DATE: 1370-1400BC

AUTHOR: Probably Joshua (Joshua 24:26) (But not a consensus)

KEY VERSE: Joshua 1:8

KEY THOUGHT: Possession of God's Promises

KEY WORDS: Possess (possessed, possession) - 27x in 21v in NAS -  Josh 1:6 11 15 8:7 12:1 6 7 13:1 17:12 18:3 19:47 21:12 41 43 22:4 7 9 19 23:5 24:4 8

TYPE OF LITERATURE: History ([1] Pentateuch - 5 books [2]) History - 12 books [3] Poetry, Ethics [4] Prophecy)

THREE MAJOR "TYPES": (See Caveats in Discussion of Biblical Types)

(1) Joshua ("Jehovah is Salvation) = type of Christ (cp Rest - Josh 11:23, 21:44 with Jesus - He 4:8 10 11 Inheritance - Josh 11:16, 14:13 Jesus - Ep 1:1, Ro 8:17) (Cp Ro 8:37; 2Co 1:10 2Co 2:14) (See Robert Morgan's Glimpses of Jesus in Joshua)

(2) Crossing Jordan = type of Christian’s death with Christ (Ro 6:6-11; Ep 2:5 6; Col 3:1-3)

(3) Israel’s conquest of Canaan = picture of Christian Victory over world, flesh, devil 

William Orr writes that...

Joshua is a book of progress, conquest, possession, and systematic division of the land. With a new leader, there were new experiences, new victories, new attainments and new problems. But God's guidance, God's power, and God's encouragement were the same. Joshua is the chief personage.

Joshua is a book of action and corresponds to the challenges, victories and thrills of the Christian life. These events in Joshua demonstrate great principles: the rite of circumcision at Gilgal (Joshua 5), the necessity for separation; the memorials (Joshua 4), a sign of remembrance of GOD's miracles. Joshua's dependence upon the books of Moses was demonstrated: Compare Josh14:1-4 with Nu 34:13,14; Josh 13:11 with Nu 32:37; Josh 21 with Numbers 35. GOD's man, Moses, was gone, but GOD's work went on under GOD's new leader, Joshua. Here is a commander, Joshua, who was evidently reared in the brick factories, or iron foundries of Egypt.

OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS: The fact that GOD goes before His people is demonstrated in the fear He had put into the hearts of the Canaanites preparatory to the conquest (Josh 2:10, 11). The unbelievable grace of GOD is shown in the inclusion of Rahab, a harlot, into the Messianic line of CHRIST (Mt 1:5). While the land had been already "given" to Israel (Ge 15:18 19 20 21), still it was necessary that they go in and possess it. As they did GOD gave the victory. The slaughter of the Canaanites (Josh 6:21 10:28) was by GOD's direct command. This was absolutely necessary to cleanse the land for the occupation of GOD's chosen people, and entirely justifiable, for GOD had given 400 extra years for their repentance. (Ge 15:16). Victory at Jericho was by complete observance of GOD's directions, defeat at Ai due to disobedience, and that of one man. The Tabernacle was set up at Shiloh for the gathering place of the Tribes to worship the LORD. Later, David made Jerusalem the religious center of the people. The vindication of the minority report of the spies (Nu 14:6 7 8 9 10) was amply demonstrated in the complete conquest of the land. The distribution "by lot" (Nu 33:54) evidently allowed GOD's hand to be present and recognized in the tribal divisions. The miracle of the sun standing still, and of the great hailstones in the battle of Gibeon was entirely in keeping with the events which had been happening since Israel left Egypt.

INTERESTING FEATURES: Three campaigns result in seven nations with 31 kings defeated by Israel and Joshua (Joshua 12). Joshua's name appears in the Tel-el-Amarna tablets found in Egypt. JESUS was baptized 1400 years later, probably near where Joshua crossed the Jordan.

KEY TO UNDERSTANDING: GOD's people made great advances under the leadership of a man named Joshua. GOD's people today may do the same under our Joshua (Jesus). Take this book literally, but do not fail to apply its spiritual lessons to your own life. (Keys to Joshua)

Sidlow Baxter summarizes the key thought of Joshua...

Entering, overcoming, occupying! - if these are the three movements recorded in Joshua, then there can be no doubt as to what is its key thought, or central message. Clearly, it is the victory of faith. In this, the Book of Joshua stands in sharp contrast to the Book of Numbers where we see the failure of unbelief - failure to enter (Nu 14:2 3 4), failure to overcome (Nu 14:44,45), failure to occupy (Nu 14:28-34). Spiritually interpreted, the exploits of Israel under Joshua proclaim the great New Testament truth - "This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith" (1Jn 5:4). Each of the victories in the program of conquest was ordered so as to exhibit that victory was due to faith in God, not to the arm of man. To quailing unbelief, the overthrow of giants and great cities was an impasse, but to the eye of faith it was a fait accompli. (J. Sidlow Baxter. Explore the Book)

Related Resources: Primer On Biblical Meditation or Mediation - Application of Inductive Bible Study.

THE CONTEXT
OF THE TEXT
JOSHUA 1:1-9

First let's establish the context by reading Joshua 1:1-9:

Joshua 1:1 Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,

Comment: God's work is not affected by the death of His servants. Here we see God Himself verbally passing the leadership baton to Joshua who had been prepared for this good work (Nu 27:15-23 Dt 3:28; 31:1-8). Only at the end of his life was Joshua honored with the title "servant of the Lord" (Josh 24:29).

Our Daily Bread Devotional - On Shoulders Of Giants - A good example is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

Joshua 1:2 "Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. (See Map of Land Promised to Abraham)

Comment:  Even as Israel's crossing the Red Sea had marked their departure from Egypt, now their crossing of the Jordan marked their entrance to the Promised Land

God's pattern for using a man: God chooses a man who he has made plans for even before he was born (Jn15:16 Eph 2:10). God issues a call to the man, an invitation to join Him in touching a people in need. God prepares and fashions the man into the vessel that can best accomplish His will. God uses the man. Through the man's faithfulness, God entrusts greater responsibilities. We are not called to a task or ministry but we are called to a relationship with God. God is looking for men of integrity who will stand in the gap so God will not have to destroy the land (Ezek 22:30). God is looking for men like Joshua who will serve Him "fully" (cp Da 1:8). Will you take your relationship seriously enough to purify your heart and renew you commitment to serve Him w/o reservation? (2Chr 16:9) will then apply to your life. Each time the man God uses is obedient to his encounter with God it prepares him for the next task. God often builds on previous tasks, increasing responsibility & importance.

F B Meyer applies the truth of this passage to the NT believer's blessed life: Victory assured: — There is no foe to your growth in grace, no enemy in your Christian work, no dreaded form of evil dominating and cursing the souls of men, which was not included in your Saviour’s conquests. You need not be afraid of them. When you touch them, they will flee before you. God has promised to deliver them up before you. There shall no man of them be able to stand before you. Neither Anakim nor fenced cities need daunt you. You are one of the conquering legion. Claim (Ed: Not just with your voice but by Spirit enabled obedience!) your share in the Saviour’s victory.

Sermon by C H Spurgeon - Joshua 1:2,3 Taking Possession of Our Inheritance - "First, let us take a survey of the inheritance; secondly, let us glance at the title deeds; and thirdly, let us make a move towards taking immediate possession. For all this may the Holy Spirit. make us sufficient!"

Our Daily Bread Devotional - The Apprentice - A person who is not willing to follow is not prepared to lead.

People who become great leaders
Sometimes need to learn
How to serve and follow others—
Then they’ll get their turn.
—Sper

William Newell applies this text to NT believer's life comment: In the  therefore of Joshua 1:2, we see that legality or our own efforts (represented by Moses) must die in us ere we can possess the inheritance that is ours (He 4:10-note). The reason why many Christians do not get into the fulness of their inheritance in Christ is because, in some way or other, they are still looking to Moses, that is, to their own fair doings to get them in. But Moses could not even enter Canaan himself, to say nothing of bringing in anyone else. And Israel had to wait till Moses was out of the way, ere they could enter the land, under their new leader. Moses stands to us for the law, Joshua for Christ, when we consider this matter of entering upon our promised possession. It may be that we are still trusting to our good resolves or to our consecration, to get us into the enjoyment of what we see some Christians experience—if so, Moses is yet alive with us: we cannot "go over Jordan". It may be that we are still thinking of our prayers, our earnestness, our Bible study, our faith, our zeal—it is all Moses, Moses, with us yet. Let us mark well these opening verses of this great book which is to bring the people into Canaan: "Now it came to pass after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun. saying Moses My servant is dead; now Therefore, arise, go over this Jordan. thou ad all this people." Now this is the first great lesson we must learn, that Joshua, not Moses, leads the the people into the land. Joshua's name means, Salvation of Jehovah or "Jehovah Salvation" and its New Testament form is Jesus (Mt 1:21). Oh, that all Christians would simply trust their faithful Joshua leaning only upon Him, following only Him! How quickly would He lead them all into the full realization in experience of what He has so vvondrously purchased for us by His cross! May Moses die now with each of us that we may know none else hereafter as our Leader but Joshua (Jesus)! (Lessons from Joshua - The Book of Possession)

Joshua 1:3 "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.

