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Joshua 1:8

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This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

This book {H5612} of the law {H8451} shall not depart {H4185} out of thy mouth {H6310}; but thou shalt meditate {H1897} therein day {H3119} and night {H3915}, that thou mayest observe {H8104} to do {H6213} according to all that is written {H3789} therein: for then thou shalt make {H6743} thy way {H1870} prosperous {H6743}, and then thou shalt have good success {H7919}.

Yes, keep this book of the Torah on your lips, and meditate on it day and night, so that you will take care to act according to everything written in it. Then your undertakings will prosper, and you will succeed.

This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Commentary

This powerful verse is a foundational promise and command given by God to Joshua as he took leadership after Moses, preparing to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Context

Joshua chapter 1 marks a pivotal transition. Moses, the great lawgiver, has died, and Joshua is commissioned by God to lead the next generation of Israelites across the Jordan River to inherit the land promised to their ancestors. God encourages Joshua, assuring him of His presence and strength. Amidst these assurances, God gives specific instructions regarding the "book of the law," emphasizing its central role in Joshua's leadership and the nation's success in conquering and settling the land.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to God's Word: The command to "observe to do according to all that is written therein" underscores that hearing or knowing the law is insufficient; active obedience is required.
  • Meditation on Scripture: The phrase "meditate therein day and night" highlights the importance of deep, continuous reflection on God's commands, not just casual reading. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 1:2 regarding the blessed man's delight in the law.
  • Divine Promise of Success: God explicitly links obedience to the law with "prosperous" ways and "good success." This isn't a guarantee of ease, but of divine favor and effectiveness in fulfilling God's purposes, particularly the challenging task ahead.
  • The Authority of the Law: The "book of the law" (likely referring to the first five books, the Pentateuch, given through Moses) is presented as the ultimate guide and standard for life and leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "meditate" is hagah (הָגָה). It carries the sense of muttering, speaking, or pondering deeply. It's not silent contemplation but often involves vocalizing or internalizing the words, allowing them to profoundly shape one's thoughts and actions. This deep engagement ensures the law doesn't "depart out of thy mouth."

Reflection and Application

For believers today, this verse remains highly relevant. The "book of the law" can be seen as a type of the entire Bible, God's revealed will. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable. Just as Joshua needed constant grounding in God's word for his daunting task, we need consistent engagement with the Bible to navigate life's challenges and fulfill God's calling on us.

Success, from a biblical perspective, is often defined not by worldly achievements but by faithful obedience to God. This verse teaches that true prosperity and success in God's eyes come from internalizing His word through meditation and living it out obediently. It's a call to make God's word the compass for our lives, ensuring our steps are aligned with His will.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 119:15 (202 votes)

    I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

  • Psalms 19:14 (147 votes)

    Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

  • Colossians 3:16 (139 votes)

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

  • Proverbs 3:1 (124 votes)

    ¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

  • Deuteronomy 29:9 (122 votes)

    Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

  • John 14:21 (120 votes)

    He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

  • Luke 11:28 (107 votes)

    But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.