安息日下午 9月27日
记忆经文：
“只要你刚强壮胆，谨守遵行我仆人摩西所吩咐你的一切律法，不可偏离左右，无论你往哪里去，就必亨通。”（《约书亚记》1:7，钦定本）
Memory Text: “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” KJV — Joshua 1:7
约书亚如今已成为公认的以色列领袖。他素以勇士著称，其天赋与美德在以色列民族历史的这一阶段尤为珍贵。他勇猛果决、坚韧不拔，行动迅速、清廉正直，在关怀受托之民时全然不计私利，更因对上帝活泼的信心而充满力量——这位蒙神拣选、率领以色列军队进入应许之地的领袖，其品格正是如此。旷野漂流岁月里，他担任摩西的辅佐，以沉静谦逊的忠诚、众人动摇时的坚定、危难中捍卫真理的刚毅，早已证明自己配接续摩西的使命——这远在上帝呼召他之前便已昭然。"《基督徒先驱》481.4
“Joshua was now the acknowledged leader of Israel. He had been known chiefly as a warrior, and his gifts and virtues were especially valuable at this stage in the history of his people. Courageous, resolute, and persevering, prompt, incorruptible, unmindful of selfish interests in his care for those committed to his charge, and, above all, inspired by a living faith in God—such was the character of the man divinely chosen to conduct the armies of Israel in their entrance upon the Promised Land. During the sojourn in the wilderness he had acted as prime minister to Moses, and by his quiet, unpretending fidelity, his steadfastness when others wavered, his firmness to maintain the truth in the midst of danger, he had given evidence of his fitness to succeed Moses, even before he was called to the position by the voice of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 481.4
9月28日星期日
一位新摩西
阅读《申命记》18:15-22和《约书亚记》1:1-9。为何《约书亚记》开篇就重申了关于摩西死后将发生之事的应许具有重要意义？
Read Deuteronomy 18:15–22 and Joshua 1:1–9. Why is it significant that the book of Joshua starts by echoing a promise related to what would happen after the death of Moses?
约书亚怀着极大的忧虑和自我怀疑展望着面前的任务；但上帝的应许消除了他的恐惧：“我怎样与摩西同在，也必照样与你同在；我必不撇下你，也不丢弃你……你要将这地分给这百姓为业，就是我向他们列祖起誓应许赐给他们的地。” “凡你们脚掌所踏之地，我都照着我向摩西所说的赐给你们了。”从远方的黎巴嫩山巅，到大海的海岸，再到东方幼发拉底河的河岸——这一切都将成为他们的产业。PP 482.1
“It was with great anxiety and self-distrust that Joshua had looked forward to the work before him; but his fears were removed by the assurance of God, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.... Unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.” “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.” To the heights of Lebanon in the far distance, to the shores of the Great Sea, and away to the banks of the Euphrates in the east—all was to be theirs.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 482.1
阅读出埃及记33:11；民数记14:6、30、38；民数记27:18；民数记32:12；申命记1:38；申命记31:23；申命记34:9。这些经文向我们揭示了约书亚怎样的品格？
Read Exodus 33:11; Numbers 14:6, 30, 38; Numbers 27:18; Numbers 32:12; Deuteronomy 1:38; Deuteronomy 31:23; and Deuteronomy 34:9. What do these texts tell us about Joshua?
约书亚蒙神拣选，接续摩西带领希伯来人进入应许之地。他被庄严地立定，要以忠信牧者的身份，肩负引领以色列民的重要使命。“嫩的儿子约书亚满有智慧的灵，因为摩西曾按手在他头上。以色列人就听从他，照耶和华吩咐摩西的去行。” 他在以色列全会众面前嘱咐约书亚说：‘你要刚强壮胆，因为你要领以色列人进入我向他们起誓应许之地；我必与你同在。’他以上帝的名义对约书亚说话。他召集各支派的长老和官长，郑重嘱咐他们：在宗教事务上要秉公行义，忠心遵守他从神领受的一切训令。他指着天地作证，若他们背离神、违背诫命，他便清白无辜，因他已忠心教导并警告过他们。1SP 335.1
“Joshua was selected of God to be Moses’ successor in leading the Hebrew host to the promised land. He was most solemnly consecrated to the future important work of leading, as a faithful shepherd, the people of Israel. “And Joshua, the son of Nun, was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him. And the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” And he gave Joshua charge before all the congregation of Israel, “Be strong and of a good courage; for thou shalt bring the children of Israel unto the land which I sware unto them; and I will be with thee.” He spoke to Joshua in God’s stead. He also had the elders and officers of the tribes gathered before him, and he solemnly charged them to deal justly and righteously in their religious offices, and to faithfully obey all the instructions he had given them from God. He called Heaven and earth to record against them, that if they should depart from God, and transgress his commandments, he was clear; for he had faithfully instructed and warned them.” The Spirit of Prophecy Volume One, page 335, par. 1.
