Scholarship, context and study plans for Come, Follow Me
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.” — Isaiah 1:18
Come, Follow Me · Old Testament 2026 · Week 21
“Be Strong and of a Good Courage”
May 18–24, 2026Joshua 1–8; 23–2410 chapters · 235 verses
Moses is dead, and Joshua has to lead Israel into the promised land. The Lord tells him three times, “Be strong and of a good courage.” A Canaanite woman named Rahab hides the spies and is saved. The Jordan stops flowing when the priests step in. Jericho's walls fall. Then a hidden sin brings defeat at Ai. At the end of his life, Joshua gathers Israel and asks them to choose whom they will serve.
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Place
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Study guide
Joshua tells of Israel entering the promised land. These notes help you follow the story and approach its difficult parts thoughtfully.
How to read this week
Read the manual's essay first. “The Historical Books in the Old Testament” explains how to read these books, including their violence, with faith and care.
Look for echoes of Moses. The Jordan parts as the Red Sea did; Joshua removes his shoes as Moses did. The Lord was with Joshua as He was with Moses.
Notice the outsiders and insiders. Rahab, a Canaanite, is saved by faith; Achan, an Israelite, is destroyed by sin. Belonging to the covenant is about faithfulness.
Watch where faith comes before the miracle. The priests step into the water before it parts (3:13–15); Israel marches seven days before the walls fall.
End with the choice. Joshua 24 renews the covenant. Every generation must choose for itself.
Entering the land
Plains of Moab — Joshua commissioned; spies sent to Jericho (chs. 1–2)
The Jordan — Israel crosses on dry ground (chs. 3–4)
Gilgal — Circumcision, Passover; manna ends (ch. 5)
Jericho — The walls fall (ch. 6)
Ai — Defeat, Achan's sin, then victory (chs. 7–8)
Ebal — The law read to all Israel (8:30–35)
Shechem — Joshua's farewell and covenant renewal (chs. 23–24)
Images and ideas to recognize
Passage
Image
What it means
Josh 2:18
Scarlet cord
Salvation for those who trust God, like the Passover blood.
Josh 3:13
Priests' feet in the water
Faith that acts before the way is clear.
Josh 4:7
Twelve stones
A memorial to teach future generations.
Josh 5:12
Manna ceasing
A new stage of God's provision.
Josh 7:21
Hidden spoil in the tent
Secret sin that harms the whole community.
Josh 24:26
Stone of witness
A witness of covenants made.
Restoration connections
D&C 136:31 — The Lord's people must be tried in all things.
Alma 30:8 — Mormon quotes Joshua 24:15: “Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.”
Hebrews 11:30–31 — Jericho and Rahab as examples of faith.
D&C 84:33–34 — Those who magnify their callings become the seed of Abraham.
Questions for the week
What challenge are you facing where you need to hear “Be strong and of a good courage” (1:9)?
When have you had to step in before the way opened (3:13–15)?
What “memorial stones” in your life remind you of what the Lord has done (4:6–7)?
How can one person's choices affect a whole family or community (ch. 7)?
What does choosing to serve the Lord “this day” look like for you (24:15)?
Conference talks & Church resources
Talks the Church's lesson points to this week, plus other Church resources that teach from these chapters.
Scholarly papers
Faithful scholarship from BYU and related publishers, tagged with the chapters each one discusses.
Podcasts & video
Come, Follow Me shows and episodes covering this week's reading.