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The "Be" Commentary
Be Strong (Joshua): Putting God's Power to Work in Your Life
It can seem as though today's culture encourages weakness, not strength. And this attitude has crept into the Don't take a strong position of faith. Don't take a strong view of evangelism. Don't maintain strong moral values. Yet God's people are called to be soldiers, and to fight for His cause and kingdom. Based on the book of Joshua, Be Strong is an inspiring guide to pursuing a victorious life.
Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, Be Strong has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares the need for strong, dedicated believers. You'll discover how to dodge defeat, pursue your purpose, and take hold of all God has in store for you.
Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, Be Strong has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares the need for strong, dedicated believers. You'll discover how to dodge defeat, pursue your purpose, and take hold of all God has in store for you.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 1993
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
671 books443 followersWarren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 22, 2014
Not an in-depth commentary on Joshua, more of a devotional commentary. Good insights. Not sure if I agree with Wiersbe that Israel crossing the Jordan and taking Canaan is a type of believers claiming their blessing through obedience — I think I've been unduly influenced by the preponderance of prosperity gospel in East Africa, where "blessing" is almost always used for a good job, wealth, healing, etc. Even so, I would highly recommend this for devotional use.
March 19, 2015
Probably my favorite of the Wiersbe books I've read so far. Joshua's a book I've spent a fair deal of time in, and Wiersbe still gave me some things to think about (not all of which I agree with exactly). It served a pastoral function, too, being more encouraging than typical commentaries, even those in this series.
June 6, 2025
I have come to appreciate the commentaries of Wiersbe over the years. Biblically sound and peppered with practical illustrations and quotes apropos to the scripture at hand.
I highly recommend his "Be" series which can be found for many of the books of the Bible!
I highly recommend his "Be" series which can be found for many of the books of the Bible!
October 29, 2019
A solid mix of exegesis and devotional commentary. A good companion for reading through Joshua. I like Wiersbe’s books on the individual Bible books.
July 2, 2015
Good book on the book of Joshua. Not as deep as I was hoping, but that will not stop me from reading more of his books. (especially when they give them away for free through David C. Cooks website about every other week it seems)
November 8, 2010
Amazing, I learned SO much through the book of Joshua and this book!!!
December 1, 2012
Inspiring: a book that makes you think and put things in perspective!
April 26, 2015
A good study about Joshua and how the book is relevant today.
July 17, 2017
All the books is the "Be" series are very practical and this is not an exception.
July 20, 2017
Strong indeed - because of circumstances my daily reading routine had gone to pot, but now thankfully back again.
January 23, 2022
Another family bible study in the books...
October 28, 2021
Joshua marks two major transitions in Israel’s history. First, Moses, their leader of over forty years, had just passed away. Then the Israelites had just finished forty years of wandering and were about to enter the land God had promised their ancestors long ago.
Either situation would be daunting to a new leader. So God encourages Joshua right off the bat and gives him vital instruction:
The rest of the book of Joshua describes Israel's conquest of the land and their allocation of it among the tribes.
Wiersbe's book is an able companion to the book of Joshua. He shares insights along the way and discusses weighty issues like the trouble we might have with such a conquest. The Canaanites weren't "innocent," he points out, plus God gave them space to repent, as Rahab did.
Some hymns have portrayed the promised land as symbolic of heaven. But Wiersbe repeatably points out that the symbolism doesn’t fit: we don’t battle our way either into heaven or after we get there. He says that entering the promised land symbolizes our maturity in Christ. God often said that He was the one driving out the nations before Israel, yet they had to pick up their swords and fight (most of the time. Jericho and some of the other cities had different battle plans). So with us: we’re saved by grace through faith plus nothing. And we’re sanctified by grace as well. Yet we only become mature Christians as we pick up our “sword of the Spirit,” God’s Word, and believe it and apply it. We can and should pray for God’s grace and help in taking temptation away and helping us overcome, but He expects us to read and apply the Word He gave us. “What Paul’s letter to the Ephesians explains doctrinally, the book of Joshua illustrates practically. It shows us how to claim our riches in Christ. But it also shows us how to claim our rest in Christ (p. 22, Kindle version). Wiersbe discusses briefly the different kinds of rest Hebrews 4 and 5 tell about, then says, “This ‘Canaan rest’ is a picture of the rest that Christian believers experience when they yield their all to Christ and claim their inheritance by faith” (p. 22).