9月29日星期一
交叉！取用！分食！享用！
阅读《约书亚记》第一章。从这开篇章节中，我们能了解到该书的哪些结构特征？
Read Joshua 1. What can we learn about the structure of the book from this opening chapter?
“这应许还附带了这样的训诫：‘只要你刚强壮胆，谨守遵行我仆人摩西所吩咐的一切律法。’” 主的指示是：‘这律法书不可离开你的口，总要昼夜思想’；‘不可偏离左右’；‘这样，你的道路就必亨通，凡事顺利。’PP 482.2
以色列人仍驻扎在约旦河东岸，这道河流是他们进入迦南地的第一道屏障。上帝对约书亚的首道诏令是：“起来，你和这众百姓都要过这约旦河，往我所要赐给他们的地去。” 关于渡河方式，上帝并未指示。但约书亚深知，无论上帝吩咐什么，祂必为子民开辟道路。怀着这样的信心，这位无畏的领袖立即着手筹备进军事宜。
“越过河流几英里处，正对着以色列人安营之地，矗立着一座规模宏大、防御坚固的城池——耶利哥。这座城堪称整个地区的战略要冲，将成为以色列人征途中的巨大障碍。于是约书亚派遣两名青年作为探子潜入城中，侦察其人口规模、物资储备及城墙防御力量。城中居民惊惶多疑，时刻戒备森严，使者的性命危在旦夕。幸得耶利哥女子喇合冒死相救，二人遂获生机。为报答她的恩情，他们承诺待攻陷此城时必予庇护。PP 482.4
探子平安归来，报信道：“耶和华已将这全地交在我们手中，因为这地的居民都因我们惊惶失措。” 在耶利哥曾有人对他们宣告：‘我们听闻耶和华怎样为你们使红海的水干涸，使你们从埃及出来；又听闻你们怎样对待约旦河对岸的亚摩利人两个王——西宏和噩，你们将他们彻底灭绝。’ 我们一听见这些事，就胆战心惊，因你们缘故，谁还有胆量呢？因为耶和华你们的上帝，祂是天上地下独一的上帝。'”PP 483.1
“To this promise was added the injunction, “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded.” The Lord's direction was, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night;” “turn not from it to the right hand or to the left;” “for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 482.2
“The Israelites were still encamped on the east side of Jordan, which presented the first barrier to the occupation of Canaan. “Arise,” had been the first message of God to Joshua, “go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them.” No instruction was given as to the way in which they were to make the passage. Joshua knew, however, that whatever God should command, He would make a way for His people to perform, and in this faith the intrepid leader at once began his arrangements for an advance. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 482.3
“A few miles beyond the river, just opposite the place where the Israelites were encamped, was the large and strongly fortified city of Jericho. This city was virtually the key to the whole country, and it would present a formidable obstacle to the success of Israel. Joshua therefore sent two young men as spies to visit this city and ascertain something as to its population, its resources, and the strength of its fortifications. The inhabitants of the city, terrified and suspicious, were constantly on the alert, and the messengers were in great danger. They were, however, preserved by Rahab, a woman of Jericho, at the peril of her own life. In return for her kindness they gave her a promise of protection when the city should be taken. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 482.4
“The spies returned in safety with the tidings, ‘Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.’ It had been declared to them in Jericho, ‘We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.’” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 483.1
9月30日星期二
承诺的继承者》
阅读《约书亚记》1:4-6和《希伯来书》6:17-18。当时应许之地确实只是个应许，但神却称之为产业。成为神应许的继承者意味着什么？
Read Joshua 1:4–6 and Hebrews 6:17, 18. At that moment, the Promised Land was exactly that, a promise. Yet, God calls it an inheritance. What does it mean to be the heirs of God’s promises?
