In this opening chapter, God commissions Joshua as Moses' successor, repeatedly encouraging him to "be strong and courageous." The Lord promises to be with Joshua just as He was with Moses, emphasizing that success depends on meditation upon and obedience to God's Word. Joshua immediately demonstrates leadership by mobilizing the people for the imminent crossing of the Jordan River. Watch how the tribes that received land east of the Jordan (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) honor their commitment to support the conquest before settling in their own territory—showing the importance of community solidarity in God's kingdom work.