Joshua 1

Joshua 1 is God's commissioning of Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land after Moses' death. Three times God commands 'be strong and of a good courage,' grounding courage in his promise to never leave nor forsake.

The Book of Joshua · Old Testament · chapter 1 of 24.

Where this chapter sits

Leadership passes to Joshua in the immediate aftermath of Moses' death, reported in the closing verses of Deuteronomy just before this book begins. God speaks to him directly at the edge of the Jordan, before any river crossing or battle takes place, and the chapter closes with the people pledging the same obedience they once gave Moses. Spies go out into Canaan in the chapter immediately following.

Key verses (KJV)

“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)

What to notice as you read

Count how many times the command to be strong and of good courage recurs, each repetition tied less to Joshua's own nerve than to obedience toward the law Moses gave him. God's promised presence, not personal confidence, is offered as the actual ground for courage.

Read Joshua 1 on your iPhone

Read the full text of Joshua 1 in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.

Other chapters worth reading

• Ruth 1
• 1 Samuel 16
• 1 Kings 19
• Job 1

Explore more

• Full overview of Joshua
• Read the whole Bible offline
• Today's verse of the day

Frequently asked questions

Where does Joshua 1 come in Joshua?

It is chapter 1 of 24 in Joshua, a book of History in the Old Testament. The other widely-read chapters of Joshua are linked further down this page.

Where can I read Joshua 1?

Read the full text of Joshua 1 — and the whole Bible, offline, in your preferred translation — free in the Quiethaven app for iPhone.