The Lord told Joshua that His word was to have a place in his mouth, mind (‘meditate therein’) and manner of life (‘observe to do’). The evidence is that, although he led an exceptionally busy life, Joshua did indeed saturate his mind with that word.
As far as Joshua was concerned, his work for God consisted not only in the conquest of Canaan and its subsequent apportionment. These remarkable achievements were only means to an end. His ultimate aim was to leave behind him a people marked by loyalty to God and to His word. To this end, he was careful to bring the people into constant contact with God’s word and its demands. Four incidents stand out: (i) at Gilgal, after the crossing of the Jordan, Josh. 5. Before engaging in any conflict with the enemy, Joshua renewed the rite of circumcision, thereby reminding the people of their covenant obligations to the Lord; (ii) at mount Ebal, after the defeat of Jericho and Ai, Josh. 8. 30-35. In accordance with the Lord’s word through Moses, Deut. 27, Joshua lost no time in confronting ‘all Israel’ and its leaders with ‘all the words of the law’. ‘There was not a word … which Joshua read not’. It was on the basis of the supremacy of the Lord and His word that the people renewed their dedication to Him; (iii) at Shiloh, after the conquest and division of the land, Josh. 22. 1-6. When discharging the 2½ tribes, he would not bless them without also exhorting them to ‘take diligent heed’ to God’s command and word; (iv) at Shechem, after his main life work was over, Josh. 24. Joshua’s last recorded ministry was to confront the people with the challenge to fear, serve and obey God alone.
Joshua’s question to the ‘Captain of the Lord’s host’ by Jericho was characteristic of his attitude throughout his life; ‘What saith my lord unto his servant’; cf Acts 9. 6.
Joshua was true not only to God’s word but to his own. Rahab’s salvation was clear evidence that Joshua would honour commitments made on his authority, Josh. 2. 12-14; 6. 17, 22-25. The cunning men of Gibeon likewise proved that he was a man of his word. Though duped by them, he would not go back on his treaty, Josh. 9. 15; 10. 6-7; contrast 2 Sam. 21. 1-2.
Lord, help me to keep Thy word – and mine.
