Joshua 1:8

8 "1This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may [a]be careful to do according to all that is written in it; 2for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will [b]have success.

Joshua 1:8 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth
He 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. Jarchi restrains it to the book of Deuteronomy now before him:

but thou shalt meditate therein day and night;
whenever he had any leisure from the important business of his office, whether by day or night, see ( Psalms 1:2 ) ;

that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written
therein;
which frequent speaking of it, and constant meditation on it, would lead unto:

for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have
good success;
in his wars with the Canaanites.

Joshua 1:8 In-Context

6 "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
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.
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.
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."
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

Cross References 2

  • 1. Deuteronomy 31:24; Joshua 8:34
  • 2. Deuteronomy 29:9; Psalms 1:1-3

Footnotes 2

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.