Standing on the banks of Jordan river, Joshua speaks at length to Israelites, the children of God. He is the successor of Moses in leadership to take them to the promised land Canaan. Moses failed in one small incident, which in the sight of God was a serious matter because it was tantamount to dishonoring God. God told him to speak to the rock, which should produce water for the thirsty Israelites, but in defiance of God's commandment, Moses did strike the rock as he did earlier, so God told him that he will not enter the promised land, Canaan, though he would be able to see it from afar.

Joshua now speaks to the children of God, Israelites, and advises them to be courageous and not be afraid, because the spies who went out earlier to search the land came with the news that the people there were giants.

"Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them".Joshua 1:6

Joshua also advises them to meditate on God's word every day and night.
"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".
Joshua 1:8