Chapter 33—Joshua
After the death of Moses, Joshua was to be the leader of Israel, to
conduct them to the promised land. He had been prime minister to
Moses during the greater part of the time the Israelites had wandered
in the wilderness. He had seen the wonderful works of God wrought
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by Moses, and well understood the disposition of the people. He was
one of the twelve spies who were sent out to search the promised land,
and one of the two who gave a faithful account of its richness, and who
encouraged the people to go up and possess it in the strength of God.
He was well qualified for this important office. The Lord promised
Joshua to be with him as he had been with Moses, and he would make
Canaan fall an easy conquest to him, provided he would be faithful
to observe all his commandments. He was anxious how he should
execute his commission in leading the people to the land of Canaan.
But this encouragement removed his fears.
Joshua commanded the children of Israel to prepare for a three-
days’ journey, and that all the men of war should go out to battle. “And
they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will
do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. According as we
hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee; only
the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. Whosoever
he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken
unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to
death; only be strong and of a good courage.”
The passage of the Israelites over Jordan was to be miraculous.
“And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow
the Lord will do wonders among you. And Joshua spake unto the
priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before
the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before
the people. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to
magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I
was with Moses, so I will be with thee.”
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