JoshuaMoses said to Joshua: “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands." Exodus 17:9 This is the first passage of Scripture where you find Joshua. There is a law called the law of first mention. The law of first mention is a principle that requires you to take a fraction of the Scriptures where a principle, expression, or act is first mentioned, in the Bible, and study the first occurrence of it to get the basics . intrinsic meaning of that principle, expression or act. When this law applies, the simple meaning usually precedes the complex one. Over the course of history a term may have grown in meaning and undergone some changes, but the basic, original, foundational thought is rarely lost. The fundamental concept most often controls the understanding of any idea expressed by a term in its actual use. Here Joshua is mentioned as a warrior and also a leader in battle. This view does not change throughout the Scriptures. It may add meaning to this, but it is never eliminated. Throughout the Bible Joshua remains a leader and warrior for the Most High God. How was Joshua such a great leader? He was dependent and faithful to God. He also took the assignment given to him by Moses and God and made it a way of life. What was this big commission? You find it in Deuteronomy. Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in front of all Israel: "Be strong and courageous, because you will enter with this people into the land that the Lord swore to his ancestors to give him, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance." Deuteronomy 31:7 This commission given by Moses to Joshua was reaffirmed by the Lord. The Lord gave this command to Joshua, son of Nun: «Be strong and courageous, because you will lead the Israelites back to the land that I promised them with oath and that I promised. I myself will be with you." Deuteronomy 31:23 Now, what did this mean to Joshua? Well, let's take the first part, “Be strong” (çæ÷). The Hebrew word there is châzaq. The definition is: to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, and be resolute. 1Now take the second part, “Brave.” The Hebrew word here is âmats (àîõ). The definition is: To be strong, alert, courageous, courageous, robust... center of the card... accomplished through the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament power is not dead, it has been transferred. It is no longer given only to the chosen. It is given to those who have chosen to choose. Nor is it given by some miracle from heaven. It is granted to those who choose to answer the call. To those who are willing. God will give it to those who live a life of confident faithfulness. God will do a work. There is a battle going on in the heavenly places. Are you ready? Are you willing? I say go out into the world now and be strong and courageous. The Lord is with you. Bibliography Drucker, Reuven. Inherit the land. Grand Rapids: Erdmans, 1983. Hawk, L. Daniel. Joshua. Berit Olam. Collegeville, Minnesota Hess, Richard. Joshua. Tyndale's Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 19--.Woudstra, Marten H. Joshua. New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Erdmans, 1981.Curtis, Adrian H. W. Joshua. Guide to the Old Testament. Sheffield: Sheffield. 19--.Drucker, Reuven. Yehoshua/Joshua. Brooklyn Mesorah Publications, Ltd., 1982. Stern, David H. Complete Hebrew Bible. Jewish New Testament Publications Inc. Clarksville, Maryland, USA. 1998.