此刻，应许之地的全景展现在他眼前。这片土地的每个角落都清晰地铺展在他面前，并非在朦胧的远方模糊不清，而是清晰分明、美丽动人地映入他欣喜的视野。这景象并非当下之貌，而是预示着以色列人承蒙神恩进入应许之地后的荣景。眼前宛若第二座伊甸园：黎巴嫩香柏覆盖群峰，橄榄树点缀丘陵，葡萄园飘散芬芳；广袤的绿野间百花争艳，果实累累； 此处有热带棕榈摇曳，彼处麦穗与大麦随风起伏；阳光谷地里溪流潺潺，鸟鸣如歌；宏伟城邑与秀美园圃相映成趣，湖泊蕴藏“海洋的丰饶”，山坡上羊群悠然吃草，连岩缝间也藏着野蜂积蓄的蜜糖。这确是摩西受神灵感启示向以色列人描述的应许之地：“蒙耶和华赐福……因天上的珍宝，因露水，因深渊所藏的，因日头所结的珍果……因古山的珍宝……因地上的珍宝及其丰盛。”《帕拉蒙》472.3
摩西看见选民定居迦南，各支派各得其境。他预见了他们进入应许之地后的历史：那漫长悲惨的背道与受罚的故事在他眼前展开。他看见他们因罪恶被分散在异邦，以色列的荣光消逝，美丽的城邑沦为废墟，子民沦为异乡囚徒。他看见他们重返祖先之地，最终归入罗马帝国的统治之下。PP 475.1
在分地之前，迦勒带着本支派的首领们提出一项特殊请求。除约书亚外，迦勒已是以色列中最年长者。在探子中，唯有迦勒与约书亚曾为应许之地作过美善的报告，鼓励百姓奉耶和华的名上去得地为业。迦勒此时提醒约书亚当初的应许——作为他忠心的赏赐：‘你脚所踏之地必归你和你的子孙永远为业，因你专心跟从耶和华。’于是他请求将希伯仑赐给他为产业。此地曾是亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各多年居住之所，他们更葬于此地的麦比拉洞中。希伯仑正是令人畏惧的亚衲族据点，其骇人相貌曾令探子惊惶失措，进而摧毁了以色列全军的勇气。迦勒深信上帝大能，最终选择这处胜过其他任何地方的土地作为自己的产业。PP 511.4
应许之地（天上的迦南）是赐给亚伯拉罕后裔的。耶稣说：“你们若是亚伯拉罕的儿女，就必行亚伯拉罕所行的事。[若非亚伯拉罕的子孙]，你们就是属魔鬼的，必行你们父的私欲。”参见约翰福音8:39-44。（因行亚伯拉罕的作为），“你们就是亚伯拉罕的后裔，是照着应许承受产业的。”加拉太书3:29
“And now a panoramic view of the Land of Promise was presented to him. Every part of the country was spread out before him, not faint and uncertain in the dim distance, but standing out clear, distinct, and beautiful to his delighted vision. In this scene it was presented, not as it then appeared, but as it would become, with God's blessing upon it, in the possession of Israel. He seemed to be looking upon a second Eden. There were mountains clothed with cedars of Lebanon, hills gray with olives and fragrant with the odor of the vine, wide green plains bright with flowers and rich in fruitfulness, here the palm trees of the tropics, there waving fields of wheat and barley, sunny valleys musical with the ripple of brooks and the song of birds, goodly cities and fair gardens, lakes rich in “the abundance of the seas,” grazing flocks upon the hillsides, and even amid the rocks the wild bee's hoarded treasures. It was indeed such a land as Moses, inspired by the Spirit of God, had described to Israel: “Blessed of the Lord ... for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath, and for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, ... and for the chief things of the ancient mountains, ... and for the precious things of the earth and fullness thereof.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 472.3
“Moses saw the chosen people established in Canaan, each of the tribes in its own possession. He had a view of their history after the settlement of the Promised Land; the long, sad story of their apostasy and its punishment was spread out before him. He saw them, because of their sins, dispersed among the heathen, the glory departed from Israel, her beautiful city in ruins, and her people captives in strange lands. He saw them restored to the land of their fathers, and at last brought under the dominion of Rome. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 475.1
