Joshua 1 records God’s commissioning of Joshua as Moses’ successor, the charge to cross the Jordan and take the land, and the call to courage and obedience. These questions are for small groups, Sunday school classes, and personal study. Each section moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes everyday life.
Joshua 1 at a Glance
The chapter opens after Moses’ death, with the LORD speaking directly to Joshua and promising the land from the wilderness to the great river. God repeats the assurance that no one will be able to stand against Joshua and that the LORD will not fail or forsake him. The command to be strong and courageous appears several times, tied to careful obedience to the law Moses gave.
The middle of the chapter shifts to practical leadership. Joshua orders the people to prepare provisions for crossing the Jordan within three days, then reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh of the promise they made to Moses. Their pledge to fight alongside their brothers and to follow Joshua closes the chapter.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first to establish what the text actually states. Read the chapter aloud once before discussing, and invite people to point to specific words rather than summarize from memory.
1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go across this Jordan, you, and all these people, to the land which I am giving to them, even to the children of Israel.
Joshua 1:1-2 (WEB)
Joshua 1:5
No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.
(WEB)
This verse gathers the core promise of the chapter, so it is a good opening text. Reading it aloud sets the tone for the whole discussion of God’s faithfulness.
Joshua 1:6
“Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
(WEB)
Reading the call to courage in its full context helps the group see that courage is a response to God’s promise. It invites the question of what the people are being asked to believe.
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
(WEB)
This verse connects obedience with meditation and success, and reading it aloud draws attention to the role of Scripture in daily life. It is especially useful when discussing practical habits.
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(WEB)
The repeated command not to fear, followed by the promise of God’s presence, is the emotional center of the chapter. Reading it in full gives the group a chance to hear the words together.
Joshua 1:16-17
16 They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses.
(WEB)
The people’s response to Joshua closes the chapter with a pledge of loyalty. Reading it aloud allows the group to consider what it means to commit to a leader under God.
Memory Verse for Joshua 1
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you as Joshua did, aware that the work ahead is larger than we are. Thank you for the promise that you are with us wherever we go, and that you will not fail or forsake us. Give us courage that rests in your word rather than in our own strength. Help us to meditate on Scripture day and night, and to walk in its wisdom in ordinary weeks. Make us faithful to one another as the tribes were faithful to their brothers, and give us hearts willing to follow where you lead. Amen.