The main point of Joshua is that God kept His promises to His people. Not only did He give them the land He originally promised Abraham, but He provided for each of the tribes. At the end of the book, Joshua tells the people, “You know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed” (Joshua 23:14). He encourages them to “cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day” (23:8) and warns that just as God kept His promises to give them the land, He’ll keep His promise to punish them if they go after other gods.
Wiersbe has a closing chapter of the example of Joshua himself in his following the Lord and leading the people.
As always, I appreciate Dr. Wiersbe’s insights into this book of the Bible.
Either situation would be daunting to a new leader. So God encourages Joshua right off the bat and gives him vital instruction:
No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:5-9).
The rest of the book of Joshua describes Israel's conquest of the land and their allocation of it among the tribes.
Wiersbe's book is an able companion to the book of Joshua. He shares insights along the way and discusses weighty issues like the trouble we might have with such a conquest. The Canaanites weren't "innocent," he points out, plus God gave them space to repent, as Rahab did.
Some hymns have portrayed the promised land as symbolic of heaven. But Wiersbe repeatably points out that the symbolism doesn’t fit: we don’t battle our way either into heaven or after we get there. He says that entering the promised land symbolizes our maturity in Christ. God often said that He was the one driving out the nations before Israel, yet they had to pick up their swords and fight (most of the time. Jericho and some of the other cities had different battle plans). So with us: we’re saved by grace through faith plus nothing. And we’re sanctified by grace as well. Yet we only become mature Christians as we pick up our “sword of the Spirit,” God’s Word, and believe it and apply it. We can and should pray for God’s grace and help in taking temptation away and helping us overcome, but He expects us to read and apply the Word He gave us. “What Paul’s letter to the Ephesians explains doctrinally, the book of Joshua illustrates practically. It shows us how to claim our riches in Christ. But it also shows us how to claim our rest in Christ (p. 22, Kindle version). Wiersbe discusses briefly the different kinds of rest Hebrews 4 and 5 tell about, then says, “This ‘Canaan rest’ is a picture of the rest that Christian believers experience when they yield their all to Christ and claim their inheritance by faith” (p. 22).
The main point of Joshua is that God kept His promises to His people. Not only did He give them the land He originally promised Abraham, but He provided for each of the tribes. At the end of the book, Joshua tells the people, “You know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed” (Joshua 23:14). He encourages them to “cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day” (23:8) and warns that just as God kept His promises to give them the land, He’ll keep His promise to punish them if they go after other gods.
Wiersbe has a closing chapter of the example of Joshua himself in his following the Lord and leading the people.
As always, I appreciate Dr. Wiersbe’s insights into this book of the Bible.
May 5, 2025
A very encouraging commentary on Joshua. I've read several of Wiersbe's books in this series. I like the history and background that he adds and his insights on what's happening and how to apply the lesson to our lives.
In Joshua 2, Wiersbe says God brought Israel out of Egypt to go into the Promised land in Canaan (Deuteronomy 6:23). God then asked His people to follow His instructions for crossing the Red Sea. The priests had t get their feet wet before God parted the waters for them (Joshua 3:14-17). Wiersbe presents this lesson as a question: Are you an overcome or are you overcome by your circumstances and unbelief in God's words and promises?
In chapter 4, Wiersbe talks again about how overcoming comes before victory (1 John 9:4). God brought Israel out of Egypt, warned them about sin, tested their obedience, then removed the reproach of Egypt by having His people cross the Jordan like a baptism and renewal (Deut. 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4, Joshua 5:8-9).
Joshua is an example of someone who followed God's instructions. He believed God and overcame by fighting as God instructed him to. Joshua followed God's orders, he didn't do things on his own. After the defeat at AI, Wiersbe pointed out how Joshua handled the failure. He sought God, asked why it happened, accepted God's rebuke and correction, confessed sin, and let God cleanse the tribes and camp. Wiersbe said that no defeat is permanent if you seek God and repent.