Comment: This verse emphasizes the importance of Man's Responsibility in laying hold ("claiming") God's Sovereign Promises. God in His omnipotence and goodness and grace has already given them the land, but it is their responsibility now to put one foot in front of the other and begin possessing their possessions (See Pastor Chuck Smith - Possessing Our Possessions ), stepping out in faith (and obedience) and claiming what is theirs by divine order. When Abraham first came into the land, the same dynamic was called for. See God's word to him in (Ge 13:14 15, 17). There is an important lesson for us today in all of this and it is that God has blessed us with "every spiritual blessing" in Christ Jesus (Ep 1:3-note), and yet we like the tribes of Israel must step out by faith (and obedience) to lay hold of God's precious and magnificent promises (2Pe 1:4). The Lord has set before each of us an open door that no one can shut (Rev 3:7). We are called to walk through that door by faith, to claim our possessions for the glory of the Lord and for ourselves, possessions that are ours because of Christ's victory on the Cross! Perhaps it's in a tough family situation that you have to claim new territory. Maybe it's in the workplace---an especially difficult relationship that you need to face or a challenge that you've been given that you don't feel capable of meeting. Maybe it's something at school, if you're a student, etc, etc.

God gives, but man still must "lay hold of" what God gives. How do we lay hold of God's promises? By faith (Col 2:6, 2Co 5:7). It's the idea of "possessing in reality the possessions that are already yours because Christ's victory at Calvary". So on one hand we are "filled with the fruit of righteousness" (Php 1:11) yet we still must "work our our salvation in fear & trembling" (Php 2:12).

A LAND IN THE OT
A LIFE IN THE NT

An abundant land was given to the people of Israel, just as an abundant life in Christ is made available to believers (Jn 10:10b), not based on any merit but on God's sovereign gracious pleasure. And just as the land that had been given needed to be possessed, so too believers today must lay hold of God's precious and magnificent promises by faith. This is not simply "name it, claim it" but specifically is a faith that shows itself genuine by obedience, for faith without works (of obedience) is dead (non-working) faith. The title deed to the Land and to the Life (every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ - Eph 1:3) is the gracious bountiful gift of God, while the possession of His promises is the result of our obedient walk (albeit a walk empowered by His Spirit and His strengthening, grace 2Ti 2:1 1Co 15:10).

The idea is that you can possess all that you will take. You can have every aspect of the spiritual life in Christ that you desire. God however will not give you more than you are ready to take. So if you are not satisfied with the degree of your real experience of victory, it is because you haven't really wanted more or you have fallen short of in the area of obedience (e.g., unconfessed sin, etc). We can have all that we want because God says to all NT believers in essence  "Every place where the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you."

Joshua 1:4 "From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun, will be your territory.

Comment: Joshua 1:3-5 are almost identical to the wording is found in Deut 11:24 25a.

Joshua 1:5 "No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain or plain or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.
—Brown

Jensen comments: A lifetime of continuous victory over all enemies was assured Joshua (and therefore the people) through faith and courage on the basis of the unfailing presence and miraculous help of God (Jensen, I. L. Joshua: Rest-Land Won. Chicago, IL: Moody Press)

Sermon by C H Spurgeon - Joshua 1:5 Strengthening Medicine for God's Servants - Here are a few excerpts from this sermon on "what this promise (Josh 1:5) does not preclude"...

This promise does not exclude effort...Neither does this promise preclude occasional disaster....Nor, again, does this promise preclude frequent tribulations and testings of faith....this promise does not preclude our suffering very greatly."

Our Daily Bread Devotional - His Part; Our Part - Where God guides, God provides!

Dr Thomas Constable (Joshua Notes) points out the chiastic structure of Jehovah's charge to Joshua...

A. I will be with you (Josh 1:5).

B Be strong and courageous (Josh 1:6, 7).

C That you may have success (Josh 1:7).

D This book of the law (Josh 1:8).

C’ Then you will have success (Josh 1:8).

B’ Be strong and courageous (Josh 1:9).

A’ The Lord your God is with you (Josh 1:9).

Joshua 1:6 "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

Comment: "Be strong and courageous" is a "double command" which is mentioned 3 times in this brief introductory chapter (Josh 1:6 7 9) and is thus a key phrase. And remember that what God commands, He always enables.

Joshua 1:7 "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.

Plumptre: Only when thine arm In sense of weakness reaches forth to God, Wilt thou be strong to suffer and to do.

Sermon by C H Spurgeon - Joshua 1:7 Joshua's Obedience

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

Comment: The key to spiritual success is eating His Word and doing His Word.

Keathley remarks: The victory and possession of the land which follows is a direct result of the Word of God and of man, in this case Joshua, hearing and responding to His Word. This should illustrate for us that there is absolutely no victory or chance for us to experience the blessings of our new life in Christ apart from the Word of God. Whenever any believer begins to turn away from the Word through indifference or apathy for whatever reason, he is turning away from the Lord and into defeat. (The Commissioning of Joshua Joshua 1:1-18)

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Though I know not what awaits me—
What the future has in store,
Yet I know that God is faithful,
For I've proved Him oft before.
—Anon.

Comment: The Lord promises Joshua a provision, His protection, and His presence.

Our Daily Bread devotional - Equipped For The Task - God’s call to a task includes His strength to complete it

The Lord will give you help and strength
For work He bids You do:
To serve Him from a heart of love
Is all He asks of you.
—Fasick

Paul Apple has some good words of warning regarding the reading and interpretation of Joshua...

2 TRAPS TO AVOID in Studying the Book of Joshua:

Trap #1 – Confusion about identification of Joshua – Joshua is not a type of Pastor John MacArthur (or name any radio personality you listen to). The people of God today want a human Joshua to follow rather than the invisible Lord Jesus Himself who is the Captain of our Salvation (Josh 5:14, 15). That is why we must have a plurality of under shepherds…no one leader can bring to the table all that we need; Joshua is not a type of some super single pastor model of leadership…but spiritual leaders do need to pattern themselves after Joshua in many important respects (so there are many leadership lessons…and lessons as well for those who are called to submit to our spiritual leaders)

Joshua (means “Yahweh is salvation”) is a type of Christ who leads us to spiritual victory and into His rest – not in heaven – but on earth as we submit fully to Him, trust in His power and come to experience the abundant life He desires for us.

Trap #2 – Confusion about Identification of Canaan – Thinking that crossing the Jordan represents a transition from this life through death into the joys of heaven is a mistaken interpretation/application. Canaan was a place of conflict and conquest! God’s people must take responsibility to be strong and courageous and fight the good fight of faith (1Ti 6:12). Don’t wait for victory in heaven for God wants us to experience victory now in the midst of our enemies today (world, flesh and devil). (Joshua)

THIS BOOK OF THE LAW SHALL NOT DEPART FROM YOUR MOUTH: (Book: Dt 6:6 7 8 9 11:18,19 17:18,19 30:14 31:11 Ps 37:30,31 40:10 Ps 119:42,43 Isa 59:21 Mt 12:35 Eph 4:29)

SCRIPTURE
SATURATED
SAINTS

In Joshua 1:8 Observe: Who is speaking to Joshua (See interrogation of the text with the 5W'S & H)? Why? When? What has transpired? What is Jehovah's command? What is the land like into which Joshua is to lead the people? What is Joshua's mindset to be (note what is repeated three times!). If you have time you can do a simple observation with the class asking these type of questions.

God Himself is addressing Joshua because Israel's leader Moses has died and the mantle of leadership is being passed to this new leader. Joshua is to lead Israel into the "promised land" filled with adversaries and pagan idolatry. Temptation and Warfare will occur. So what does God tell Joshua he must do? Does He tell him to make sure the soldiers have their weapons and are in good shape? No. God tells Joshua to make sure that the "Sword of the Word of God" is to be his focus and will provide all that he needs in order to assure success.

A number of commentaries refer to Joshua 1:8 as the key or theme verse in the entire book of Joshua, so it certainly behooves the serious student of the Scriptures to meditate on this verse referring to meditation on God's Word!

Below is Joshua 1:8 "structured" to help you see the pattern...

This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,

but (See contrasts)

you shall meditate on it day and night,

so that (See terms of conclusion)

you may be careful to do

according to all that is written in it;

for (See terms of conclusion)

then (When?) you will make your way prosperous,

and

then (When?) you will have success.
 

