Joshua Becomes the Leader of Israel

²My servant Moses is dead. Now you must lead Israel across the Jordan River into the land I'm giving to all of you. ³Wherever you go, I'll give you that land, as I promised Moses. ⁴It will reach from the Southern Desert to the Lebanon Mountains in the north, and to the northeast as far as the great Euphrates River. It will include the land of the Hittites, and the land from here at the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea on the west. ⁵Joshua, I will always be with you and help you as I helped Moses, and no one will ever be able to defeat you.

^6-8Long ago I promised the ancestors of Israel that I would give this land to their descendants. So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land.

⁹I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the LORD your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.