Watchful Obedience
A WORD STUDY & COMMENTARY
Joshua 1:7-9
INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING
The opening chapter of the Old Testament book of Joshua is fascinating. It tells the story of transition within the leadership of the ancient Israelites (as the mantle is passed from Moses to Joshua). In the midst of this opening chapter, the importance of holding to and living out the declared Word of God is proclaimed. More than simply reading it, or acknowledging it, Joshua and his people were to obey it — put it into action, live it out!
The focus of this study will be to explore the emphasis of application as found (primarily) in verse 7.
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you…” — Joshua 1:7 (NKJV)
Insight: This verse introduces the concept of obedience rooted in understanding. The command to “observe to do” captures a distinctly Hebrew approach to God’s instruction — where knowing and doing are inseparable. The Hebrew word for “observe” (shamar) means more than just watching or noticing. It carries the sense of guarding, keeping watch over, and carefully paying attention with the intent to obey. It is an active attentiveness, not passive awareness.
This sets the stage for understanding that biblical obedience is never about mechanical rule-following. Instead, it is deeply relational and intentional — built on a reverent respect for God’s voice and a commitment to walk in His ways.
Understanding: The phrase “observe to do” (shamar la’asot) forms a key biblical pattern repeated throughout the Torah, specifically to the first five books of the Bible also known as the Pentateuch). These books were written by Moses under divine inspiration and serve as the foundation of God’s covenant with Israel. Additionally, we find this phrase repeated within the historical and prophetic books. The implication of its repetition calls us to both an attentiveness as well as responsiveness — hearing God’s Word with an intent to live it.
In Joshua 1, God commissions Joshua to lead His people forward in territory and in life. He emphasizes how they should fully embodying the covenant of His Word, in word and deed. Their success in the Promised Land would be found more in their faithfulness in doing exactly what God revealed through Moses than it would be through their military strength and strategic planning.
Exploring the Original Language
The Hebrew Text:
רַק חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ מְאֹד לִשְׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת כְּכָל־הַתּוֹרָה
Transliteration:
raq chazaq ve’ematz me’od, lishmor la’asot kekol ha-torah…
1. “Observe” – שָׁמַר (shamar)
- Hebrew word: lishmor (infinitive construct of the word “shamar”)
- Meaning: To keep, guard, protect, observe, pay close attention to
- Usage: This word is rich with meaning. It often describes careful attention, watchfulness, or guarding something of value. For example:
- Genesis 2:15 – Adam is to “keep” (shamar) the garden
- Psalm 119:11 – “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You”
Shamar conveys more than reading or knowing. It implies a careful guarding, internalizing, and valuing of what is commanded.
In this verse, lishmor (to observe, to guard) speaks to the mindset and heart posture—one of attentiveness and respect for God’s Word.
2. “Do” – עָשָׂה (asah)
- Hebrew word: la’asot (infinitive construct of the word “asah”)
- Meaning: To do, make, carry out, act upon
- Usage:Asah is the go-to Hebrew verb for action. It’s used in:
- Genesis 1:7 – “God made (asah) the firmament”
- Exodus 24:7 – “We will do (asah) and be obedient”
In this context, la’asot refers to putting into practice what has been observed and internalized.
Insights from the Hebrew Pairing:
When paired—lishmor la’asot (“to observe to do”)—these verbs form a complementary relationship:
- Shamar involves the careful watching, guarding, internalizing of God’s commands.
- Asah involves the outward execution or obedience to those commands.
The Hebrew structure intentionally links both verbs to underscore this two-fold responsibility:
- Internalize God’s Word (shamar),
- Obey it in practice (asah).
In Hebrew grammar, this construct is often used to communicate purpose or result—you observe in order to do. It’s not a random pairing; it’s a designed sequence.
Understanding Modern Translations:
Many modern translations smooth the language of this text and translate it by using phrases like:
- “Be careful to follow…” (NIV)
- “Be careful to obey…” (ESV)
- “Do everything carefully…” (NLT)
While they clearly read differently than the NKJV and other more literal translations, they are not inaccurate in their rendering of this passage. Their purpose seems to be to compress the two ideas (mental engagement and physical obedience) into one succinct phrase for the express purpose of readability and simplicity of thought. While it is not wrong and is not an intentional attempt to change meaning or the original authorial intent, it may unintentionally soften the distinctiveness and powerful sequence of the Hebrew words shamar and asah.
The NKJV, KJV, NASB, and other more literal translations seem to preserve the two-part structure more clearly, as they translate this passage as: “observe to do” or “be careful to do.”
In the original Hebrew, “observe to do” is a clear and purposeful directive.
- Shamar speaks to the posture of the heart and mind: guarding, honoring, paying attention to the Word.
- Asah speaks to the response of the life: acting, obeying, following through.
This verse isn’t calling for passive admiration of Scripture—it’s calling for watchful obedience.
First, pay close attention to God’s Word. Then, in response, live it out!
Summary:
In Joshua 1:7-9 we are reminded that following God isn’t just about knowing His Word — it’s about living it out. In this passage we are given the phrase “observe to do” (shamar la’asot). These words (and their unique pairing together, form a key biblical pattern repeated throughout the Old Testament. It is a process that begins with paying close attention to God’s instruction, and then responding with intentional action. Just as God was calling Joshua to watchful obedience — to take His Word seriously, guard it carefully, and live it out faithfully, so also is He calling us.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Here are some specific ways to apply this truth in daily life:
1. Guard Your Time in God’s Word (Shamar)
- Set aside daily time to read and reflect on Scripture.
- Journal or highlight what God is teaching you — don’t rush through it.
- Treat God’s Word as something valuable and worth protecting in your schedule.
2. Act on What You Learn (Asah)
- After reading, ask: “What does obedience look like today?”
- Put into practice what the Holy Spirit highlights — whether it’s forgiveness, generosity, humility, or courage.
- Make small, specific choices that reflect God’s Word in your family, work, and conversations.
3. Measure Success by Faithfulness, Not Results
- Like Joshua, remember that victory doesn’t come from strength or strategy alone — it comes from obeying God’s voice.
- Stay faithful in what God has already said, even when the outcome isn’t immediate or visible.
4. Encourage Others Toward Obedience
- Share what God is teaching you with a friend, small group, or family member.
- Help others grow in both understanding and applying God’s Word.