What is the "key word" of Joshua 1:8? Book of the law = "it" = "it"

What are the key actions? Meditate and Do

Book of the law (19x in the NAS = Deut 29:21; 30:10; 31:26; Josh 1:8; 8:31, 34; 23:6; 24:26; 2Ki 14:6; 22:8, 11; 2Chr 17:9; 34:14, 15; Neh 8:1, 3, 18; 9:3; Gal 3:10) A reference to Scripture, specifically Genesis through Deuteronomy (Pentateuch from penta = five), written by Moses.

Deuteronomy 31 talks about Moses' completing the book and committing it to the care of the priests...

Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, "Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you." (Deuteronomy 31:25 26)

Note that it was not enough that the priests carried and protected the book of the Law. Nor would it be adequate for Joshua to protect it but not let it "protect" him! No, Joshua had to read it and heed it daily, making the Book part of his innermost being by meditating on it.

My Precious Bible
Mrs. H. E. Brown, 1868.
Music: Howard Doane

My Bible, precious treasure!
Worth more than gems or gold;
Be it my choicest treasure
Thy covers to unfold.
Thy fair illumined pages
With God’s own glory shine;
Down through the long, long ages,
It gleams in ev’ry line.

Refrain
My precious Bible! ’tis a book divine,
Where heavenly truth and mercy shine,
And wisdom speaks in ev’ry line,
Speaks to me, speaks to me,
Speaks good news to me.

Gill writes that Joshua was

often to read it, frequently repeat it, and speak of it, to refresh his own memory with it, and the memory of those about him. (Joshua 1: 8 - The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible)

Book (05612) (cepher) refers to writing (as of a document) and then to evidence, letter, register, scroll, book; document; writing.

Law (08451) (torah) derives from a word that means to shoot an arrow, for a teacher aims to hit the target and achieve specific goals in the lives of the students.

Shall not depart from your mouth - Joshua fulfilled Jehovah's instructions to not let the Word depart from his mouth. How do we know? Because God blessed his leadership with prosperity and success.

The NET Bible renders it "This law scroll must not leave your lips!" noting that...

The ancient practice of reading aloud to oneself as an aid to memorization is in view here.

Dwight Pentecost writes Jehovah's instructions to Joshua meant...

that the Law should never depart from Joshua as the dominant influence in everything that came from his mouth. God was not just instructing him to live by it, but to administer it so that the entire nation would be brought under its control, that the Law might do its intended work. This was a large part of Joshua’s work as the theocratic administrator.

With one half of Israel before Mount Gerizim and the other half before Mount Ebal Joshua...

read all the words of the law (How many of the words?), the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel (Note the repetition which serves to emphasize the vital importance of this endeavor) with the women and the little ones and the strangers who were living among them. (Joshua 8:34 35)

Joshua remained faithful to carry out this practice even unto his dying day. Knowing that he would soon fall asleep (die) he instructs the people of Israel...

Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, (Why?) so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, (Why?) in order that you may not associate with these nations (Ed: Referring to the Gentiles with their defiling pagan practices to evil to even mention!), these which remain among you, or mention the name of their gods, or make anyone swear by them, or serve them, or bow down to them. But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day. (Joshua 23:6 7 8)

The last mention of the book of the law is in Joshua 24 just before Joshua passes off the scene...

And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. And Joshua said to all the people, "Behold, this stone shall be for a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD which He spoke to us; thus it shall be for a witness against you, lest you deny your God." Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to his inheritance. And it came about after these things that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being one hundred and ten years old. (Joshua 24:26 27 28 29)

Shall not depart from your mouth means that this book of the law should be the constant topic of your conversation. Why? "Because you shall meditate on it day and night." Now whatever you're thinking about all day and thinking about all night will show up in your conversation. So Jehovah (the Author of this Word) is saying Joshua should saturate himself with the Word of God. It was to be the dominant thing in him life. He meditates on it, talks about it and naturally (better supernaturally) begins to live it out.

By way of application NT believers will make their way spiritually prosperous and have spiritual success if they do according to all that is written in it. There are many believers who can not do according to all that is written in it because they do not understand all that is written. And so it is incumbent upon believers to diligently study the Scripture so that they can understand it so that they can obey it so that they can be blessed and prosperous and have good success! The idea is that the law of God (the Word of God) so saturates a person, that it exerts a controlling influence on one's thoughts and one's actions.

Depart (04185) (mush) means to be taken away, removed. Joshua did not depart from tabernacle while Moses went into camp (Ex 33:11) When Israel attempted to enter Canaan presumptuously, after having accepted the unbelieving majority report of the spies, the ark of the covenant of the Lord did not depart from the camp (Nu 14:44).  Men who trust in the Lord will be like trees planted by a river; they will not cease yielding fruit (Jer 17:8).

Mush - 20x in 19v in NAS - Ex 13:22; 33:11; Nu 14:44; Josh 1:8; Jdg 6:18; Job 23:12; Ps 55:11; Pr 17:13; Isa 22:25; 46:7; 54:10; 59:21; Jer 17:8; 31:36; Mic 2:3 4; Nah 3:1; Zech 3:9; 14:4. NAS = cease(1), depart(6), departed(1), departs(2), give way(1), left(1), move(2), remove(2), removed(2), removes(1), take away(1).

Andrew Murray has a word on the place of "good books" as related to the "Good Book" (the Best Book)...

Andrew Murray has reminded us in one of his books that milk represents food which has already passed through digestive processes before it is taken by us. And so we may say that all the little books of devotion, the helps to holiness, the series of manuals of thought and teaching, however valuable, represent food that has passed through the spiritual digestion of others before it comes to us, and it has to be used as such. Do we then decry all these? Far from it; yea, we establish them, but only in their place and for their purpose. If they are put first, to the exclusion of the Bible alone, and the Bible day by day, they become dangerous and disastrous, crutches that prevent vigorous exercise, and lead to spiritual senility. If they are put second, they become delightful and valuable, inspirations to further thought and pathways to deeper blessings. When we have had our own meditation of the Word we are the better able to enjoy what God teaches us through others of His children, and especially those whom God honours with special gifts of teaching. So it must be first, foremost and constantly, "MY meditation of HIM." (W. H. Griffith Thomas, Methods of Bible Study)

Warren Wiersbe...

Any work of God that isn’t built on the Word of God will never prosper. Moses’ success as the leader of Israel came from his faith in and obedience to God’s Word (Deut. 4:10). Joshua’s success in conquering the enemy in Canaan was based on his devotion to the Word of God (Josh. 1:8). When we obey God’s Word, we can expect “great reward” (Ps. 19:11). If we want to know the power of God, we must also know the Word of God (Matt. 22:29)....

God’s heroes spend time fellowshipping with God and meditating on His Word (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:1–3). They can face any enemy because they know and trust the promises of God. (Wiersbe, W. W.  Be heroic)

From your mouth - The picture is that of vocalizing the Words of God which is related to the idea of meditating on it (see below). In addition, as leader Joshua had to speak to Israel and if the Bible filled his mouth and heart, that is what would come forth.

Someone once quipped...

If you don’t talk to your Bible,
your Bible isn’t likely to talk to you!

BUT YOU SHALL MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT: (You shall: Ps 1:2,3 19:14 119:11,15,97,99 Pr 2:1 Pr 2:2 3 4 5 3:1 Col 3:16 1Ti 4:14 15 16)

Related Resources:

Primer On Biblical Meditation

Mediation - Application of Inductive Bible Study

Thomas Watson's Treatise on Meditation

The Duty of Meditation - John Angell James

Quiet Musing - Recommended Sermon on meditation by C H Spurgeon in which he says...

You must, by the feet of meditation,
tread the clusters of truth,
would you get the wine of consolation there from.

Although the NT does not use the word meditate, clearly the principle is taught in passages such as Colossians 3:16 and 1Timothy 4:15...

Let the word of Christ richly dwell (present imperative = calls for this to be our habitual practice) within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Col 3:16-note)

Comment: Observe how the effects or "fruit" of "meditating" in Colossians are virtually identical to the effects/fruit seen in one who is filled with the Spirit in Eph 5:18, 19, 20-note! Surely one of the benefits of meditating on the Word is to be filled with/controlled by the Spirit! How can we not seriously consider instituting the daily practice of meditating on His life giving Word!

Do not neglect (present imperative = with negative = stop doing this!) the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains (present imperative = do this as your lifestyle, your habitual practice) with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention (present imperative = habitual practice) to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1Ti 4:14, 15, 16)

Comment: The verb take pains in 1Ti 4:15 is meletao (3191) which is used in the Septuagint to translate meditate in Joshua 1:8, Ps 1:2, Ps 63:6 Ps 77:12 Ps 119:148 (elsewhere in Ps 119 meletao translates "delight" which would seem to include the nuance of meditation upon, for that which we delight in is not usually far removed from our mind!),  Ps 143:5; Isa 33:18. In Ps 77:5 "consider" in context conveys the sense of meditate.

