Joshua 1:1-18
In the book of Joshua we enter the promised land with the people of Israel to take possession of it. A new leader replaces Moses: Joshua whom we know already because we saw him in his youth as a warrior (Exodus 17:9), a disciple (Exodus 33:11), a servant (Numbers 11:28), a witness (Numbers 14:6). After long years of training in the wilderness, he is now called to a position of tremendous responsibility. As he faces up to the task, he is encouraged again by the LORD (vv. 6, 7, 9) and by his brethren (v. 18) with this exhortation, "This book of the law (for us the whole Word of God) shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night . . . " That was to be the secret of his spiritual success . . . and ours too (v. 8).
The book of Joshua illustrates the truths which are developed in Ephesians. Like the children of Israel who fought to conquer Canaan, so believers must wage spiritual battles to enjoy the heavenly places. And the message to them is the same as that given to Joshua: "Be strong in the Lord . . . stand therefore . . ." (Ephesians 6:10; Ephesians 6:14). Moses represents Christ leading His own out of the world, but Joshua is a type of the Spirit of Jesus (the same Hebrew name) who leads believers into heaven.