Joshua 1:8

8 The scroll of this law will not depart from your mouth; you will meditate on it day and night so that {you may observe diligently all that is written}^[a] in it. For then you will succeed [in] your ways and prosper.

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 will give the people this land as an inheritance that I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 Only be strong and very courageous {to observe diligently the whole law} that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn aside from it, [to] the right or left, so that you may succeed {wherever you go}.

8 The scroll of this law will not depart from your mouth; you will meditate on it day and night so that {you may observe diligently all that is written} in it. For then you will succeed [in] your ways and prosper.

9 Did I not command you? Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you {wherever you go}."

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "to keep [and] to act according to all that is written"