Meletao (from melete = care, practice, meditation) means to care for, to attend carefully, to give careful thought to, to meditate on, think about. The only other NT use is used in a negative sense meaning to premeditate, to contrive, to devise [plan to bring about] = Acts 4:25 ("devise"). Hesychius defines meletao as “exercise oneself in”.

The NET Bible translates meditate on it as "You must memorize it" and notes that the  Hebrew means to “read it in undertones” or “recite it quietly."

But (See discussion of observing and interrogating contrasts) - Always stop and ask "What is being contrasted?" and even this simple maneuver will begin to help you "meditate" on the Scriptures. In our fast paced society, the temptation is to speed read the Scripture, but that is exactly what Joshua 1:8 advises against! Meditation is not magic and does not happen in a moment but takes time, time to engage our minds so that we are reading the text actively rather than passively, consciously making the effort to interact with the living Word which causes us to interact with the Living Lord, which is the ultimate goal of all Bible study -- To Know God = Jn 17:3 and To Grow in Christlikeness = 2Pe 3:18-note.

You shall meditate on it day and night - It's one thing to say to a leader, "Be strong and courageous." It's quite something else to enable him or her to do it. Joshua's strength and courage was to come from meditating on the Word of God, from believing the promises in it, and from living in obedience to its precepts. Moses gave very similar counsel to the entire nation in Deuteronomy 11 (cp Dt 11:18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24), but now God is speaking this principle specifically to Israel's new leader, Joshua.

To be sure, meditation requires the personal investment of some time and mental energy. However, even as God feeds the birds, He doesn't throw the food into their nests. The birds are still required to go forth and bring in the food God provides. In the same way, the Bible is like a table filled with food necessary for daily living (Mt 4:4, Lk 4:4). And God invites all to "Come and eat!" But too often believers fail to heed His gracious invitation. Instead, we depend on substitutes (devotionals, Christian music, fellowship groups, etc. Compare "Mary's secret" of devotion to "one thing necessary" - Lk 10:38 39 40 41 42). And yet we still wonder why our faith is feeble (Ro 10:17)!

Meditate (01897)(hagah pronounced "haw-gaw") conveys the basic meaning of a low sound and so as used in the OT means to groan, to sigh or to mutter. Figuratively hagah refers to inward utterance, the words a man speaks to himself. And so hagah means to meditate (give serious thought and consideration to selected information implying a definite focusing of one’s thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply),  to ponder (to carefully weigh in the mind, to appraise), to ruminate (literally to chew repeatedly for an extended period and figuratively to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly).

Hagah can refer to the mutterings of mediums and wizards (Isa 8:19), the moans of grief (Isa 16:7), the growl of a lion (Isa 31:4) or the coos of a dove (Isa 38:14).

Hagah - 24x in 24v - NAS translates hagah - declare(1), devise(2), devising(1), growls(1), make a sound(1), meditate(5), meditates(1), moan(3), moan sadly(1), mutter(2), mutters(1), ponders(1), utter(2), uttering(1), utters(1).

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

Job 27:4 My lips certainly will not speak unjustly, Nor will my tongue mutter deceit.

Psalm 1:2-in depth note But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

C H Spurgeon writes that the godly man's delight: Is the the law of the Lord. He is not under the law as a curse and condemnation, but he is in it, and he delights to be in it as his rule of life; he delights, moreover, to meditate in it, to read it by day and think upon it by night. He takes a text and carries it with him all day long; and in the night-watches, when sleep forsakes his eyelids, he muses upon the Word of God. In the day of his prosperity he sings psalms out of the Word of God, and in the night of his affliction he comforts himself with promises out of the same book. The law of the Lord is the daily bread of the true believer. And yet, in David’s day, how small was the volume of inspiration, for they had scarcely anything save the first five books of Moses! How much more, then, should we prize the whole written Word which it is our privilege to have in all our houses! But, alas, what ill-treatment is given to this angel from heaven! We are not all Berean searchers of the Scriptures. How few among us can lay claim to the benediction of the text! Perhaps some of you can claim a sort of negative purity, because you do not walk in the way of the ungodly; but let me ask you—Is your delight in the law of God? Do you study God’s Word? Do you make it the man of your right hand—your best companion and hourly guide? If not, this blessing does not belong to you.

Psalm 2:1 Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing?

Psalm 35:28 And my tongue shall declare Your righteousness And Your praise all day long.

Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice.

Psalm 38:12 Those who seek my life lay snares for me; And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, And they devise treachery all day long.

Psalm 63:6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches,

In David's day the night was divided into three watch periods and his use of the plural ("night watches") suggests that in his intense devotion, he meditated upon Jehovah all through the night. If we (enabled by grace not law) were to practice this discipline, how might it affect our communion with the Living God? In the next verse (Ps 63:7) David explains why he remembers and meditates ("for" or "because" introduces an explanation - see terms of explanation) writing "for Thou hast been my Help..." where "Help" is the Hebrew 'ezra (one who assists, supplies or serves another with what is needed)

And meditate on thee in the night watches. Keeping up sacred worship in my heart as the priests and Levites celebrated it in the sanctuary. Perhaps David had formerly united with those "who by night stand in the house of the Lord," and now as he could not be with them in person, he remembers the hours as they pass, and unites with the choristers in spirit, blessing Jehovah as they did. It may be, moreover, that the king heard the voices of the sentries as they relieved guard, and each time he returned with renewed solemnity to his meditations upon his God. Night is congenial, in its silence and darkness, to a soul which would forget the world, and rise into a higher sphere. Absorption in the most hallowed of all themes makes watches, which else would be weary, glide away all too rapidly; it causes the lonely and hard couch to yield the most delightful repose -- repose more restful than even sleep itself. We read of beds of ivory, but beds of piety are better far. Some revel in the night, but they are not a tithe so happy as those who meditate in God

J Vernon McGee in his inimitable style writes that: David thought about God—meditated upon Him—during the night when he couldn’t sleep. My friend, meditating upon God’s goodness is a lot better than counting sheep!" (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary:  Thomas Nelson or Logos)

Psalm 71:24 My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long; For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt.

Psalm 77:12 I will meditate on all Your work And muse (siach) on Your deeds.

Comment: This Hebrew verb siach is translated meditate in 8 of the 20 uses in the NAS - Jdg 5:10; 1 Chr 16:9; Job 7:11; 12:8; Ps 55:17; 69:12; 77:3, Ps 77:6 (meditate), Ps 77:12 (meditate); Ps 105:2; Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 148 (All the uses in Ps 119 are translated meditate); Ps 143:5 (muse); 145:5; Pr 6:22; Isa 53:8

Psalm 115:7 They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat.

Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse (siach) on the work of Your hands.

Proverbs 8:7 "For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 24:2 For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble.

Isaiah 8:19 When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter," should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?

Isaiah 16:7 Therefore Moab will wail; everyone of Moab will wail. You will moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth As those who are utterly stricken.

Isaiah 31:4 For thus says the LORD to me, "As the lion or the young lion growls over his prey, Against which a band of shepherds is called out, And he will not be terrified at their voice nor disturbed at their noise, So will the LORD of hosts come down to wage war on Mount Zion and on its hill."

Isaiah 33:18 Your heart will meditate on terror: "Where is he who counts? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?"

Isaiah 38:14 "Like a swallow, like a crane, so I twitter; I moan like a dove; My eyes look wistfully to the heights; O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security.

Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken falsehood, Your tongue mutters wickedness.

Isaiah 59:11 All of us growl like bears, And moan sadly like doves; We hope for justice, but there is none, For salvation, but it is far from us.

Isaiah 59:13 Transgressing and denying the LORD, And turning away from our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, Conceiving in and uttering from the heart lying words.

Jeremiah 48:31 "Therefore I will wail for Moab, Even for all Moab will I cry out; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres.

Webster says that meditate means to focus one’s thoughts on, to reflect on, to muse, to mull over or to ponder over and calls for a definite focusing of one’s thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply.  It means to to engage in contemplation or reflection, focusing one's thoughts on some truth, reflecting and pondering that truth.

Eastern meditation calls for the subject to "empty" the mind, whereas Biblical meditation calls for the filling of one's mind with God's Word of truth and life.

Meditation is the picture of a cow masticating or ruminating – bringing up previously digested food for renewed grinding and preparation for assimilation.

One simple way to do this is to memorize a verse or two and then say them to yourself once, emphasizing the first word. Then say them to yourself again, emphasizing the second word. Then say them a third time, emphasizing the third word. And so on, over and over again, until you have meditated on the reason why each word is there. Then you can start asking relational questions. If this word is used, why is that word used? The possibilities of musing and pondering and meditating are endless. And always we pray as we ponder, asking for God’s help and light. (Page 124 from Piper's book - When I Don't Desire God How to Fight for Joy - Online and free to Download)

Madvig notes that Meditation...

does not mean theoretical speculation about the law, such as the Pharisees indulged in, but a practical study of the law, for the purpose of observing it in thought and action, or carrying it out with the heart, the mouth, and the hand. Such a mode of employing it would be sure to be followed by blessings.

