Who Was Joshua in the Bible — In Biblical Context
Joshua was Moses' successor who led the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, conquering Canaan through a series of military campaigns.
Joshua was Moses' successor who led the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, conquering Canaan through a series of military campaigns.
"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." — Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Joshua first appears as Moses' assistant (Exodus 24:13) and as one of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan. Only he and Caleb gave a faithful report, trusting God's promise (Numbers 14:6-9). After Moses' death, God commissioned Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land with the encouragement to 'be strong and of a good courage' (Joshua 1:6). Joshua led the miraculous crossing of the Jordan, the conquest of Jericho, and campaigns throughout Canaan. He divided the land among the tribes and gave his famous farewell charge: 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD' (Joshua 24:15).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Joshua 1:9, sits inside Joshua 1. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
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