“Before the distribution of the land had been entered upon, Caleb, accompanied by the heads of his tribe, came forward with a special claim. Except Joshua, Caleb was now the oldest man in Israel. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones among the spies who had brought a good report of the Land of Promise, encouraging the people to go up and possess it in the name of the Lord. Caleb now reminded Joshua of the promise then made, as the reward of his faithfulness: “The land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's forever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord.” He therefore presented a request that Hebron be given him for a possession. Here had been for many years the home of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and here, in the cave of Machpelah, they were buried. Hebron was the seat of the dreaded Anakim, whose formidable appearance had so terrified the spies, and through them destroyed the courage of all Israel. This, above all others, was the place which Caleb, trusting in the strength of God, chose for his inheritance.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 511.4
The promise of the land (heavenly Canaan) is to Abraham’s seed. Jesus said, “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. [If ye are not the children of Abraham] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.” See John 8:39-44. (By doing the works of Abraham), “Then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Gal. 3:29
10月1日星期三
坚强
读《约书亚记》1:7-9。为什么耶和华需要两次向约书亚强调他必须刚强壮胆？
Read Joshua 1:7–9. Why did the Lord need to emphasize twice to Joshua that he had to be strong and courageous?
希伯来人虽已进入迦南地，却未能征服此地；从人看来，夺取这片土地的斗争必将漫长而艰辛。当地居住着强大的民族，他们随时准备抵御入侵者。各部落因共同的危难而团结一心。他们的战马与铁制战车、对地形的熟悉以及军事训练，都将使他们占据巨大优势。更何况，这片土地还被堡垒所守护——‘高大坚固的城邑，直抵天际’（申命记9:1）。唯有确信有超越自身的力量，以色列人才能在即将到来的冲突中寄望于胜利。”《基督徒教义》487.1
“The Hebrews had entered Canaan, but they had not subdued it; and to human appearance the struggle to gain possession of the land must be long and difficult. It was inhabited by a powerful race, who stood ready to oppose the invasion of their territory. The various tribes were bound together by the fear of a common danger. Their horses and iron battle chariots, their knowledge of the country, and their training in war, would give them great advantage. Furthermore, the country was guarded by fortresses—“cities great and fenced up to heaven.” Deuteronomy 9:1. Only in the assurance of a strength not their own could the Israelites hope for success in the impending conflict.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 487.1
阅读以弗所书6:10-18。虽然我们今天不必参与军事战斗，但如何将这段给约书亚的鼓励之言应用于我们日常属灵的争战中呢？
Read Ephesians 6:10–18. Although we are not required today to participate in military combat, how can we apply the words of encouragement given to Joshua in our daily spiritual struggles?