Marston writes of the Book of the Law...

was to be the subject of his diligent study, his mind must dwell upon its provisions. He must see in it, not simply the production of the great mind of Moses, but the inspired code which Jehovah, the King of Israel, had given for the government of His people. For himself, in all his private life and public duties; for the people, in all that might concern their individual and social welfare, here was the rule, the standard, the directory. Joshua, therefore, was to meditate day and night on the revealed will of God; that his heart being full of it, his life might proclaim it, and out of the abundance of his heart his mouth might speak. So with ourselves. No one can truly value the Word of God who does not study it and meditate upon it; none can be prepared to defend it who have not experienced its preciousness. If we would really be courageous as regards the Bible, and its teachings and requirements, we must have learned how all-sufficient it is under the operations of the Holy Spirit to direct and animate the soul. (Marston)

Spurgeon wrote that...

The man who reads but one book, and that book his Bible, and then muses (meditates, ponders) much upon it, will be a better scholar in Christ’s school than he who merely reads hundreds of books, and muses not at all. (from his sermon Quiet Musing)

Howard Hendricks commenting on Joshua 1:8 writes...

That verse shows that there is a close connection between meditating on God’s Word and acting on it. That’s going to be key when we get to Step Three (Ed: In inductive Bible study), Application. (Living By The Book by Howard Hendricks, William Hendricks - Recommended - Available on Logos and Wordsearch Bible Software)

Of pious MEDITATION, considered as a means of growth in grace, it may be remarked that it is not merely a speculative—but practical exercise: the object of it is, not merely to discover truth—but when discovered, to turn it to some practical advantage. If, for instance, the mind dwells on the infinite greatness and majesty of God—the heart kindles with a sentiment of holy admiration. If the mind contemplates the unparalleled love and mercy of God—the heart glows with a spirit of devout gratitude. If the mind contemplates the depravity and ruin of man, and particularly if it turns its eye inward on personal guilt—the bosom heaves with emotions of godly sorrow. And so in respect to every other subject to which the thoughts may be directed—the mind contemplates them not as subjects of abstract speculation—but of personal interest. (Excerpt [click for full discussion] from Lectures to Young People)

J. Vernon McGee has sage advice regarding Biblical meditation writing that

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I Will Meditate on Thy Precepts - Devotional from C H Spurgeon's Morning and Evening...

There are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on his Word spiritual strength for labour in his service. We ought to muse (to consider or examine attentively or deliberately by becoming absorbed in thought; especially turning something over in one's mind meditatively) upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them.

Truth is something like the cluster of the vine: if we would have wine from it, we must bruise it; we must press and squeeze it many times. The bruiser’s feet must come down joyfully upon the bunches, or else the juice will not flow; and they must well tread the grapes, or else much of the precious liquid will be wasted.

So we must, by meditation, tread the clusters of truth, if we would get the wine of consolation there from. Our bodies are not supported by merely taking food into the mouth, but the process which really supplies the muscle, and the nerve, and the sinew, and the bone, is the process of digestion. It is by digestion that the outward food becomes assimilated with the inner life.

Our souls are not nourished merely by listening awhile to this, and then to that, and then to the other part of divine truth. Hearing, reading, marking, and learning, all require inwardly digesting to complete their usefulness, and the inward digesting of the truth lies for the most part in meditating upon it.

Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, and do not thoughtfully meditate on God’s Word. They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to gather it; the fruit hangs upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it.

From such folly deliver us, O Lord, and be this our resolve this morning, “I will meditate in Thy precepts.”

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Musing** on my habitation,
Musing on my heav’nly home,
Fills my soul with holy longings:
Come, my Jesus, quickly come;
Vanity is all I see;
Lord, I long to be with Thee!
Lord, I long to be with Thee!

**Muse is from the Greek verb muzo which signifies to press, or utter sound with the lips compressed. The idea of muse is to ponder, to think deeply or closely, to study in silence. The idea is to become absorbed in thought especially turn something over one's mind meditatively. What greater thought to be absorbed in then the goodness and greatness of God as revealed in His Word!

Alexander Maclaren...

For the Christian soldier, then, God’s law is his marching orders. The written word, and especially the Incarnate Word, are our law of conduct. The whole science of our warfare and plan of campaign are there. We have not to take our orders from men’s lips, but we must often disregard them, that we may listen to the ‘Captain of our salvation.’ The soldier stands where his officer has posted him, and does what he was bid, no matter what may happen. Only one voice can relieve him. Though a thousand should bid him flee, and his heart should echo their advices, he is recreant if he deserts his post at the command of any but him who set him there. Obedience to others is mutiny. Nor does the Christian need another law to supplement that which Christ has given him in His pattern and teaching. Men have appended huge comments to it, and have softened some of its plain precepts which bear hard on popular sins. But the Lawgiver’s law is one thing, and the lawyers’ explanations which explain it away or darken what was clear enough, however unwelcome, are quite another. Christ has given us Himself, and therein has given a sufficient directory for conduct and conflict which fits close to all our needs, and will prove definite and practical enough if we honestly try to apply it.

The application of Christ’s law to daily life takes some courage, and is the proper field for the exercise of Christian strength. ‘Be very courageous that thou mayest observe.’ If you are not a bold Christian you will very soon get frightened out of obedience to your Master’s commandments. Courage, springing from the realization of God’s helping strength, is indispensable to make any man, in any age, live out thoroughly and consistently the principles of the law of Jesus Christ. No man in this generation will work out a punctual obedience to what he knows to be the will of God, without finding out that all the ‘Canaanites’ are not dead yet; but that there are enough of them left to make a very thorny life for the persistent follower of Jesus Christ.

And not only is there courage needed for the application of the principles of conduct which God has given us, but you will never have them handy for swift application unless, in many a quiet hour of silent, solitary, patient meditation you have become familiar with them. The recruit that has to learn on the battle-field how to use his rifle has a good chance of being dead before he has mastered the mysteries of firing. And Christian people that have their Christian principles to dig out of the Bible when the necessity comes, will likely find that the necessity is past before they have completed the excavation. The actual battle-field is no place to learn drill. If a soldier does not know how his sword hangs, and cannot get at it in a moment, he will probably draw it too late.

Meditation, the familiarizing ourselves with the ethics of Scripture, and with the hopes and powers that are treasured in Jesus Christ, so that our minds are made up upon a great many thorny questions as to what we ought to do, and that when crises or dangers come, as they have a knack of coming, very suddenly, and are sprung upon us unexpectedly, we shall be able, without much difficulty, or much time spent in perplexed searching, to fall back upon the principles that decide our conduct—that is essential to all successful and victorious Christian life.

THE SECRET OF
THE BLESSED LIFE

And it is the secret of all blessed Christian life. For there is a lovely echo of these vigorous words of command to Joshua in a very much more peaceful form in the 1st Psalm: ‘Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, . . . but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night’ (Ps 1:1, 2)—the very words that are employed in the text to describe the duty of the soldier—therefore ‘all that he doeth shall prosper.’

III. That leads to the last thought here—the sure victory of such bold obedience.

You may not get victory from an earthly point of view, for many a man that lives strong and courageous and joyfully obeying God’s law, as far as he knows it and because he loves the Lawgiver, goes through life, and finds that, as far as the world’s estimate is concerned, there is nothing but failure as his portion. Ah I but the world’s way is not the true way of estimating victory.

‘Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,’ said Jesus Christ when within arm’s-length of the Cross (Jn 16:33). And His way is the way in which we must conquer the world, if we conquer it at all (Gal 6:14).

The success which my text means is the carrying out of conscientious convictions of God’s will into practice. That is the only success that is worth talking about or looking for. The man that succeeds in obeying and translating God’s will into conduct is the victor, whatever be the outward fruits of his life. He may go out of the field beaten, according to the estimate of men that can see no higher than their own height, and little further than their own finger tips can reach; he may himself feel that the world has gone past him, and that he has not made much of it; he may have to lie down at last unknown, poor, with all his bright hopes that danced before him in childhood gone, and sore beaten by the enemies; but if he is able to say in the strength that Christ gives, ‘I have finished my course; I have kept the faith,’ (2Ti 4:8) his ‘way has prospered,’ and he has had’ good success.’ ‘We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.’ (Maclaren on Joshua)

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F B Meyer writes...

