January 4th 2026
Joshua 1
Here is the history of Israel's passing into the land of Canaan, conquering and dividing it, under the command of Joshua, and their history until his death.
Look at the power and truth of God in fulfilling his promises to Israel, and in executing his honestly threatened vengeance on the Canaanites, they are wonderfully displayed here in the book.
This should teach us to regard the tremendous curses criticised in the word of God against unrepentant sinners, and to seek refuge in Christ Jesus.
The Lord appoints Joshua to succeed Moses. (1-4)
God promises to assist Joshua. (5-9)
Preparation to pass over Jordan. (10-15)
The people promise to obey Joshua. (16-18)
1-4 Joshua had helped Moses, trained by him in the work of leading the people. Joshua was trained up under His command. Those who have learned to obey are best to rule in God’s command,.
Moses was not allowed to go over into the Promised Land, because of his disobedience to obeying God’s command while in the desert for 40 years.
On 2 occasions he was instructed to get water out of a rock
1st to strike the rock with his rod
2nd to speak to the rock. But he struck it with his rod instead of speaking to it
V 2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
Arise, go over Jordan.
At this place and at this time the banks were overflowed. Joshua had no bridge or boats, and yet he must believe that God, having ordered the people over, would open a way.
The land was to be claimed from the Mediterranean sea to Euphrates ( Ur of the Chaldees) Abraham’s home
The promise included a vast area of land, too big to conquer in one mans lifetime, so the order to go over Jordon was the first step. It was not until the days of King David that the land was conquered.
Being obedient in this first part would result in the fulfilling of the whole promise
5-9 Joshua is to make the law of God his rule.
He is charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it.
Whatever affairs of this world we have to look after, we must not neglect the one thing needful, time spent with God. All his orders to the people, and his judgments, must be according to the law of God. Joshua must himself be under command; no man's pride or dominion sets him above the law of God.
He is to encourage himself with the promise and presence of God.
V 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
What a promise from God That Promise still stands Meditate, Study, Make God your trust.
Follow Jesus This promise is yours
V 6 you will divide the country up each tribe having its allotted portion. each portion chosen by God, so as to safeguard the people and the inheritance
God still allots us our portion, that is why we all have different gifts
V 7 keep to the Law of Moses.
So he would have to have the courage to stand firm against the will of the people to keep them on track as to God’s plan
V 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.
A repeat of the promise in v 5
10-15 Joshua says to the people, Ye shall pass over Jordan, and shall possess the land; because God had said so to him.
The preparation to go over was ordered
We honour the truth of God, when we are not taken aback by the vastness of the promise of God.
The two tribes and a half were to go over Jordan with their brethren.
The Rubenites and Gadites, plus ½ the tribe of Manasseh, had asked to live on this side of Jordon and take that as their allotted place.
But the fighting men had promised they would go over Jordon to help their brethren get their inheritance.
When God, by his providence, has given us rest, we ought to consider what service we may do to our brothers and sisters.
16-18 The people of Israel took their part, so as to obey Joshua;
V 16 All that thou commandest us to do we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go.
V 17 they asked Joshua to remain faithful to God’s word
V 18 whoever does not do what is required of him should be put to death
News from the Church New dates
7th January..…..Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people)
21st January…. Knit and natter is a time to finish old projects or learn new skills
if you just want to talk well that’s OK too
ANSWERS TO 28th December QUESTIONS
1) Pharaoh 2) Moses 3) Jethro 4) Aaron 5) Miriam 6) Red Sea 7)Marah 8) Aaron and Hur
9) Sinai 10) Pharaoh’s daughter 11) Zipporah 12) Levi 13) Pharaoh’s magicians 14) Goshen
15) Joseph 16) Miriam
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is Who Said
1 Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh? Gen ch 2
2 My punishment is greater than I can bear.? Gen ch 4
3 Say thou art my sister?Gen ch 12
4 Up get you out of this place, for the Lord will destroy this city?Gen ch 19
5 Behold the fire and wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering.?Gen ch 22
6 I will draw water for thy camels also?Gen ch 24
7 Sell me this day thy birthright?Gen ch 25
8 He took away my birthright, and behold he has taken away my blessing? Gen ch 27
9 The sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me? Gen ch 37
10 In my dream I had three white baskets on my head? Gen ch 40
11 Shall I go and call thee a nurse of the Hebrew women?Ex ch 2
12 Take this child away and nurse it for me and I will give thee thy wages? Ex ch 2
13 I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt? Ex ch 3
14 Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice? Ex ch 5
15 These be thy gods O Israel which brought thee up out of Egypt? Ex ch 32
16 Lord why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people? Ex ch 32
Exodus 33 Moses asks God
V 13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
V 14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
God Bless