这片土地上最坚固的堡垒之一——富庶的大城耶利哥——就矗立在他们面前，距离吉甲营地仅有咫尺之遥。这座骄傲的城池坐落在肥沃平原的边缘，四周环绕着热带地区丰富多样的丰饶物产，宫殿与庙宇里充斥着奢靡与罪恶。它在厚重的城墙后，公然向以色列的神发出挑战。耶利哥是偶像崇拜的主要据点之一，尤其崇拜月神亚斯他录。迦南宗教中最卑劣堕落的行径皆在此汇聚。以色列人心中仍铭记着在毗珥山犯罪的可怕后果，望着这座异教之城，唯有厌恶与恐惧。PP 487.2
约书亚认为攻陷耶利哥是征服迦南的第一步。但他首先寻求神圣指引的保证，并获得了应允。他离开营地默想祷告，祈求以色列的神在百姓前头行，忽然看见一位手持拔剑的武装战士，身材高大，气宇轩昂。当约书亚质问：“你助我们呢？还是助我们的敌人？”那人应答：“我来是要作耶和华军队的元帅。”这正是昔日在何烈山对摩西的命令：“你把鞋脱下来，因为你所站之地是圣地”，由此揭示了这位神秘陌生人的真实身份。站在以色列领袖面前的，正是基督——那被高举者。约书亚惊惶俯伏敬拜，听见应许之声：“我已将耶利哥城及其王与勇士都交在你手中”，并领受攻取该城的战略指示。PP 487.3
“One of the strongest fortresses in the land—the large and wealthy city of Jericho—lay just before them, but a little distance from their camp at Gilgal. On the border of a fertile plain abounding with the rich and varied productions of the tropics, its palaces and temples the abode of luxury and vice, this proud city, behind its massive battlements, offered defiance to the God of Israel. Jericho was one of the principal seats of idol worship, being especially devoted to Ashtaroth, the goddess of the moon. Here centered all that was vilest and most degrading in the religion of the Canaanites. The people of Israel, in whose minds were fresh the fearful results of their sin at Beth-peor, could look upon this heathen city only with disgust and horror. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 487.2
“To reduce Jericho was seen by Joshua to be the first step in the conquest of Canaan. But first of all he sought an assurance of divine guidance, and it was granted him. Withdrawing from the encampment to meditate and to pray that the God of Israel would go before His people, he beheld an armed warrior, of lofty stature and commanding presence, “with his sword drawn in his hand.” To Joshua's challenge, “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” the answer was given, “As Captain of the host of the Lord am I now come.” The same command given to Moses in Horeb, “Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy,” revealed the true character of the mysterious stranger. It was Christ, the Exalted One, who stood before the leader of Israel. Awe-stricken, Joshua fell upon his face and worshiped, and heard the assurance, “I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor,” and he received instruction for the capture of the city.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 487.3
10月2日星期四
繁荣昌盛
请一同阅读《约书亚记》1:7-9、《创世记》24:40、《以赛亚书》53:10和《诗篇》1:13。根据这些经文，何谓兴盛与成功？
Read Joshua 1:7–9 together with Genesis 24:40, Isaiah 53:10, and Psalm 1:13. Based on these texts, what does it mean to be prosperous and successful?
以下是延续至今的积极指引。神在末世向我们说话，祂必被理解并遵行。神曾借仆人对以色列说：“这律法书不可离开你的口，总要昼夜思想，好使你谨守遵行这书上所写的一切话。如此，你的道路就可以亨通，凡事顺利。” “耶和华的律法是完美的，能使灵魂苏醒；耶和华的法度是确实的，能使愚蒙人有智慧。”“你话语的进入带来光明，使愚蒙人明白。”“你的话是我脚前的灯，是我路上的光。”《末世圣言》328.3
Here are positive directions that reach down to our time. God is speaking to us in these last days, and He will be understood and obeyed. God spoke to Israel through His servants: “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.” “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Testimonies for the Church Volume Five, page 328, par. 3.
阅读罗马书3:31。这段经文如何阐述律法与信心的关系？
Read Romans 3:31. What does this text say about the relationship between law and faith?
“因为不是听律法（十诫律法）的在神面前称义，惟独遵行律法的，才因行律法称义。”（罗马书2:13）
随后保罗进一步阐明：人并非因遵守律法（十诫）本身而称义，律法只是揭露罪人的过犯，宣告其定罪，进而将他引向基督——这位救主。唯独基督藉着祂为众罪人流淌的赎罪宝血，能赦免罪人、称他们为义，继而使他们成圣。使徒如此写道：
“所以凡有血气的，没有一个因行律法能在神面前称义，因为律法本是叫人知罪[而非赦罪]。但如今，神的义在律法以外已经显明出来，有律法和先知为证：就是神的义，因信耶稣基督加给一切相信的人，并没有分别。因为世人都犯了罪，亏缺了神的荣耀；如今却蒙神的恩典，因基督耶稣的救赎，就白白称义…… 这样，我们因信废了律法吗？断乎不是！反倒成全律法。罗3:20-24,31 我们因信称义，岂可废掉律法呢？断乎不可！我们乃是立定律法。
“For not the hearers of the law [the ten-commandment law] are just before God but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Rom. 2:13.