THE INDWELLING OF THE WORD OF GOD. Coal contains within its texture the strength absorbed from the sun in bygone ages; so words will pass on to men the heroic thoughts which thrilled the souls of those who spake them first. There are words, as there are strains of music, which cannot be uttered without nerving men to dare and do, to attempt and achieve. A woman will be strong to wait and suffer for long years in the strength of a sentence spoken by her lover as he parted from her: An army has before now forgot sleepless nights and hungry marches in the stirring harangue of its general. And is not this what the prophet meant, when he said, “Thy words were found and I did eat them, and Thy words were unto me a joy, and the rejoicing of my heart”? (Jer 15:16) and what Jesus meant when He said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life “? (Jn 6:63) We can do all things when Christ is in us in unthwarted power (Php 4:13). The only limit lies in our faith and capacity, or, in other words, in our absolute submission to His indwelling. Little children can overcome when there is within them a Stronger than their foes (cp Mt 17:20, Mk 9:24!). Weaklings may do exploits when the Mighty Conqueror who travels in the greatness of His strength makes them the vehicle of His progress.

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A good working Bible: — Rare botanical specimens are found by diligent searching. It is by earnest and prayerful study of the Bible theft we discover truths that we may call our own. We have a brother who has been working in the gold mines of California for many years. He has a watch-chain that he greatly values because the gold in it is what he searched and dug out of the mountain himself by hard labour and much sacrifice. Truths discovered  as the result of hard study are very precious to us. The Bible should be an every-day book to us. A very handsome and expensive Bible on the parlour stand, covered with a bric-a-brac, is of little value as compared with a good working Bible. A well-known Sunday-school worker tells of going into a house in North Wales. As he sat by a table talking with a little girl, he picked up a Bible, when she instantly said, “That’s my mother’s every-day Bible, sir; I’ll give you the Sunday Bible if you want to read.” We all need an every-day Bible, one that can be handled easily and conveniently — a Bible with every precious promise and every verse that has been especially helpful to us marked. The Jews were commanded to read the Scripture all the time, to write it upon the door-posts; to have it as frontiers between their eyes; to talk of it by the way, and teach it to their children and children’s children. (Home Messenger.)

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F B Meyer in the second chapter entitled The Divine Commission writes that...

Words pass on to men the heroic thoughts which thrilled the souls of those who spake them first. There are words, as there are strains of music, which cannot be uttered without nerving men to dare and do, to attempt and achieve.

- A woman will be strong to wait and suffer for long years in the strength of a sentence spoken by her lover as he parted from her.

- An army has before now forgotten sleepless nights and hungry marches in the stirring harangue of its general.

And is not this what the prophet meant, when he said, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart”: and what Jesus meant when he said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life”?

We must meditate on the words of God, because it is through the Word of God that the Spirit of God comes in fullness to be the mighty occupant of our inner man. This, after all, is the secret of strength to be possessed of the strong Son of God, strengthened by his indwelling might, and filled by his Spirit.

We can do all things when Christ is in us in unthwarted power.

The only limit lies in our faith and capacity; or, in other words, in our absolute submission to his indwelling. Little children can overcome when there is within them a Stronger than their foes. Weaklings may do exploits when the Mighty Conqueror who travels in the greatness of his strength makes them the vehicle of his progress. Nobodies, nonentities, broken reeds, bleached jaw-bones, quills plucked from the wild-fowl, and arrows that a babe could snap, accomplish marvels, because they are the channels through which the mysterious current of divine power and Godhead flows forth to the world.

Our risen Lord is charged with power.

It is stored in him as in a cistern for us. As the force of the brain is communicated to the members by the energy of the vital current flashing along the nerves, so does the power of Jesus come to us, his members, by the Holy Ghost. And if we would have that blessed Spirit, we must seek him, not only in the fervid meeting or in the great convocation, but through the Word, wherein his force is stored. Meditate on it day and night, till it yield to thee strength and good courage, drawn from the nature of the glorified Redeemer. Thy God hath commanded thy strength: claim it from Jesus, through faith, by his Spirit, and in his Word. Be strong in your weakness through the strengthening might of Christ. Take weakness, weariness, faint-heartedness, and difficulty, into his presence; they will melt as hoar-frost in sunbeams. Give yourself wholly up to him, to do or die, as he shall choose. Then anoint your head, and wash your face. You shall have your inheritance in Timnath-heres (the portion of the sun); you shall make your way prosperous, and have good success; and you shall lead a nation to inherit the Land of Promise. (Joshua and the Land of Promise)

In regard to this "book of the law" A W Tozer said...

Read it much, read it often, brood over it, think over it, meditate over it—meditate on the Word of God day and night. When you are awake at night, think of a helpful verse. When you get up in the morning, no matter how you feel, think of a verse and make the Word of God the important element in your day. The Holy Ghost wrote the Word, and if you make much of the Word, He will make much of you. It is through the Word that He reveals Himself. Between those covers is a living Book. God wrote it and it is still vital and effective and alive. God is in this Book, the Holy Ghost is in this Book, and if you want to find Him, go into this Book.

Meditation on the Person and works of God can bring refreshment and invigoration to any believer (cp "rest for your souls" - Mt 11:28, 29, 30).

I want to point out the frequency with which biblical truth should percolate through your mind: “day and night.” That leads me to ask, What portion of Scripture was I thinking about this morning as I started my day? While I was at work? As I made my way home? For that matter, when was the last time I consciously reflected on biblical truths and principles? (Living By The Book by Howard Hendricks, William Hendricks - Recommended - Available on Logos and Wordsearch Bible Software)

SO THAT YOU MAY BE CAREFUL TO DO ACCORDING TO ALL THAT IS WRITTEN IN IT: (Careful to do: Dt 5:29,32,33 6:1-3 Mt 7:21,24 28:20 Lk 11:28 Jn 13:17 14:21 Jas 1:22 23 24 25 Rev 22:14)

HEARING &
HEEDING

Be careful to do - "can carefully obey" (NET), "so that you will faithfully do everything written in them" (GW)

Joshua 1:8 lays down the immutable principle which is the key to the "victorious Christian life"...

Obey God's Word ~ Victory & Blessing
Disobey God's Word ~ Defeat & Trial

Meditation must be accompanied by doing! If meditation does not affect our behavior, we are deluding ourselves. James made this important principle clear in the NT, cautioning his readers...

But prove (present imperative = make this your habitual practice) yourselves doers (poietes) of the word, and not merely hearers (akroates) who delude (paralogizomai in the present tense = continually delude) themselves. (Why is adherence to this command so critical?) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But (What is the refreshing contrast?) one who looks intently (parakupto = bend one's head forward to look into carefully) at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed (makarios) in what he does. (Jas 1:22, 23, 24-note; Jas 1:25-note)

The great Puritan writer Thomas Manton said that...

Meditation is in order to practice; and if it be right, it will beget a respect to the ways of God. We do not meditate that we may rest in contemplation, but in order to obedience.

Careful (08104) (shamar) means to watch, to keep, to preserve, to guard, to be careful, to watch over, to watch carefully over, to be on one's guard. The verb means to watch, to guard, to care for. The first use of shamar in Scripture gives us a good sense of its intended meaning for Adam was to shamar or to watch over and care for the Garden of Eden where the Lord had placed him (Ge 2:15)

Wiersbe rightly observes that...

the secret of Joshua’s victories was not his skill with the sword but his submission to the Word of God (Josh 1:8) and to the God of the Word (Joshua 5:13 14 15). (Wiersbe, W. W. . Be Strong. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books)

To do (06213) ('asah) is used over 2000x in the OT and means to  do or make in a general sense. To accomplish.

F B Meyer wrote that all through the Scriptures...

We are taught, not for our pleasure only, but that we may do. If we will turn each holy precept or command into instant obedience, through the dear grace of Jesus Christ our Lord, God will keep nothing back from us; He will open to us His deepest and sweetest thoughts. But so long as we refuse obedience to even the least command, we shall find that the light will fade from the page of Scripture, and the zest will die down quickly in our own hearts.

Spurgeon comments that...

Yes, the Lord will be with us in our holy war, but He demands of us that we strictly follow His rules.

1. Our victories will very much depend upon our obeying Him with all our heart, throwing strength and courage into the actions of our faith. If we are half-hearted, we cannot expect more than half a blessing.

2. We must obey the Lord with care and thoughtfulness.

3. We must obey with universal readiness. We may not pick and choose, but must take all the Lord’s commands as they come.

4. In all this we must go on with exactness and constancy. Ours is to be a straightforward courage, which bends neither to the right nor to the left.

All - Means just that - all without exception. Thus everything written must be observed, because partial obedience is really no obedience. As someone has well said, when we study the Bible "hit or miss," we MISS more than we HIT!

Moses records God's formula for success...

So keep (shamar) the words of this covenant to do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. (Deut 29:9)

Compare similar statement in First Kings and First Chronicles...

And keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, so that the LORD may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.' (1Ki 2:3,4)

Then you shall prosper (tsalach = same word translated prosperous in Josh 1:8), if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed. (1Chr 22:13)

William Newell writes...

