The Hebrew word thus translated implies the kind of mental cogitation that may at times vent itself in an audible voice—the result of intense concentration. If man’s business might ever excuse him from meditation and other acts of devotion, for lack of time, Joshua might qualify. In spite of the great trust and responsibilities vested in him, he must yet find time for meditation. How much our hurried lives lose for lack of meditation We pass so rapidly over texts of Scripture that we often lose gems of rare value. If we would take a phrase and meditate upon it, shutting out the world and permitting God to speak to us and direct our minds, we would discover wondrous truths we never dreamed were there. “One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained” (SC 95). Meditation logically results in, and is to be followed by, appropriate conduct—“that thou mayest observe.”

 “After the settlement in Canaan, the divine precepts were to be repeated daily in every home” (PK 464). Joshua himself was expected to do what the people had been commanded, not as an arbitrary decree, but because it would be the key to his own success. This was also the instruction of God to Israel’s king, when they should have one (Deut. 17:18-20). He was to have his own copy transcribed from the one preserved in the sanctuary. Here is evidence of a copy of the Pentateuch made for the priests. Now Joshua was given similar instructions (see on Deut. 17:18). Pursuant to the command of Deut. 31:10-13, providing for a public rehearsal of the words of the book of the law every seven years, other copies were made. This process was both expensive and tedious, and the number of copies was limited. From such a copy Joshua read all the words of the law before the entire congregation (Joshua 8:35).

 That the people might commit the law to memory, they were to write it on the doorposts and to teach it continually to their children (Deut. 11:18-12). Today everyone may have his own copy of “the law.” Wonderful privilege If it was important for Joshua ever to have these words on his lips, it is today an equally important and sacred duty. Obedience to the law of life is still the key to success, for it attunes us to the harmony of heaven. Created in God’s image, we were formed to live in harmony with God’s laws.

Obedience to them assures both physical and spiritual success (see DA 827).