Then Paul goes on to explain that no one is actually justified by the keeping of the law (the decalogue) itself, but that it points out the sinner's transgression, pronounces his doom, then sends him condemned to Christ His Saviour Who alone, through the merits of His atoning blood which He shed in behalf of all sinners, can forgive him, justify him, then go on to sanctify him. Thus the Apostle writes:
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin [not the forgiveness of it]. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus....Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Rom. 3:20-24, 31.
10月3日星期五
进一步思考
这律法书不可离开你的口，总要昼夜思想，好使你谨守遵行这书上所写的一切话。如此，你的道路就可以亨通，凡事顺利。约书亚记1:8。CC 116.1
“人若行在神为他们划定的道路上，就必得着一位智慧远超世人智慧的导师。约书亚之所以成为明智的将军，是因为神是他的引导者。约书亚最初使用的武器是圣灵的宝剑——神的道……《基督复临安息日会刊》116.2”
正因最强大的势力将要冲击他的公义原则，主才以怜悯之心嘱咐他不可偏向左右。他必须遵循最严谨的正直之道……若约书亚面前并无险阻，神就不会一再吩咐他刚强壮胆。但在重重忧患中，约书亚有神亲自引导他。CC 116.3
“世上最大的欺骗莫过于人以为在任何困境中能找到比上帝更佳的向导，在任何危急时刻能寻得更睿智的顾问，在任何境遇下能获得更坚实的庇护……《基督教要义》116.4”
主在我们世界中有伟大的工作要做。祂已将各自的使命赐予世人。但人不可以人为向导，免得误入歧途；此道永不可取。圣经宗教虽蕴含事奉行动的原则，却也要求我们每日向智慧之源求取智慧。约书亚的胜利秘诀何在？当昼夜默想上帝的话语。约书亚即将渡过约旦河时，耶和华的话临到他……这正是他得胜的奥秘——他以神为向导。CC 116.5
担任顾问职务的人应当是无私的人、有信心的人、祷告的人，他们不敢倚靠自己的智慧，而是竭力寻求光明与智慧，以确定处理事务的最佳方式。以色列的统帅约书亚，曾勤勉查考摩西忠实记载上帝指示的典籍——其中包含祂的要求、责备与限制——唯恐自己轻率行事。" CC 116.6
“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. Conflict and Courage, page 116.1
“If men will walk in the path that God has marked out for them, they will have a counselor whose wisdom is far above any human wisdom. Joshua was a wise general because God was his guide. The first sword that Joshua used was the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.... Conflict and Courage, page 116.2
“It was because the strongest influences were to be brought to bear against his principles of righteousness that the Lord in mercy charged him not to turn to the right hand or to the left. He was to follow a course of strictest integrity.... If there had been no peril before Joshua, God would not over and over again have charged him to be of good courage. But amid all his cares, Joshua had his God to guide Him. Conflict and Courage, page 116.3
“There is no greater deception than for man to suppose that in any difficulty he can find a better guide than God, a wiser counselor in any emergency, a stronger defense under any circumstance.... Conflict and Courage, page 116.4
“The Lord has a great work to be done in our world. To every man He has given His work for man to do. But man is not to make man his guide, lest he be led astray; this is always unsafe. While Bible religion embodies the principles of activity in service, at the same time there is the necessity of asking for wisdom daily from the Source of all wisdom. What was Joshua’s victory? Thou shalt meditate upon the Word of God day and night. The word of the Lord came to Joshua just before he passed over Jordan.... This was the secret of Joshua’s victory. He made God his Guide. Conflict and Courage, page 116.5
“Those holding the positions of counselors should be unselfish men, men of faith, men of prayer, men that will not dare to rely upon their own human wisdom, but will seek earnestly for light and intelligence as to what is the best manner of conducting their business. Joshua, the commander of Israel, searched the books diligently in which Moses had faithfully chronicled the directions given by God,—His requirements, reproofs, and restrictions,—lest he should move unadvisedly.” Conflict and Courage, page 116.6