" (Josh. 1: 8).
Notice again that true prosperity and `good' success will depend upon the place the
law is given by Joshua: it is to be constantly in his thoughts. The true prosperity and
success of the man God calls is his faithfulness, and for us our true prosperity and good
success comes to us as we are faithful to the written Word, and in consequence faithful to
the Living Word.
Verse 9 completes the commission: I have commissioned you; therefore be strong
and of good courage, for I am with you where ever you go, says Jehovah.
Following his commissioning, and immediately before the attack on Jericho, Joshua is
instructed in the strategy to be employed. The instruction is preceded by another
experience of the holiness of God (Josh. 5: 13-15), and in response to that experience
"Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship". Before such an adventure, so
foolish in the eyes of the worldly wise, an experience of the holiness and greatness of
God would greatly encourage and strengthen Joshua.
Then Joshua is instructed on the strategy to be employed in the siege of Jericho. The
victory is to be the Lord's, and His only. The people are to do nothing more than march
around the city daily for seven days: then on the seventh day to blow trumpets! But the
weakness of God is stronger than men, and through the faithfulness of Joshua in carrying
out his instructions, the city fell.
To sum up the qualifications of this man called of God: he was an `elder', being 53
years of age when he first makes an appearance; he was a man of experience, not a
novice (Timothy seems to be an exception, but he was versed in Scripture from a child);
he was a faithful man with a balanced view, though that view did not accord with that of
the majority; he was wise with the wisdom of God, and aware of the holiness of God.
Joshua was commissioned to do the ridiculous in the eyes of the world.