Book of Joshua Leadership Quotes

How we cite our quotes:

Quote #1

No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. (NRSV 1:5)

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV 1:5)

Just as Joshua is a leader to the Israelites, God is Joshua's leader. He inspires Joshua to lead the Israelites effectively, just as Moses led the Israelites. It's a nice system they have going on. God—Joshua—Israel—God.

Quote #2

To the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said, "Remember the word that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, 'The LORD your God is providing you a place of rest, and will give you this land.' Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan. But all the warriors among you shall cross over armed before your kindred and shall help them, until the LORD gives rest to your kindred as well as to you, and they too take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to your own land and take possession of it, the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan to the east." (NRSV 1:12-15)

And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising. (KJV 1:12-15)

Joshua has a tough act to follow. Moses was so incredibly popular amongst the Israelites that if Joshua fails to measure up to him, then the whole culture could crumble. Fortunately, Joshua's task was different than Moses', allowing him to emulate Moses, but at the same time walk his own path.

Quote #3

Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho." So they went, and entered the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and spent the night there. (NRSV 2:1)

And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. (KJV 2:1)

Part of being a good leader is delegating. In this case, Joshua sends two spies into the Promised Land so he doesn't have to go himself because it's super dangerous. Delegating at its finest.