Concerning the possession of Canaan, note the authority for it (God's command - Josh 1:2), the attitude for it (arise - Josh1:2), the path to it (over Jordan - Josh 1:2), the extent of it (all the land - Josh 1:4),  the method of it (occupation - Josh 1:3), the encouragement for it (invincibility - Josh 1:5), the incitement to it (the promise of success - Joshua 1:6), the great 'double secret' of it (constant use of and literal obedience to the Word of God - Josh 1:7 8), the all inclusive pledge of possession (the constant presence of God - Josh 1:9) Apply all these things to yourself, in view of Ep 1:3. (Lessons from Joshua - The Book of Possession)

A W Tozer...

Bible: neglect of; Meditation; Distractions - The present neglect of the inspired Scriptures by civilized man is a shame and a scandal; for those same Scriptures tell him all he wants to know, or should want to know, about God, his own soul and human destiny.…Whatever keeps me from the Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to be. Whatever engages my attention when I should be meditating on God and things eternal does injury to my soul. Let the cares of life crowd out the Scriptures from my mind and I have suffered loss where I can least afford it. Let me accept anything else instead of the Scriptures and I have been cheated and robbed to my eternal confusion. (Tozer, A. W., & Eggert, R.. The Tozer Topical Reader 1:21. Camp Hill, PA.: WingSpread)

FOR THEN YOU WILL MAKE YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS, AND THEN YOU WILL HAVE SUCCESS:

BEWARE OF
PROOF TEXTING!

Beware of misinterpretation of Joshua 1:8 - This verse is not a promise of material or financial success and should not be "used" as a proof text to defend such false teaching. In the immediate context of the conquest of Canaan by Israel, the promise to Joshua is for military success, not financial success. In fact there is no mention of finances in the entire first chapter of Joshua. This verse then serves as an excellent illustration of the importance of never interpreting a single verse outside of its context (See discussion of Keeping Context King when interpreting Scripture). And don't take a single verse and use it as a proof text as some false teachers do.

For then - This is a term of conclusion or explanation. Whenever you encounter one in Scripture, pause and ask what is being concluded or explained (in so doing you will be in a sense "meditating" on the passage!). When will Joshua make his way prosperous and have success? When he meditates and heeds the Word. Obedience is the gateway to material blessing for Joshua (who without doubt was also spiritual blessed by meditation and obedience) and for spiritual blessing in the case of NT believers.

For then you will make your way prosperous - This generally expresses the idea of a successful venture, as contrasted with failure. The source of such success is God: "...as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper" (2Chr 26:5). The root means to accomplish satisfactorily what is intended.  In our lives as Christians, success and prosperity are not to be measured by the physical, material standards of the world. The issue for us is spiritual blessing; spiritual prosperity. We can choose to set out on our own to become materially successful. In the words of our text, that would be turning to the right hand or to the left. But the reality is that we can achieve the goal and live to regret it. There are some famous words by George MacDonald, the Scottish novelist and Christian apologist: "In whatever a man does without God, he must fail miserably or succeed more miserably." It is possible to know physical and material success and yet be an absolute failure spiritually. Meditating on the Scriptures will help us evaluate our motives in decision-making with regard to success and prosperity. We will learn to ask ourselves the right questions out of the word of God.

Warren Wiersbe comments that...

In the life of the Christian believer, prosperity and success aren’t to be measured by the standards of the world. These blessings are the by-products of a life devoted to God and His Word. If you set out on your own to become prosperous and successful, you may achieve your goal and live to regret it. “In whatever man does without God,” wrote Scottish novelist George MacDonald, “he must fail miserably, or succeed more miserably.” The questions God’s people need to ask are: Did we obey the will of God? Were we empowered by the Spirit of God? Did we serve to the glory of God? If we can answer yes to these questions, then our ministry has been successful in God’s eyes, no matter what people may think. (Wiersbe, W. W. . Be Strong. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books)

Way (01870)(derek) means way, road, journey, manner, work. In this context it refers to one's actions and/or behavior.

Prosperous (06743) (tsalach) conveys the root idea accomplishing satisfactorily what is intended and thus generally expresses idea of a successful venture, as contrasted with failure. The source of such success is God and the steady intake of His Word.

Tsalach - 54v in NAS - Ge 24:21, 40, 42, 56; 39:2f, 23; Num 14:41; Deut 28:29; Josh 1:8; Judg 18:5; 1 Kgs 22:12, 15; 1 Chr 22:11, 13; 29:23; 2 Chr 7:11; 13:12; 14:7; 18:11, 14; 20:20; 24:20; 26:5; 31:21; 32:30; Neh 1:11; 2:20; Ps 1:3; 37:7; 45:4; 118:25; Prov 28:13; Isa 48:15; 53:10; 54:17; 55:11; Jer 2:37; 5:28; 12:1; 13:7, 10; 22:30; 32:5; Ezek 15:4; 16:13; 17:9f, 15; Dan 8:12, 24f; 11:27, 36. NAS = advanced(1), give us success(1), made his successful(1), make his successful(1), make your prosperous(1), make your successful(1), prosper(16), prospered(7), prosperous(1), prospers(2), send prosperity(1), succeed(10), succeeding(1), successful(4), successfully completed(1), thrive(2), useful(1), victoriously(1), worthless*(2).

Success (07919) (sakal) primarily means to be prudent,  to act with insight, to give insight. In the present context it can mean to succeed, to prosper or to accomplish an activity thoroughly and with success.

Sakal - 61v in NAS - Gen 3:6; Deut 29:9; 32:29; Josh 1:7f; 1 Sam 18:5, 14f, 30; 1 Kgs 2:3; 2 Kgs 18:7; 1 Chr 28:19; 2 Chr 30:22; Neh 8:13; 9:20; Job 22:2; 34:27, 35; Ps 2:10; 14:2; 32:8; 36:3; 41:1; 53:2; 64:9; 94:8; 101:2; 106:7; 119:99; Prov 1:3; 10:5, 19; 14:35; 15:24; 16:20, 23; 17:2, 8; 19:14; 21:11f, 16; Isa 41:20; 44:18; 52:13; Jer 3:15; 9:24; 10:21; 20:11; 23:5; 50:9; Dan 1:4, 17; 9:13, 22, 25; 11:33, 35; 12:3, 10; Amos 5:13. NAS = act wisely(1), acts wisely(3), behaved himself wisely(1), comprehend(1), consider(1), considers(2), discern(1), expert(1), failed*(1), gain insight(2), give you insight(1), give heed(1), gives attention(1), giving attention(1), had...regard(1), have insight(4), have success(2), insight(1), instruct(2), instructed(1), instructs(1), intelligence(1), prosper(2), prospered(3), prospering(2), prospers(1), prudent(2), show discernment(1), showed(1), showing intelligence(1), succeed(1), understand(4), understanding(2), understands(2), understood(1), wisdom(1), wise(6), wise behavior(1).

Joshua 1:8 by way of application is calling all believers to learn to think "Biblically",  saturating ourselves with the Word of God, so that we live "Biblically" in all our thoughts, words and actions. This is surely the "abundant" life to which Jesus referred (Jn 10:10b)! The prosperity and success includes a transformed increasingly Christlike character (cp the fruit of the Spirit = Gal 5:22-note, Gal 5:23-note)

And then you will have success - The Hebrew word means to be prudent and so to act with insight, which can mean "be successful" by metonymy. The Septuagint (LXX) translates it with Greek word "sunesis" (click) meaning understanding, the idea being able to put together the pieces and make sense out of a set of facts presented to one's mind. Sunesis is the idea of putting "2" and "2" together so to speak. It describes one's ability to assess a situation and decide what practical course of action is necessary, a quality which would have been especially valuable for Joshua who was daily faced with decisions as he led Israel into enemy territory in order to possess their possessions. In the context of this verse Joshua's "ability" to lead with understanding was integrally related to his steady "diet" of the pure milk of God's Word. And what was God's promise to Joshua? Success in the way that God defines "success".

Am I totally committed to the will of God in this action, this choice, this endeavor? Am I relying completely on the Spirit of God to empower me, or am I trusting my own resources? Am I serving the glory of God ultimately? If I can answer those questions with a yes, then my ministry, my activity, my relationships will be successful in God's eyes, no matter what people think and no matter what the physical, material outcome is.

Wiersbe...

Victorious Christians are people who know the promises of God, because they spend time meditating on God’s Word (Josh 1:8); they believe the promises of God, because the Word of God generates faith in their hearts (Ro 10:17); and they reckon on these promises and obey what God tells them to do. To “reckon” means to count as true in your life what God says about you in His Word. (Ibid)

Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission (Overseas Missionary Fellowship) made a similar statement

God’s work done in God’s way
will not lack God’s supply.

Not only are God’s presence and power essential for success in His work, but we must also work according to God’s revealed will. It is easy to fall into the trap of substituting human wisdom and understanding for obedience to God’s Word.

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The Way To Success - During the Chinese New Year it is customary for hongbaos (small red envelopes containing money) to be given away. When parents give hongbaos to their children, it is also to wish them prosperity and success. Knowing that this sincere wish is insufficient, however, they also remind their children to study hard. Chinese people generally believe that a good education is the key to one’s success in life.

