Joshua challenged his people to commit to serve God and avoid idolatry. He framed this call to commitment in terms of agency: Choose you this day. Nephi's descendants saw this scripture both as an affirmation of religious liberty and as a call to religious fidelity.
There Failed Not Ought
The author of Joshua steps back near the end of the book to clearly state the core message of the book: God keeps His promises. Mormon provides similar conclusions in the Book of Mormon, even inviting readers to conduct their own inventory and see for themselves.
Rahab: Favored of God
Nephi taught that God destroyed the Canaanites because of their wickedness but that He is fair to all of His children: "He that is righteous is favored of God." Rahab is a case in point. A harlot living in Jericho, she was delivered from destruction after demonstrating courageous faith in the God of the Israelites.
Joshua and Moroni: Lessons from the War Chapters
The battles described in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon can teach us important principles. The experiences of both Joshua and Captain Moroni demonstrate the importance of preparedness, focus, and faith.
Joshua’s Twin Admonitions
Two admonitions function as bookends to the book of Joshua: "Be strong and of a good courage," and "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve." The stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon demonstrate that these admonitions are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
Be Strong and of a Good Courage
Moses charged Joshua to "be strong and of a good courage" when he called him to lead Israel. Nephi gave the same charge to his brothers as they worked to obtain the brass plates. We can also be strong and courageous as we fulfill difficult assignments from God.
Look Not Unto … Their Sin
How do you pray when you're angry? Moses asked God to focus on the relationship, not on their stubbornness and sin. "They are thy people," he said. Alma offered a similar prayer for the Zoramites, "Their souls are precious." Our prayers can align our hearts with God's constant love for His children.
Ask Now of the Days That Are Past
Deuteronomy 4 contains a warning and a promise. The warning: time and distance tend to erode memory. The promise: God does not forget His covenants. The Book of Mormon reminds us of this promise and helps to fulfill it. Both Moses and Moroni invite us to see ourselves as part of an extraordinary sacred history.
Him Shall Ye Hear in All Things
Moses prophesied that God would send a Prophet whom the people should hear. Nephi quoted this passage, identifying the Prophet as Jesus, and adding that we should hear Him "in all things whatsoever he shall say." We are accountable for how we respond to His commandments.
Bread Only
Moses explained that manna taught an important principle: We need more than physical food. Our spirits also need the word of God. Book of Mormon prophets taught the same principle, inviting us to "feast" on the word of God, by hearing, pondering, and acting.