This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Joshua 1, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
A long, long time ago, the Israelites were led by a man named Moses. But when Moses passed away, God chose a man named Joshua to be the new leader.
One day, God spoke to Joshua and said, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.” God promised Joshua that he would be with him just as He was with Moses, and that he should be strong and courageous.
God also gave Joshua important instructions. He said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 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 good success.”
Joshua listened to God’s instructions and passed them on to the people. He commanded them to prepare to cross the Jordan River in three days, and to take possession of the land that God had promised to give them. Some of the people already had land on the other side of the river, so Joshua reminded them that they needed to help their fellow Israelites take over the new land. The men promised to obey Joshua, just as they obeyed Moses, and to put to death anyone who disobeyed his commands.
The people said to Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses! Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”
Biblical Lessons
- God chooses leaders to guide and protect His people.
- God fulfills His promises, just as He promised to give the Israelites the land.
- God expects His people to obey His commands and follow His laws.
- Being strong and courageous is important when facing challenges.
- We should help others and work together to achieve God’s plans.
- Meditating on God’s word and following His commands lead to success.