In Joshua 1, God told Joshua that his ways could prosper as he assumed Moses’ leadership role. But he and the people needed to display courage in the face of stiff opposition as they entered the Promised Land (Josh 1:6). God promised to give them success if they heeded His “Book of the Law” (Josh 1:8).

Believers today also need to live according to God’s Word if we are to enjoy success in our spiritual walk. The Bible contains not only the do’s and don’ts for living but also records the life experiences of those who pleased or displeased God.

We, like Joshua, have God’s promise that He will be with us always (Josh 1:9; Matt. 28:20). That should give us strength to face the challenges and difficulties that inevitably arise as we seek to please Him.

Be strong! It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long;
Faint not—fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song.
—Babcock

When facing a crisis,
trust God and move forward.

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Recipe For Success - Wrinkled noses and puckered lips—sometimes this is my family’s reaction to my cooking, especially when I’m trying something new in the kitchen. Recently, I had a breakthrough with a unique version of macaroni and cheese. I jotted down the ingredients and tucked the recipe away for future reference. Without that set of instructions, I knew the next batch would be a flop.

Without God’s instructions, Joshua would have failed at leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. The first step was to “be strong and of good courage” (Josh. 1:6). Next, he was to continually meditate on the Book of the Law, and finally, he was to do everything it said. As long as Joshua followed the directions, God promised him “good success” (v.8).

God’s “recipe for success” can work for us too, but His idea of success has little to do with money, popularity, or even good health. In the original Hebrew, “then you will have good success” means “then you will act wisely.” Just as God called Joshua to walk in wisdom, He wants us to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” (Eph. 5:15).

As we take courage in the Lord, feast on His Word, and obey Him, we have a recipe for godly success that’s better than anything we could cook up on our own.

You will surely find at the journey’s end,
Whatever the world may afford,
That things fade away, and success is seen
In the life that has served the Lord.
—Anon.

Obedience to God’s Word
is the recipe for spiritual success.

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An old sailor repeatedly got lost at sea, so his friends gave him a compass and urged him to use it. The next time he went out in his boat, he followed their advice and took the compass with him. But as usual he became hopelessly confused and was unable to find his way back. Finally he was rescued by his friends.

Disgusted and impatient with him, they asked, “Why didn’t you use that compass we gave you? You could have saved us a lot of trouble!”

The sailor responded, “I didn’t dare to! I wanted to go north, but as hard as I tried to make the needle aim in that direction, it just kept pointing southeast.” He was so certain he knew which way was north that he stubbornly tried to force his own personal conviction on his compass.

After the death of Moses, God spoke to Joshua just before he led Israel into the Promised Land. The Lord reminded Joshua of His law and told him, “Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Josh. 1:7).

Those who follow God’s instructions and warnings are spared the waste of foolish wandering and the heartache of shipwreck and ruin. We must ask God to point the way. Then let’s trust the compass of His Word.

All the way my Savior leads me—
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
—Crosby

To know God's will, trust His Word.

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Woodrow Kroll has the following devotional on Lessons on Living...

The Key to Good Success - My local newspaper reported that a man and woman who tried to hop a Union Pacific train from North Platte, Nebraska, to Omaha were being held in Dawson County jail on trespass charges. But the couple wouldn't have gotten to Omaha even if they hadn't been apprehended; the train was headed to Kansas City.

Many people who think they're on the train headed for success are really going in the opposite direction. History is awash with examples of men and women who found a form of success, but lived to regret it. It was not what the Bible calls "good" success. Lord Byron, who achieved fame both as a poet and a libertine, wrote at the age of 35:

My days are in the yellow leaf,
The flowers and fruits of love are gone;
The worm, the canker, and the grief
Are mine alone.

God's success is far different; it's always headed in the right direction. Joshua was assured that if he lived consistent with what was written in God's Word, he would achieve success--but not just any success. God's promise to Joshua, as well as to you and me, is that if we live by all that is written in the Bible, we will achieve "good" success. The key to good success is obedience to God's Word. If you conform your life to God's will, as it is revealed in His Word, you'll experience the kind of success that will be a blessing rather than a burden. Only a good God can give good success. (Back to the Bible)

William Newell has these encouraging introductory thoughts on the Book of Joshua...

The Book of Possession - We have before us now a book of great delight to the spiritual Christian. All through the Christian centuries Joshua has yielded priceless treasures to those saints who have been '' overcomers" (Rev. 2, 3). For those who have been content merely to '' get to heaven," this book has not, perhaps, presented any special attractions; but those who have been warrior-saints, who were determined to " reign with Christ" at whatever cost (Ro 8:17; 2Ti 2:12; Rev 2:26, Rev 2:27), have ever found a very fortress of strength in this wonderful book. No book is more full of encouragement, wisdom and invigoration for the spiritual soldier. This land to be possessed, these deadly enemies the conditions of successful occupation, the Jordan-crossing, the successive conflicts, the division of the land—all these things are of intense interest to the instructed Christian mind. New and deeper meanings are ever unfolded from these simple stories to those who have learned their true position in the risen Christ (Cp Related Resource =  in Christ), and what their own real conflict is and feel their need of instruction and equipment for it. It is our humble hope that some may be led through these lessons to recognize these spiritual treasures in the book of Joshua, and to enter upon their appropriation...The key-word of Deuteronomy is obedience. Its great object is to be the preparation of the chosen, redeemed and disciplined people of God to enter upon their inheritance, to conquer it and, through constant faithfulness, to hold it perpetually as the head of the nations. (Dt 26:18 19 11:8 22 23 24 25; 28:1-14 32:46, 47)...The first five books see the people chosen and established (Dt 29: 13, 13) as the people of God: outwardly on the basis of the legal covenant, but really on the basis of God's covenant of promise with Abraham. (Ge. 15:11 12 13 14 15 16 and Ge 17:7 8 9 10; cf. Dt 29:13, and Gal 3:15 16 17 18). Under the second great division of the Bible, which includes the twelve books following Deuteronomy, the trial of Israel in the land under the legal covenant is given, with its result—utter failure....In Joshua we shall find the nation on the whole obedient to God, though the seeds of the failure so apparent in Judges will be discovered. Israel, as one has said, must be shown to be not only ungodly, as in Ex. 32, but without strength (Ro 5:6); not only guilty, but helpless, unable to obey God's holy law in their own power. Till man learns both these lessons, God cannot come to him in grace.

BOOK OF JOSHUA
PARALLELS
BOOK OF EPHESIANS

The book of Joshua will be found very rich in spiritual and typical truth, because there is a realm of promise granted to the Christian corresponding to the land of Canaan as given to Israel. In the book of Ephesians, which sets forth the church's inheritance, and corresponds to the book of Joshua, this realm is called "the heavenly places." (Ep 1:20 2:5, 6) To be in Christ is to be in this realm: that is, every real believer now is already in "the heavenly places." In Ep 1:3 are seen our possessions there—that which is already ours and is to be entered on by faith. Compare 2Pe 1:3, 4. and Josh 1:3. The law of possession is seen in Mt 9:29 —"According to your faith be it unto you." The secret of getting these wonderful things into our experience is to believe that they all are already ours in fact, in the Lord Jesus Christ, in Whom, we are. When, as did Israel, we fully believe that our Canaan really belongs to us— hath been (past tense!) granted to us, not will be (future tense!) granted to us, we are ready to march forward with victorious faith to take possession.

The knowledge and constant realization in experience of this our standing in Christ, is absolutely necessary, it we would have any real liberty or joy in the study of these Old Testament Scriptures.. It is, alas, rather the exception than the rule, in these days to find Christians whose lives fit the heavenly places where God puts them, Ep 2:6. Not that their failure to realize their position, possessions, and privileges, changes at all these blessed facts. Thank God, no! Christ has forever secured all things for us by His own finished work. But it is to be feared that Paul would class most of the Church today as Galatians and say. "I am perplexed about you." (Gal 4:20). Whence all this observing of "days, months, seasons, years" (Gal 4:10), in modern Christendom, if this be not true, that they are desiring to be "again under bondage"' (Gal. 4:9, 21)....It is to be gravely doubted if the many of Christians today know experimentally what that word grace (charis) means. And yet it is the key-word of Church truth....

The separate and distinct callings of Israel and the Church must be thoroughly apprehended, in order to our right application of the different parts of Scripture (especially of the Old Testament) and our definite grasping, by appropriating faith, of those things given peculiarly to believers of the present dispensation.

In 1Co 10:11 is set forth a great principle of Biblical interpretation, which, though ignored by many, and even ridiculed by others, has, nevertheless, furnished untold riches to those who have humbly and believingly approached, by its direction, the examination of the material of the Old Testament. The passage is:

Now all these things happened unto them for types [literal margin]; and they were written for our admonition.