After the cleansing, Joshua started again with God's instructions. He heard God and believed His words. Joshua said several times that God keeps His promises.
Unbelief was a problem for Israel. Achan stole banned items. The tribes of Reuben, Gad and Mannasseh didn't go into land, but stayed east of it. The tribes in the land didn't drive out the enemies completely though God gave them the land and promised victory. In chapter 24, Joshua said the people weren't serious about commiting to God. He said their sin was a barrier that kept them from serving God fully as Joshua and Caleb did (Joshua 24:14-28).
I think this commentary helped me sees themes and understand the text more than I could on my own.
In Joshua 2, Wiersbe says God brought Israel out of Egypt to go into the Promised land in Canaan (Deuteronomy 6:23). God then asked His people to follow His instructions for crossing the Red Sea. The priests had t get their feet wet before God parted the waters for them (Joshua 3:14-17). Wiersbe presents this lesson as a question: Are you an overcome or are you overcome by your circumstances and unbelief in God's words and promises?
In chapter 4, Wiersbe talks again about how overcoming comes before victory (1 John 9:4). God brought Israel out of Egypt, warned them about sin, tested their obedience, then removed the reproach of Egypt by having His people cross the Jordan like a baptism and renewal (Deut. 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4, Joshua 5:8-9).
Joshua is an example of someone who followed God's instructions. He believed God and overcame by fighting as God instructed him to. Joshua followed God's orders, he didn't do things on his own. After the defeat at AI, Wiersbe pointed out how Joshua handled the failure. He sought God, asked why it happened, accepted God's rebuke and correction, confessed sin, and let God cleanse the tribes and camp. Wiersbe said that no defeat is permanent if you seek God and repent.
After the cleansing, Joshua started again with God's instructions. He heard God and believed His words. Joshua said several times that God keeps His promises.
Unbelief was a problem for Israel. Achan stole banned items. The tribes of Reuben, Gad and Mannasseh didn't go into land, but stayed east of it. The tribes in the land didn't drive out the enemies completely though God gave them the land and promised victory. In chapter 24, Joshua said the people weren't serious about commiting to God. He said their sin was a barrier that kept them from serving God fully as Joshua and Caleb did (Joshua 24:14-28).
I think this commentary helped me sees themes and understand the text more than I could on my own.
February 20, 2025
I am a major fan of Wiersbe. I like his style and his writing and the tone of his delivery. He provides insight and background in a manner that hits and is worth remembering.
My one beef with Wiersbe and it rears its head in this commentary repeatedly is Wiersbe conflating "Jews" with Israel. This is a common problem in modern commentaries and books and shifts theology and comprehension of Israel forward thousands of years and is disruptive of God's work with Abraham and his descendants and how they broke covenant over and over and God kept sparing them over and over even though they broke covenant because God had a greater purpose for use of Israel.
Wiersbe makes the mistake of continuing the idea of promises to pagans who have rejected God while only paying lip service to the curses they earned and I think it reduces and minimizes the person and work of Jesus. All that being said, I enjoy Wiersbe and whenever I see a book of his I do not own, I buy it despite this blind spot in Wiersbe's biblical understanding.
My one beef with Wiersbe and it rears its head in this commentary repeatedly is Wiersbe conflating "Jews" with Israel. This is a common problem in modern commentaries and books and shifts theology and comprehension of Israel forward thousands of years and is disruptive of God's work with Abraham and his descendants and how they broke covenant over and over and God kept sparing them over and over even though they broke covenant because God had a greater purpose for use of Israel.
Wiersbe makes the mistake of continuing the idea of promises to pagans who have rejected God while only paying lip service to the curses they earned and I think it reduces and minimizes the person and work of Jesus. All that being said, I enjoy Wiersbe and whenever I see a book of his I do not own, I buy it despite this blind spot in Wiersbe's biblical understanding.
