JOSHUA Chapter 1
God commands Joshua to lead the people unto the land of Canaan, Joshua 1:1-3. Its borders, Joshua 1:4. God promises to assist him, Joshua 1:5,6; commanding him to observe the law, Joshua 1:7-9. He prepares the people to pass over Jordan, Joshua 1:10,11. Reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses, Joshua 1:12-15; which they are ready to do, and all promise to obey, Joshua 1:16-18.
After the death of Moses; either immediately after it, or when the days of mourning for Moses were expired. Joshua was appointed and declared Moses's successor in the government before this time, and therefore doubtless entered upon the government instantly after his death; and here he receives confirmation from God therein.
The servant of the Lord: this title is given to Moses here and Joshua 1:2, as also Deuteronomy 34:5, and is oft repeated, not without cause; partly, to reflect honour upon him; partly, to give authority to his laws and writings, in publishing whereof he only acted as God's servant, in his name and stead: and partly, that the Israelites might not think of Moses above what was meet, remembering that he was not the Lord himself, but only the Lord's servant; and therefore not to be worshipped, nor yet to be too pertinaciously followed in all his institutions, when the Lord himself should come and abolish part of the Mosaical dispensation; it being but reasonable that he who was only a servant in God's house, should give place to him who was the Son, and Heir, and Lord of it, as Christ was. See Hebrews 3:3,5,6. The Lord spake; either in a dream or vision, or by Urim, Numbers 27:21.
Moses's minister, i.e. who had waited upon Moses in his great employments, and thereby been privy to his managery of the government, and so fitted and prepared for it.