June 14, 2026
I’ve read the book of Joshua before and it didn’t stand out to me. This time I saw a book rife with courage, fear of and service to the Lord, and the filament of God’s promises. This commentary did a beautiful job of pointing out not only what biblical leadership looks like from the example we see in Joshua but also how to fight our own spiritual battles. In a vast summation, this book pointed to seeking the guidance of the Lord and follow His Will, ending with an incredible call to believers:
“He is still a God of wonders and He is still calling us to be a sanctified people who will trust and obey. The God of Joshua lives—but where are the Joshuas?”
*mic drop*
“He is still a God of wonders and He is still calling us to be a sanctified people who will trust and obey. The God of Joshua lives—but where are the Joshuas?”
*mic drop*
March 21, 2020
Overall, Warren Wiersbe has developed a good series of Bible study books, but some are better than others. His commentary on the Book of Joshua is not one of his better studies. The author gives too much speculation on what "might" have happened and how people "might" have felt. One of the reasons I'm marking this book so low is that Mr. Wiersbe's tries to scientifically explain that the earth did not completely stand still, but it was just retarded in its rotation (see pg 138), even though the Bible clearly states: "And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed," (Joshua 10:13).
May 9, 2021
Fantastic book. Part commentary, part sermon, all practical advice and instruction on how to read the book of Joshua and learn from it. Warren Wiersbe does an excellent job giving much practical wisdom and encouraging readers to grow in faith and claim our spiritual inheritance in Christ. Plus it has a lot of really cool historical insight and context that helps deepen my appreciate for God’s patience and mercy and grace. I highly recommend to any disciple of Christ, no matter denomination or school of theology.
July 13, 2022
Excellent Bible Study Source
This is an excellent Bible study source for either an individual or group study of the Book of Joshua. It's one of Warren W. Wiersbe's Be series of Bible commentaries and this one covers the book of Joshua and uses the King James Version as its reference source for most of his biblical references. It is well written and goes in depth to the book. Personally I have gained a whole lot better understanding of Joshua than I had before. I highly recommend this book for your next study.
This is an excellent Bible study source for either an individual or group study of the Book of Joshua. It's one of Warren W. Wiersbe's Be series of Bible commentaries and this one covers the book of Joshua and uses the King James Version as its reference source for most of his biblical references. It is well written and goes in depth to the book. Personally I have gained a whole lot better understanding of Joshua than I had before. I highly recommend this book for your next study.
July 4, 2022
This is one of my favorites of Wiersbe’s commentary. I’ve read Joshua before but moved through it quickly as more of a history. Wiersbe shows the way the text can be applied personally. It was beautiful and encouraging and challenging to see Joshua and Caleb’s faith and I am deeply moved by how they lived and led.
March 8, 2021
Encouraging
This “pretty much sums up the book: “He is still the God of wonders, and He is still calling us to be a sanctified people who will trust and obey.” There are lots of understandable truths within this book.
This “pretty much sums up the book: “He is still the God of wonders, and He is still calling us to be a sanctified people who will trust and obey.” There are lots of understandable truths within this book.
November 24, 2023
An exploration into the book of Joshua, and on developing an understanding of how to harness God's strength in our daily lives. Wiersbe illustrates how the lessons from Joshua's journey are not just historical events but a blueprint for accessing God's strength in our personal battles and triumphs.
April 22, 2018
An excellent devotional commentary on the biblical book of Joshua.
December 14, 2018
Always love these studies
January 10, 2019
Great commentary
July 20, 2019
Great read for man in the street.
February 13, 2020
Joshua
Here is the book you need to conquer the corrupt world of today! Through Joshua, God will equip you with strength to fight for Him today. Very good and easy read.
Here is the book you need to conquer the corrupt world of today! Through Joshua, God will equip you with strength to fight for Him today. Very good and easy read.
May 14, 2022
An excellent devotional commentary that focuses on the practical aspects of leaders. Definitely a great personal challenge and full of plenty of encouraging nuggets.
January 30, 2023
Not so much a study book as it is a devotional book. Occasionally some very good points, but often wordy and repetitive. Read this during my study in the book of Joshua.
August 25, 2023
As usual, a good commentary. Would like to see Wiersbe use direct quotes from the bible more.
March 14, 2024
Warren Wiersbe commentaries are so insightful and easy to read. I have enjoyed the BE series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews